By Juliet “Ms. J” Mitchell
We are never too young to learn, and that includes the art of etiquette; how we conduct ourselves in social settings. The values, lessons, and skills we learn as children often carry over into our adult lives. Exemplifying this is Juliet Mitchell’s children’s book Myah is Introduced to Etiquette.
Our story opens with Myah and her Grammy at breakfast, with Grammy saying, “Good morning, Myah, and how are you, my sweet?” Myah wonders why Grammy says the same thing every morning, which prompts Grammy to teach her a new word: etiquette.
Grammy uses Myah’s question as a teachable moment, spelling it, sounding it out, and making the distinctions in the pronunciation of “qu.” She further discusses synonyms, since one synonym for etiquette is manners. Adding upon this are the values and benefits of being polite and respectful to others.
Inspired by her granddaughter Kamyah Wiley, Mitchell’s book is a serendipitous blend of love, respect, teaching, and positive reinforcement, augmented by the beautiful illustrations of Morgan Jennings. I remember well learning these kinds of lessons in etiquette from my elders, which I passed on to my son. When he was a child, the one thing everyone commented on was how well-mannered he was. I love her Gold Star theme, “Manners are Memorable.”
Mitchell is a certified life etiquette expert, serving clients of all ages and all walks of life. Myah is Introduced to Etiquette is available through Amazon and the Life Etiquette Institute LLC.
Thank you, Juliet, for bringing another ray of positivity and growth for our children.
W.D. Foster-Graham
W.D. Foster-Graham is a native son of Minneapolis, Minnesota. He received a B.A. in psychology from Luther College, and he was an original member of the multi-Grammy-Award-winning ensemble, Sounds of Blackness. He has also been recognized by the International Society of Poets as one of its “Best New Poets of 2003,” is a guest writer for journalist/author/entertainer Wyatt O’Brian Evans.
