What do you think?
Rate this book
B.B. Wolf
Mind Your Manners, B.B. Wolf
BIG BAD WOLF, now old and residing in the Villain Villa Senior Center, is invited to a tea by a children's librarian. His best friend, a toothsome crocodile, warns him that he will have to mind his manners. B. B. Wolf makes up a "Sip your tea and never slurp, say 'excuse me' if you burp. Smile and have a lot of fun, but don't go biting anyone." He remembers to say "please" and "thank you" and he gives a nervous Red Ridinghood, Three Little Pigs, and Gingerbread Boy his biggest smile ever, but when his stomach starts to gurgle, he gets a little mixed-up about what to do when you burp. This hilarious read-aloud story is a gentle reminder for children still learning their manners.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published August 14, 2007
3 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
February 8, 2016
Now, I will be honest here. I was actually introduced to J. Otto Seibold’s work through a long forgotten animated TV special “Olive, the Other Reindeer” and even though at the time, I didn’t care for “Olive, the Other Reindeer” because of the art style, the special did get me interested in reading some of J. Otto Seibold’s other works and I stumbled upon “Mind Your Manners B.B. Wolf” which was also written by Judy Sierra and I have to admit that I fell in love with this book!
B.B. Wolf (formerly known as the “Big Bad Wolf”) ends up being invited to the local library’s annual storybook tea and he ends up becoming nervous because he does not know how to act properly for this event. So, his best friend Crocodile ends up teaching him the proper etiquette in how to behave in a tea party ceremony by teaching B.B. Wolf this little song ditty:
“Sip your tea and never slurp,
Say “Excuse Me” if you burp.
Smile and have a lot of fun,
But don’t go biting anyone!”
Once B.B. Wolf goes off to the local library to attend this party, he meets up with Little Red Riding Hood, the Three Little Pigs and the Gingerbread Man and they all seem nervous to see B.B. Wolf come to the party.
Can B.B. Wolf convince everyone that he can be polite?
Read this book to find out!
Wow! I was actually quite impressed with this book! I have read many books written by Judy Sierra and I have enjoyed many of her books, but I had never read any of her books that explore the importance of good manners in a cute and simplistic way! Judy Sierra had done a great job at writing a book about manners without being too heavy handed about what you should learn about having good manners and I loved the way that B.B. Wolf was written as a well-meaning character who only wanted to impress the other fairy tale characters and prove that he is not a bad person anymore. I really loved the little song ditty that B.B. Wolf sings throughout the story that goes like:
“Sip your tea and never slurp,
Say “Excuse Me” if you burp.
Smile and have a lot of fun,
But don’t go biting anyone!”
It is a cute little song that is simple and fun for many children to sing to and learn about how to behave during a party or event. I also loved the way that Judy Sierra created the world of the fairy tale inhabitants as all the fairy tale characters live in one town and you can see them interact with each other. It was also interesting seeing that this story takes place in a more real world setting, even though there are fairy tale characters inhabiting this world as it made the story more creative and fun to read! J. Otto Seibold’s artwork really brought out the surreal nature of the fairy tale world that B.B. Wolf lives in and they also bring out the creative nature of the fairy tale characters interacting with each other while giving their world a part realistic, part fantasy element in tone.
Parents should know that J. Otto Seibold’s artwork might be a bit too strange for some children to handle and they might either be frightened or confused by the chaotic artwork in this book. Parents might want to read this book first before they show it to their children to see if their child would like this type of artwork.
Overall, “Mind Your Manners, B.B. Wolf” is a truly fantastic book that helps teach children the importance of good manners and maybe make up their own little song ditty to help them remember about how to behave during parties and events! I would recommend this book to children ages five and up since the artwork might either frighten or confuse some children.
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
September 23, 2017
Bonus star for cameos by characters from modern classics and amusing details that give it plenty of reread potential (like the different bills, and the revelation that the Wolf smokes a pipe, which we can conclude contributes to his huffing & puffing).
July 18, 2022
When B.B. (Big Bad) Wolf gets an invitation to a Storybook Tea at the library, he's worried about how to behave. Luckily, he's got a friend like Crocodile to coach him on manners. This is one hilarious read, and J. Otto Seibold's illustrations are a blast.
