Animals learn about manners.

Such a great PUNchline at the end of this book. A rabbit is shocked to find that otters have moved in next door. The rabbit is fearful because it knows nothing about otters and is afraid that they won't get along. The rabbit spends most of the book speaking to his friend owl about all the good manners that he hopes his new otter neighbors have. In the end, Rabbit learns that he should focus on treating the otters in all the ways he wants to be treated. ( )

Goodreads Review:
Mr. Rabbit's new neighbors are Otters. OTTERS! But he doesn't know anything about Otters. Will they get along? Will they be friends? Just treat otters the same way you'd like them to treat you, advises wise Mr. Owl. And so begins Mr. Rabbit's reflection on good manners.

In her smart, quirky style Laurie Keller highlights how to be a good friend and neighbor--just follow the Golden Rule! This title has Common Core connections.

A Junior Library Guild Selection

Do Unto Otters is a 2008 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

I bought this book for the bookshelf I set aside for my nieces when they visit; as the childless aunt with a lot of cats, it felt fitting that a book about manners should occupy that shelf; even though my husband technically saves me from the "Cranky Spinster Cat Lady" title, it still feels like a stereotype worth having some fun with. ;-)

Do Unto Otters is hilarious. It was so funny, in fact, that I immediately handed it to MT and told him he had to read it. It's central theme is the Golden Rule, and the main characters are a rabbit and a family of otters. It's beautifully illustrated and the real laugh-out-loud moments are the small drawings interspersed throughout the pages that illustrate examples of each facet to the golden rule (i.e. saying 'please' or 'excuse me'). Teaching readers how to say those courtesies in different languages (including Pig Latin - Ha!) is a distinctly nice touch.

This is a definite must have for any child's shelf, and one that makes learning courteousness a whole lot of fun. ( )

Author explores biblical traditions related to the "fear of God" and foundations for living beyond fear.