In poetic narrative, this engaging and well-illustrated book teaches kindness by developing good manners. There are three sections: "Friendly Times," "Table Times," and "Tidy Times."

The book begins:

Friendly Times

"There's comp'ny coming; I can't wait!"
I sang with heart of glee.
I did not know them, but I knew
We'd soon be friends, you see.

I watched long at the windowpane
And fin'lly saw them come.
But when they had no little child,
Then I got bashful—some.