Read
August 21, 2024I read this book to my little sisters about 5 times a day!
February 28, 2018
An e;lderly big bad wolf really wants to go to that party so his friend mr alligator tells him how to behave. It's amusing and charmiong. Not a lot of big laughs but very likable. Very different artstyle than most. Pleasant almost rustic. I do like where the story goes.
August 9, 2010
B.B. Wolf brushes up on his etiquette because is invited to the library for tea. The other storybook characters who come for tea are apprehensive because B.B. Wolf has a reputation for being big and bad. However, everyone is pleasantly surprised at his good manners. It was a nice story, with a clever little rhyme at the end that children can memorize, but it lacked something. Don't know what. I wasn't crazy about the illustrations--maybe that's it. I'll try it out at story time and see what the kids think.
December 6, 2014
I liked the story. The ending made me wonder--did the librarian's cookies come to life? And didn't he just say he couldn't eat one? Other than that, the story made me smile a bit. Mostly from the humor that could be found in the illustrations. Might work in storytime? Perhaps best for school-age than preschool since they might get the humor better.
April 6, 2009
A fun book to read aloud with your younger children. It reinforces good manners in a friendly, repetitive way without being too preachy. And the illustrations include characters from many fairy tales, and our girls liked to point them all out.
July 14, 2014
I've been a Sierra fan since receiving her penguin book as a Christmas present in 98. And for whatever reason, abbreviating "Big Bad" to B.B. is hilarious to me.
May 28, 2015
Parents need to know that this delightful book has a great message about manners and friendship.
Positive messages
The Big Bad Wolf learns good manners.
Violence & scariness
Not applicable
Language
Not applicable
This is from commonsensemedia.org
Booklist September 1, 2007 (Vol. 104, No. 1)
Preschool-Grade 2. The Big Bad Wolf receives a lesson in manners in this hilarious fractured fairy tale that begins with a trip to the mailbox. While sorting through bills (including a rental fee for “sheep’s clothing”), B. B. Wolf finds an invitation to the local library’s storybook tea. Uncertain about attending, Wolf consults a crocodile friend, who points out the pros of the party (cookies) and the cons: “You’ll have to behave yourself.” An etiquette book provides tips, and Wolf sets off on the big day, armed with a list of reminders (“Sip your tea and never slurp. Say ‘Excuse Me’ if you Burp”). Kids will delight in the ensuing slapstick humor and the references to familiar stories—party guests include Little Red Riding Hood and the Little Engine That Could. Seibold’s wild, skillful computer-generated art is filled with jokes and details that will invite repeated viewings. This sly, upended portrait of a storybook villain will pair well with Jon Scieszka’s classic The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs (1989).
Horn Book Magazine July/August, 2007
Mixed among the bills (for things like the cost of rebuilding the homes of two little pigs) is a card inviting B.B. Wolf to tea at the library. B.B. anxiously consults his friend the crocodile about what will be expected and comes up with a rhyme to remind himself of some of the finer points: "Sip your tea and never slurp, say 'Excuse me' if you burp." Dressed in his striped pants and plaid jacket, a pair of reading glasses perched on his snout, B.B. heads to the library. The other party guests look worried to see him, especially the gingerbread boy, but the librarian makes the assorted storybook characters comfortable, at least until B.B.'s spectacular burp. Seibold's zany digital illustrations include dozens of funny details for children to spot, from the giant Venus flytrap outside the Villain Villa for seniors where B.B. lives to the dog made of bricks guarding the brick house of the third little pig. Funniest of all, though, is B.B. himself, a bundle of nerves in a social situation, and readers will get the message, delivered in a lighthearted way, that manners help you know what to do.
