For decades, Temple Grandin has been a voice and a positive force in the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) community. Through her books and speaking engagements she has inspired and enlightened teachers, therapists, professionals, mother, fathers and family members with her perspectives about life with autism. Now, in Manners Matter! Temple steps away from the world of adults and talks directly to kids themselves, sharing her experiences living with and growing up with autism in kid-friendly language and colorfully illustrated stories and characters. This first book in the Temple Talks to Kids series focuses on manners and social niceties, what Temple considers to be the key that unlocks doors to social interaction, social acceptance, and social opportunities across our lives. Children will delight in Temple's familiar cowgirl style, straight-shooting language about the importance of manners and adults will appreciate the hard-won wisdom and advice she provides.

Temple Grandin says having good manners is very important! Sometimes, it is hard to understand these rules and "social stuff," and there can be so much to remember. But manners help people live together and get along well. They will also help you on your way to achieve your goals and dreams. Temple is here to help, showing different ways to use your manners, such as:

. The importance of "please" and "thank you"

. Table manners

. Everyday manners

. Manners in public . . . and so much more.

There are lots of simple ways to show good manners, and your friend Temple is here to lead the way. You'll learn a lot, and have fun practicing, too . . . because after all, MANNERS MATTER!

Manners are the social behaviors that help us get along with others within our culture and society. No matter where we call home, the basic social niceties of please, thank you, or excuse me are a universal language.

Like it or not, other people judge our behaviors. They observe what we're saying or doing and immediately have thoughts and feelings about us. In turn, these thoughts and feelings determine how they act in response to us. If they have positive thoughts, they view us as "nice" or "respectful" and will want to continue to be around us. If they have negative thoughts or uncomfortable feelings, they may think we're weird, odd, rude or uncaring. And, who wants to be around someone who makes us feel that way?

Good manners help ASD kids gain entry to the social world. Think of them as their gateway to social interaction with others. Our spectrum kids need so much more practice to learn social skills and that means interacting with others. Good manners open the door and provide them with opportunities to engage, learn and grow so that even when our kids make the inevitable social blunders, others will give them a second chance, or a third or fourth.

For decades Temple Grandin has been a voice and a positive force in the ASD community. Through her books and speaking engagements she has inspired and enlightened teachers, therapists, professionals, mother, fathers and family members with her perspectives about life with autism. Now, in Manners Matter! Temple steps away from the world of adults and talks directly to kids themselves, sharing her experiences living with and growing up with autism in kid-friendly language and colorfully illustrated stories and characters. This first book in the Temple Talks to Kids series focuses on manners and social niceties... what Temple considers to be the key that unlocks doors to social interaction, social acceptance, and social opportunities across our lives. Kids will delight in Temple's familiar cowgirl style, straight-shooting language about the importance of manners and adults will appreciate the hard-won wisdom and advice she provides.