Blurp's Book of Manners
on Goodreads (252)
What’s inside...
From Caldecott Honoree Cindy Derby comes a humorous and colorful tale featuring Ms. Picklepop, an etiquette coach, and a sentient paint blob named Blurp. After an accident during a lesson, Blurp emerges and disrupts the class with its messy antics. Through this unlikely friendship, Ms. Picklepop learns important lessons about manners and respect. Filled with vibrant illustrations and laugh-out-loud moments, this book offers a fresh take on comedy and the message of practicing kindness, making it a hit with children and critics alike.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-6
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Blurp felt when he forgot his manners?
What is one new manner you learned from Blurp’s book?
Why is it important to use good manners with friends and family?
Can you think of a time when someone used good manners and it made you feel happy?
How can you help remind others to use good manners like Blurp?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, personalize the conversation by sharing your own stories related to manners and their impact.
Praise your child for the manners they currently practice and discuss ways to incorporate new ones they’ve learned from Blurp.
Encourage your child to role-play different scenarios from the book, helping them internalize the lessons on manners.
Create a 'Manners Chart' together, where they can actively track manners used daily, inspired by Blurp’s experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of saying 'Please' and 'Thank You'
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters express gratitude and make requests politely, showcasing the power of these simple words to create a friendly environment.
Real-World Application: Children can use these phrases at home, school, or with friends to foster positive relationships and show respect.
Example Lesson: Sharing is caring
Explanation: Blurp and friends learn to share their toys during playtime, leading to more fun and fewer conflicts.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice sharing their belongings with siblings or peers, which can help in developing empathy and cooperative play skills.
Example Lesson: Respecting others' feelings
Explanation: The book highlights moments when characters consider the emotions of others before acting, teaching empathy and sensitivity.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to think about how their actions affect others, leading to more thoughtful interactions in daily life.
Example Lesson: Listening is as important as speaking
Explanation: Characters in the story actively listen to each other, which helps in resolving misunderstandings and building stronger friendships.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to listen carefully to instructions and to their peers, enhancing communication skills and mutual understanding.
Example Lesson: Apologizing when wrong
Explanation: The story demonstrates how characters apologize sincerely when they make mistakes, emphasizing the value of owning up to errors.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of making amends, which is crucial for mending relationships and building trust.