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The MonkDonk Good Manners Cafeteria
Hardcover
ISBN13: 9789199214474
Publisher: Able Simmons
Published: Sep 26 2026
Pages: 34
Weight: 0.69
Height: 0.25 Width: 8.50 Depth: 8.50
Language: English
The MonkDonk: Good Manners - Cafeteria by Able Simmons transforms the busy rush of elementary school lunchtime into an empowering lesson on mindfulness, respect, and community teamwork.
Set within Frogmore Elementary, the story follows the lovable, mismatched duo: Monk, a high-energy monkey, and Donk, an observant donkey. Heading to lunch after a fun language class with Mr. Warren, the pair reflect on their chaotic first-grade days when they treated the cafeteria like an indoor playground.
With guidance from Mr. Owl, they learned two essential lunchroom rules: Eat First! Talk After! This simple sequence anchors children's focus on nourishment before socializing, preventing poor choices, lunchtime fatigue, and food waste.
Through humorous, honest memories, Monk and Donk revisit their biggest lunchroom blunders:
- Fidgeting & Spatial Awareness: Monk remembers swinging his legs frantically under the table and spilling milk by not watching where he walked.
- Mindful Eating: Donk recalls talking with food in his mouth and throwing away full trays of untouched food because he talked too much.
- Gratitude in Action: Even as messy first-graders, they always showed appreciation to Ms. Cindy, the hard-working lunch lady who fed them every day.
Now older role models, Monk and Donk sit together peacefully under the motto of Sharing Space-chewing quietly, using good posture, and making the lunchroom calm and welcoming for everyone.
Core Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Takeaways:
- Self-Regulation & Impulse Control: Body awareness in crowded settings.
- Responsible Decision-Making: Prioritizing eating before socializing to prevent food waste.
- Social Awareness & Respect: Using manners to make shared spaces relaxing.
- Gratitude & Politeness: Valuing school staff and service workers.
This picture book is an essential resource for parents, preschool through second-grade educators, and school counselors.
Good manners make every shared space a better place for everyone. Grab Book 1 in the Good Manners collection today!
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