Table Manners

by Chris Raschka, Vladimir Radunsky

"Dudunya, if I may say so, you look like a pig." Dudunya replies, with what looks like a piece of prosciutto and a wet string bean atop his forehead, "Chester, dear, please excuse me." And so begins one of the most strangely informative dialogues you'll likely ever hear on the topic of table manners, subtitled "The edifying story of two friends whose discovery of good manners promises them a glorious future."

Chester and Dudunya's alter egos, Chris Raschka (Yo? Yes!) and Vladimir Radunsky (Yucka Drucka Droni), are--almost certainly--insane. But it's that really good sort of insane, the kind that sees through to life's deeper secrets, like the "16-Bite Potato-Eating Method" and the proper way to fold a napkin for the queen ("Only the Queen may wear her napkin as a crown!").

As Chester guides Dudunya through the mechanics of the mange ("Drinking without a glass... zebra style... ugly," "Dining without a napkin... wild boar style... filthy ugly"), Raschka and Radunsky's punchy illustrations and collages make sure that any actual learning going on doesn't interfere with the fun. And in a book filled with so many hilarious little details, you'll probably need to read it at least a few times to properly appreciate them all--except, of course, the "Shawarma Uncle" on "Chester's Chart of Full-Mouthed Speaking Accidents," which is pretty much impossible to pass by without laughing out loud. But then again, you'll probably want to study Table Manners carefully anyway, just so you, too, can be ensured of "a glorious future." (Ages 4 to 8) Paul Hughes

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Food

Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Chris Raschka is the illustrator of The Hello, Goodbye Window, which was awarded the Caldecott Medal. He is also the illustrator of the Caldecott Honor Book Yo! Yes?; Charlie Parker Played Be Bop; Mysterious Thelonious; John Coltrane’s Giant Steps; Can’t Sleep; and The Magic Flute. He lives with his wife and son in New York City.

Reviews

[Julie Sigmund · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kids would like it because it is silly. I was disappointed because I thought it would help with a teaching point, but it is about table manners. I was under the impression it would also include tips about table conversation.

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's a neat idea to have a children's book focusing on table manners. But this one was (pardon the obvious comparison) messy. I didn't know which sentences to read in which order. And a lot of it didn't make obvious sense for a child.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once again, weird. And that's precisely why I love Radunsky. Some of the most off-the-wall children's books I've read are by him. I love the hilarious photos of the kids with their messy faces at the beginning of the book (assumedly before they learn "table manners.") Duddunya and Chester, the main characters, teach their readers: the proper utensils to use while eating, how to politely eat and drink while at the table, how to fold a napkin correctly, the importance of chewing your food, not talking with your mouth full, when to eat each meal of the day, eating your veggies before dessert, how to say thank you in a variety of languages (including Brazilian & Russian!), and how to act in a restaurant. The book ends with all clean and happy faces : )

[Caitlin Barclay]

This is such a great book for teaching kids good table manners (which is obvious from the title I know). Chris Raschka knows kids and their humor. Written in part as a conversational text and in part as a free manual (as stated on the front cover) the author uses common situations and makes them humorous and opportunities to teach good manners. It even teaches us a few polite phrases to say in other countries! I think Pre-K and Kindergarten students would love this book!

[Amy Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Table Manners" would be a fun picture book to read for a read aloud. It is both informative and funny. The students would think it is funny but it also discusses different table manners. It discusses why we do not talk with our mouth full and that we need to chew our food. This would be good to read to young students who have not picked up on the different unwritten rules of dinner time manners.

[Brittany Gormong · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite part of this book is the fact that multiple languages are represented throughout. This book would be a great one to consider for a unit on polite manners, etc.

Author/Illustrator: Chris Rashcka

[Jane Njoroge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Table Manners
by Chris Raschka
The story is easy to read . The story is teaching about table manners. It is about a dinosaur that did not have table manners. Sometimes eat with the mouth open .The story is to teach children to have table manners.

[Jocelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

VERY funny. Our copy had a great poster too.

[Tiah Keever · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book on manners. Elevenses! aka teatime/snack time. "Make ready the napkins!" Radunksy's sense of humor and art are great.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, and informative, but a little chaotic!

[Christina Schmitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book about teaching children table manners. This would be a good read aloud in the classroom and could also be used in the home setting.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

A crash course in manners for youngsters known for causing problems at the dinner table. All the basics are covered with humor and are positioned around vivid mixed media artwork. PreK-2.

[Amanda Schwind · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is beautiful! It was goofy but true all at the same time.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars A not so serious book about table manners. Funny scenarios and pictures. Teach those kids some table manners!!

[Danelle Spicer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great picture book to teach children about table manners. The pictures are very colorful and very informative.

[Cat Fithian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like what they're trying to do, but it's a bit cluttered for reading aloud. Would work best one-on-one.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picture books are such a fun way to talk about manners with kids. This was not my favorite, but I think parts would be fun to share with kids.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a silly funny quirky picture book that could only have been produced by this surrealist dream team collaboration between Chris Raschka and Vladimir Radunsky.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just like Chris Raschka’s work so much. His simple and rough images, interwoven with mixed media, and teamed up with various fonts in assorted sizes, in this instance primarily Univers. Table manners seem to be perfect vehicles for Raschka’s vision, while Radunsky’s text spreads out the narrative. Probably the book won’t be for every child in need of improved manners—and may irritate adults who want this exercise to be taken seriously—but it may inch young readers toward grasping the basics and their value without the cudgel of “you’re supposed to.”

[Melanie Threhane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read this so many times to my boys - they love it, especially when I read it with an "accent"! Great way to introduce manners to kids.

[Lisa Houston · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think the writing layout on several pages will cause significant difficulties for struggling readers.