Dinner with the Highbrows: A Story About Good (or Bad) Manners

When Bernard Worrywart is invited to the Highbrow residence for dinner, his mother coaches him on how to behave: “Don’t forget, no elbows on the table. Don’t talk with food in your mouth. And for goodness’ sakes, don’t sing,” she says. However, at dinner, which takes place at an Italian restaurant, Bernard learns that the Highbrows burp, burst into song, and more. Brooker’s oil paintings play up the comedic disconnect between the Highbrows’ evident wealth and their boisterous table manners, pointing to how no two families are alike, but the story itself fizzles. The Highbrows may not resemble their surname, but dour, timid Bernard remains saddled to his. Ages 4–7. (Apr.)