★★★★★ 5
Great Lesson for Age 2 and Up
This was our day care's Book of the Month, for children age 2-4 years old. They are all learning to use manners with their peers, at the table and when addressing adults. The lesson took a few readings for the children to understand the point, but once they understood what the various characters WEREN'T doing, therefore getting a negative response from Mr Panda, and what they SHOULD be doing to receive a positive response, the lesson stuck with them. If a child forgets his manners, a hint ("How would you ask Mr Panda?") has good results. This book, while a good story to read aloud, may need some additional explanation by the adult reader at first. Mr Panda offers his friends a treat, and who doesn't like donuts?! When each animal's response is rude or selfish, Mr Panda abruptly withdraws his offer and moves on to someone else. When the final offer is made to a friend who uses his manners, he gets ALL the donuts, because as Mr Panda remarks at the end, he doesn't like donuts anyway. I don't know if this sets up unrealistic expectations, but it's a good lesson presented in an entertaining way.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2015
