Reviewed by Laura Fabiani

What's That Noise is a book about mealtime etiquette. This book has two chapters that each address a topic: learning how to properly load a dishwasher and learning what noises should not be heard at the dinner table.  The book starts at Chapter 3, and initially I was confused and wondered what happened to the first two chapters. I'm assuming they are part of the first book in the series. There is no indication on the front of the book cover that this is book two of a series. I did not particularly think this was the best  way to format the book, as children may question why they are missing out on these chapters.

I think learning proper etiquette from a young age is so valuable. Learning good manners is part of growing up. I especially liked that the authors included putting away cellphones and devices when at the family table. The authors use the word toot when referring to passing gas, but I think using the word fart would have been better. Kids love that word and it's funnier and better understood than toot. I know my kids would have asked me why tooting is wrong as a sound when they sing toot toot while playing with trains or cars.

The illustrations are cute and appropriate for the target audience. The facial expressions tend to be similar throughout, however.

The Adventures of Forkman series is a good introduction to basic manners. Parents can have much to discuss with their children as they read them together, such as doing chores before playtime and refraining from making offensive noises at the dinner table.

Tiffany Caldwell: I have worked with children for over thirteen years and every year basic manners become less evident. When I was growing up, my sisters and I took etiquette classes during the summer while we visited our grandparents. Etiquette was always a big part of our upbringing. ​ When we would have our family dinners, my dad, W.R. MacKenzie, would make our utensils come to life as we were eating. Forkman became a part of our dinner routine! ​ I am a mother of three great kids and a military wife to my hero. A few years ago, I told my dad we needed to start writing our story. We are so excited to share Forkman with the world!

W.R. MacKenzie: I spent thirty-nine years in the bakery business. After I retired and my four children were grown, I felt it was time to share the importance of the family meal with the world. ​​​​​The Adventures of Forkman teaches children how to properly conduct themselves at the table. Our books are filled with characters all children can relate with and I believe Forkman and his crew will help children of all ages learn manners and table etiquette.

Ends March 12, 2021