Kirkus Reviews July 1, 2007
Veteran storyteller Sierra takes a refreshingly oblique approach to promoting polite behavior. Invited to a storybook tea at the local library, Wolf--still big but no longer so bad--sets out from the Villain Villa Senior Center determined to be on his best behavior. Predictably, his arrival causes consternation among the assembled guests--until he breaks the ice with a polite "excuse me," followed by a gigantic, spread-filling belch. Thereafter, he's the life of the party, and earns a takeaway bag of gingerbread cookies from Miss Wonderly the librarian. In typically quirky digital art, Seibold dresses the wolf in a loud plaid sports coat, and brings an array of familiar figures to the library table, from Little Red Riding Hood to Elmer the Patchwork Elephant and the Little Engine That Could. It won't take much encouragement to persuade readers to echo Wolf's parting song: "Even in a house of bricks / Big bad wolves can learn new tricks." (Picture book. 6-8)
Library Media Connection November/December 2007
B.B. Wolf is not one to have good manners, but in this story, with some help from his friend the crocodile, he attempts to learn. The cute illustrations bring this story to life as Mr. Wolf learns what to do while having tea at the library. Children will recognize some of the characters from traditional stories and learn the importance of good manners. Some words may be too complicated for some readers and much of the humor in the book comes from the pictures and background images rather than the story itself. Additional Selection. Kaylia Thomas, Colt Elementary Librarian, Marble Falls, Texas
Publishers Weekly July 16, 2007
Sierra (Wild About Books) and Seibold (Olive, the Other Reindeer) install story-book characters in a retirement community for this peaceable spoof. As envisioned in Seibold's witty digital style, B.B. Wolf occupies a condo at the Villain Villa Senior Center and sports shaggy brown fur, a graying snout, pince-nez glasses and a cane. His green stovepipe hat looks a bit worse for wear, but he updates his look with a blue tracksuit. While grouching about past-due notices that recall previous exploits (including a bill for "damage to the homes of Pig #1 and Pig #2"), B.B. opens an invitation to a storybook tea at the public library. He consults a crocodile on whether he should attend. "You don't go to a tea for the tea," his friend replies, "You go to a tea for the cookies." The crocodile gives him pointers on etiquette ("Sip your tea and never slurp,/ Say `excuse me' if you burp"), dusts off his orange plaid sport coat and sends him off to the reading room. When B.B. enters, literary mainstays like Red Riding Hood, Bo Peep and the Gingerbread Boy look aghast. Everyone acts excruciatingly polite, but their anxiety is alleviated after too much tea makes B.B. unleash an enormous burp: "You almost blew down the library," snort the Three Little Pigs. Later, leaving with a stack of storybooks, the elderly wolf promises the librarian, "I'll drop by one day and tell you how these stories really happened." Sierra and Seibold expertly tweak the tension and the levity in this story of a trickster's golden years. Ages 4-8. (Aug.) Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.
School Library Journal August 1, 2007
K-Gr 2-Sierra has created a clever book about manners and using one's best behavior with a central character known for neither: B.B. (as in Big Bad) Wolf. When the protagonist, who resides at Villain Villa, finds an invitation to a library storybook tea in his mailbox, he is not sure that he wants to go because he doesn't like tea. But Crocodile explains that the main reason to go to a tea is for the cookies. He prepares B.B. for the event, rehearsing proper etiquette (sip, don't slurp; say "Excuse me" when you burp; smile and have a good time). After sipping cup after cup of tea, B.B. feels a ferocious burp gathering steam. He excuses himself before the window-rattling explosion and is complimented by the librarian for his wonderful manners. When B.B. refuses a proffered gingerbread cookie because he could not eat a Gingerbread Boy, the librarian exclaims that he is sensitive and that "storybooks don't do you justice." Sierra's text is spot-on, and Seibold's hilarious illustrations include many easily recognizable characters from various stories. Children will love attending this rollicking party and combing the illustrations for old friends. Sierra has included several levels of humor, and Seibold adds even more twists.-Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME Copyright 2007 Reed Busine
Positive messages
The Big Bad Wolf learns good manners.
Violence & scariness
Not applicable
Language
Not applicable
This is from commonsensemedia.org
Booklist September 1, 2007 (Vol. 104, No. 1)
Preschool-Grade 2. The Big Bad Wolf receives a lesson in manners in this hilarious fractured fairy tale that begins with a trip to the mailbox. While sorting through bills (including a rental fee for “sheep’s clothing”), B. B. Wolf finds an invitation to the local library’s storybook tea. Uncertain about attending, Wolf consults a crocodile friend, who points out the pros of the party (cookies) and the cons: “You’ll have to behave yourself.” An etiquette book provides tips, and Wolf sets off on the big day, armed with a list of reminders (“Sip your tea and never slurp. Say ‘Excuse Me’ if you Burp”). Kids will delight in the ensuing slapstick humor and the references to familiar stories—party guests include Little Red Riding Hood and the Little Engine That Could. Seibold’s wild, skillful computer-generated art is filled with jokes and details that will invite repeated viewings. This sly, upended portrait of a storybook villain will pair well with Jon Scieszka’s classic The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs (1989).
