(3) YA Illustrated by Steven Salerno. High school students wondering who pays for a prom corsage or what to say in a graduation-gift thank-you note need look no further than this clear-cut etiquette guide. The cozy, idealized, old-fashioned style, embraced by occasional spot illustrations, sometimes extends to the scenarios (do deejays still cart around boxes of albums?); however, the basic principles of respect, consideration, and honesty are timeless. Ind.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Steve Björkman. This lucid how-to covers everything from politely eating soup to hosting a party. Few children will read the book voluntarily, though: while the language occasionally strives to be kid-friendly, the volume's fundamental fuddy-duddiness prevails (see especially a cringe-inducing section on how to make small talk). Comical black-and-white cartoon illustrations and the occasional "Question for Cindy & Peggy" add some verve. Ind.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) PS Illustrated by Leo Landry. When Emily and her mom spend the day in town, the little girl "knows just what to do," from crossing the street safely to eating her tacos neatly. Pitched at toddlers, the book offers sound, uncontroversial pointers--but will readers be swayed by goody-goody Emily's implausibly impeccable behavior? The pleasantly prim art goes down as easily as the conflict-free text.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Steve Björkman. Loose, cartoony illustrations show young Emily preparing for Christmas, when "the most special gifts she gives won't go under the tree." Mercifully, Emily Post's descendants' latest manners pitch sidesteps the hard sell; for the most part, they trust readers to see for themselves that as Emily helps her dad shovel, affixes a pageant angel's wings, etc., she's also enjoying herself.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) PS Illustrated by Leo Landry. "Emily can do magic. Do you know how? With words!" This etiquette primer targets toddlers, so magic words include fundamentals like hello and bye as well as standbys such as please and thank you. Kids may not find the text riveting, but they'll enjoy the little stars and other artistic flourishes that accompany Landry's delicate illustrations on white backgrounds.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) YA The authors cover the basics in this guide to manners. Written clearly and directly, the book sets up realistic scenarios--such as when to use cell phones or how to act at a job or college interview. The situations are believable, the information is useful, and the whole package is inviting and accessible. Nevertheless, this seems more like a book for hopeful parents, not one teens would actually read. Ind.

Reviewer: Becky Levine

(4) 4-6 Kids who want to know the right thing to do on special occasions (e.g., a hospital visit, funeral, bar mitzah, or taxi ride) will find solid information to make them comfortable in social situations and, simultaneously, be liked by their peers and others. Occasional black-and-white drawings appear throughout the book. Ind.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander