Hello Gnu, How Do You Do?

Using specific situations, all well known to children, Hazen presents 64 pages of advice on cultivating good manners. Nicky Gnu, assisted by his animal friends, sets the splendid example throughout the book. This fellow is seen being considerate to others, using ``magic words'' (please, thank you, you're welcome), visiting a friend in the hospital, writing thank-you notes, behaving well while traveling and being polite on the telephone. Also discussed is the proper way to act in a supermarket, at school, at a wedding, at a restaurant, at friends' homes and at a party. Although Hazen sprinkles her etiquette tips with humor, Goldman's amusing pictures deserve most of the credit for picking up the book's sometimes sluggish pace. Though Nicky's heart is in the right place, children may be put off by his goody-goody attitude. Conversely, the ill-mannered Iggy Ape will get giggles from little ones as he swings on the chandelier at a party and chews with his mouth open. But proper etiquette wins every time: even Iggy ultimately cleans up his act. Ages 5-8. (Sept.)