Ten Keys to Good Manners

Betty Vertin reviews a children's book to help our young ones learn how to show respect to others.

Ten Keys to Good Manners

By Claire Boutrolle d’Estaimbuc

Published by Ignatius Press

Ten Keys to Good Manners by Claire Boutrolle d’Estaimbuc is a book that you can introduce to all the children in your life. In clear, simple language, it describes how young people can feel at ease in all circumstances because good manners give you the keys!  

There is a page devoted to each of the ten keys introduced. It includes lessons like using the right words at the right time, being a good guest, being punctual, receiving gifts graciously, and thinking of others. Boutrolle d'Estaimbuc includes helpful tips for using each of the ten keys. 

A Helpful Guidebook for Children

I like this book. As a mother of seven, I often review the keys described in this book with my children; however, I frequently remind them how to be a good guest as I am driving them to a friend's house. With a book like this in your home, you can often include the ideas and review them easily. I also appreciated that the book reminds its young readers that their parents can help them navigate the polite way to handle things throughout.  

This book is full of everything we want our children to know, and it's charmingly beautiful. The reader can easily feel the weight of the high-quality paper the words are printed on, and they are smooth to the touch. Additionally, the book contains cheerful and colorful illustrations of children and animals that capture the joy of childhood on each page.  

I am going to keep this book and order a few more. It will be a beautiful gift to give to the many new mothers I have in my life. It is full of all the good things I know they will want their children to know and do, and it will look lovely in a nursery or children’s library at home as well.  

Is this a book you'd like to read? Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.

Copyright 2025 Betty Vertin
Images: Canva