Horn Book Magazine July/August, 2007
Mixed among the bills (for things like the cost of rebuilding the homes of two little pigs) is a card inviting B.B. Wolf to tea at the library. B.B. anxiously consults his friend the crocodile about what will be expected and comes up with a rhyme to remind himself of some of the finer points: "Sip your tea and never slurp, say 'Excuse me' if you burp." Dressed in his striped pants and plaid jacket, a pair of reading glasses perched on his snout, B.B. heads to the library. The other party guests look worried to see him, especially the gingerbread boy, but the librarian makes the assorted storybook characters comfortable, at least until B.B.'s spectacular burp. Seibold's zany digital illustrations include dozens of funny details for children to spot, from the giant Venus flytrap outside the Villain Villa for seniors where B.B. lives to the dog made of bricks guarding the brick house of the third little pig. Funniest of all, though, is B.B. himself, a bundle of nerves in a social situation, and readers will get the message, delivered in a lighthearted way, that manners help you know what to do.
Kirkus Reviews July 1, 2007
Veteran storyteller Sierra takes a refreshingly oblique approach to promoting polite behavior. Invited to a storybook tea at the local library, Wolf--still big but no longer so bad--sets out from the Villain Villa Senior Center determined to be on his best behavior. Predictably, his arrival causes consternation among the assembled guests--until he breaks the ice with a polite "excuse me," followed by a gigantic, spread-filling belch. Thereafter, he's the life of the party, and earns a takeaway bag of gingerbread cookies from Miss Wonderly the librarian. In typically quirky digital art, Seibold dresses the wolf in a loud plaid sports coat, and brings an array of familiar figures to the library table, from Little Red Riding Hood to Elmer the Patchwork Elephant and the Little Engine That Could. It won't take much encouragement to persuade readers to echo Wolf's parting song: "Even in a house of bricks / Big bad wolves can learn new tricks." (Picture book. 6-8)
Library Media Connection November/December 2007
B.B. Wolf is not one to have good manners, but in this story, with some help from his friend the crocodile, he attempts to learn. The cute illustrations bring this story to life as Mr. Wolf learns what to do while having tea at the library. Children will recognize some of the characters from traditional stories and learn the importance of good manners. Some words may be too complicated for some readers and much of the humor in the book comes from the pictures and background images rather than the story itself. Additional Selection. Kaylia Thomas, Colt Elementary Librarian, Marble Falls, Texas
Publishers Weekly July 16, 2007
Sierra (Wild About Books) and Seibold (Olive, the Other Reindeer) install story-book characters in a retirement community for this peaceable spoof. As envisioned in Seibold's witty digital style, B.B. Wolf occupies a condo at the Villain Villa Senior Center and sports shaggy brown fur, a graying snout, pince-nez glasses and a cane. His green stovepipe hat looks a bit worse for wear, but he updates his look with a blue tracksuit. While grouching about past-due notices that recall previous exploits (including a bill for "damage to the homes of Pig #1 and Pig #2"), B.B. opens an invitation to a storybook tea at the public library. He consults a crocodile on whether he should attend. "You don't go to a tea for the tea," his friend replies, "You go to a tea for the cookies." The crocodile gives him pointers on etiquette ("Sip your tea and never slurp,/ Say `excuse me' if you burp"), dusts off his orange plaid sport coat and sends him off to the reading room. When B.B. enters, literary mainstays like Red Riding Hood, Bo Peep and the Gingerbread Boy look aghast. Everyone acts excruciatingly polite, but their anxiety is alleviated after too much tea makes B.B. unleash an enormous burp: "You almost blew down the library," snort the Three Little Pigs. Later, leaving with a stack of storybooks, the elderly wolf promises the librarian, "I'll drop by one day and tell you how these stories really happened." Sierra and Seibold expertly tweak the tension and the levity in this story of a trickster's golden years. Ages 4-8. (Aug.) Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.
School Library Journal August 1, 2007
K-Gr 2-Sierra has created a clever book about manners and using one's best behavior with a central character known for neither: B.B. (as in Big Bad) Wolf. When the protagonist, who resides at Villain Villa, finds an invitation to a library storybook tea in his mailbox, he is not sure that he wants to go because he doesn't like tea. But Crocodile explains that the main reason to go to a tea is for the cookies. He prepares B.B. for the event, rehearsing proper etiquette (sip, don't slurp; say "Excuse me" when you burp; smile and have a good time). After sipping cup after cup of tea, B.B. feels a ferocious burp gathering steam. He excuses himself before the window-rattling explosion and is complimented by the librarian for his wonderful manners. When B.B. refuses a proffered gingerbread cookie because he could not eat a Gingerbread Boy, the librarian exclaims that he is sensitive and that "storybooks don't do you justice." Sierra's text is spot-on, and Seibold's hilarious illustrations include many easily recognizable characters from various stories. Children will love attending this rollicking party and combing the illustrations for old friends. Sierra has included several levels of humor, and Seibold adds even more twists.-Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME Copyright 2007 Reed Busine
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2024
Summary:
"In the story, B.B. Wolf, known from the classic tale of "The Three Little Pigs," has a reputation for being a bit rude and gruff. After he moves into a new neighborhood, he finds himself in situations where good manners are essential for making friends and fitting in. The wolf’s attempts to navigate social interactions teach him—and the readers—about the value of polite behavior and consideration for others" (ChatGPT, July 25, 2024).
Commentary:
Overall, this story is a great way to teach your students about manners. Starting to teach children manners from a young age will only give them a better chance of maintaining them for their whole life. Making sure students understand that treating other with respect and being respectful in public places is important to shape your students as individuals. I personally ask my daycare students to use their manners anytime they need help or need somebody to move out of the way.
Application:
In my classroom, we could use this book as a read aloud and find a version of it on YouTube for the students to watch. We could also listen to the song "please and thank you" and practice using our manners. More activities that would be applicable are
-Each student will get a colorful heart shape with a different emotion on it. Kids will then say something mean to each other, and that student will crumple their hearts. After each student participates, they will try to unwrinkle the heart and they will see that it’s impossible.
-Make a manner rhyme/rap
"In the story, B.B. Wolf, known from the classic tale of "The Three Little Pigs," has a reputation for being a bit rude and gruff. After he moves into a new neighborhood, he finds himself in situations where good manners are essential for making friends and fitting in. The wolf’s attempts to navigate social interactions teach him—and the readers—about the value of polite behavior and consideration for others" (ChatGPT, July 25, 2024).
Commentary:
Overall, this story is a great way to teach your students about manners. Starting to teach children manners from a young age will only give them a better chance of maintaining them for their whole life. Making sure students understand that treating other with respect and being respectful in public places is important to shape your students as individuals. I personally ask my daycare students to use their manners anytime they need help or need somebody to move out of the way.
Application:
In my classroom, we could use this book as a read aloud and find a version of it on YouTube for the students to watch. We could also listen to the song "please and thank you" and practice using our manners. More activities that would be applicable are
-Each student will get a colorful heart shape with a different emotion on it. Kids will then say something mean to each other, and that student will crumple their hearts. After each student participates, they will try to unwrinkle the heart and they will see that it’s impossible.
-Make a manner rhyme/rap
November 27, 2019
Mr. B.B. Wolf is invited to tea at the library. He's worried he'll do something wrong, so his friend crocodile gives him some etiquette pointers. Will this tea be a disaster, or can B.B. remember his manners?
I really like that the tea is populated by characters from nursery rhymes, fairy tales, etc. But the best part of the book is when B.B. can't remember what to do in a certain circumstance, rushes over to the catalog, looks up an etiquette book, and refreshes his memory. He's a great library patron and a polite wolf. Hand this to kids learning some manners, those who like to see book characters in mashups, and those who like humorous stories.
I really like that the tea is populated by characters from nursery rhymes, fairy tales, etc. But the best part of the book is when B.B. can't remember what to do in a certain circumstance, rushes over to the catalog, looks up an etiquette book, and refreshes his memory. He's a great library patron and a polite wolf. Hand this to kids learning some manners, those who like to see book characters in mashups, and those who like humorous stories.
December 4, 2019
Mr. Wolf goes to tea at the library and studies his manners beforehand, in order to be polite at the party. The pictures are charming, and the fractured folktale is fun (even the "I think I can" engine is there!), but the five stars are really for the wonderful personalities of B.B. Wolf and Miss Wonderly- the way they talk and act had me feeling rather amused. There are a bunch of manners left out of this book, but it could be used as a jumping-off point to teach manners, or for teaching fractured folktales.
September 25, 2020
A Fairytale reimagined, "Mind your Manners, B.B. Wolf" follows the story of a now matured Big Bad who has been invited to a tea party and must learn abit of Etiquette. Specifically: How not to eat the guests!
I loved this story even more than my 4 year old who was not quite as familiar with the cast of characters involved. Funny, clever and darling, Judy Sierra shows us a new side of the potentially reformed wolf as he navigates new social waters. A fantastic recommendation for early elementary and even elementary school aged children familiar with classic fairy tales.
I loved this story even more than my 4 year old who was not quite as familiar with the cast of characters involved. Funny, clever and darling, Judy Sierra shows us a new side of the potentially reformed wolf as he navigates new social waters. A fantastic recommendation for early elementary and even elementary school aged children familiar with classic fairy tales.
September 6, 2019
“Mind your Manners, B.B. Wolf” is a fun variation of “Little Red Riding Hood” and “The Three Little Pigs.” In this story the wolf is wanting to go to the library and hang out with the characters from the other stores. This story kept me wanting to know how the wolf was going to interact with everyone. I think this is a fun read for those who are familiar with the other stories.
September 26, 2021
This book was so cute and a wonderful story time variant. This book adds stories like the gingerbread man, and little red riding hood in a new way that keeps it exciting. The book highlights some important manners such as saying excuse me which the wolf is very worried about forgetting. The illustrations truly bring the words to life.
February 6, 2024
This week is Manners Week at the library and what a great book to read! It is set in the library and the Big Bad Wolf (B.B.Wolf) has been invited to tea there. He is nervous but Crocodile sets him straight on how he should behave. It is fun to see all the fairy tale friends nervous as well when he shows up. What a fun way to teach preschool children about manners!
August 22, 2024
My story time listeners loved the challenge of discovering all of the stories referenced in the book which made them feel they 'knew the canon.' They loved figuring out that B.B. Wolf stood for Big Bad Wolf. This was such a lighthearted fun read to facilitate a discussion around our word of the month: respect.
January 20, 2020
B.B. Wolf is invited to go to the library for a tea party but his friend warns him he has to be on his best behavior. So B.B creates a song to help him remember his manners.
Cute book that would work well for storytime. Kids will probably enjoy the big burp at the end.
Cute book that would work well for storytime. Kids will probably enjoy the big burp at the end.
May 4, 2023
This was a cute book! I think that this would be good to read to children when teaching them about manners. I think that children will think that parts of this book are funny which will engage them into the book. I think that the illustrations of this book are very fun.
May 12, 2017
The Big Bad Wolf is invited to have tea but first he must learn some manners. The story was interesting and my daughter really enjoyed the illustrations. Overall a good read. Would recommend.
May 18, 2017
Picture Book
October 26, 2017
This book is an excellent tool to teach children good manners, kind words, and how to treat others.
May 16, 2018
This time B.B. Wolf is invited to a tea at the library. Croc helps him learn etiquette for the party. He goes and has a wonderful time. Great way to talk about manners with young readers.
October 29, 2018
I loved the illustrations in this book. This book is funny and helps children learn good manners.
November 24, 2019
Pay attention to the illustrations; there are lots of hidden gems.
December 15, 2019
The Big Bad Wolf is invited to tea at the library and he learns some manners before he goes there.
December 15, 2020
Funny spin on the whole fairy tale crowd featuring the public library as the setting!
May 21, 2021
This was the big winner of our last library haul - many repeat readings.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews