Cover of Max Learns to Be a Gentleman. Max, a young Black boy in a bow tie and suspenders, carries a bag of groceries while a smiling woman rests her hand on his shoulder at a front door. A badge reads Book 1 in the Max & Maggie's Family Values series.

Book 1 · Max & Maggie's Family Values

Max Learns to Be a Gentleman

Max Learns to Be a Gentleman is a picture book for ages 2 to 8 about a young Black boy learning what being a gentleman means at home: noticing other people and choosing to help.

Max already knows how to swing the highest and run the fastest, but when he sees his dad pull out a chair for his mom, he starts to wonder what it means to be thoughtful. With gentle guidance and real-world examples, Max begins to learn that being a gentleman means noticing others and choosing kindness. From helping his sister to holding the door, Max starts to understand that small actions matter.

  • Ages 2 to 8
  • Paperback, $15.33
  • Author: Kia Elizabeth Bell
  • Illustrator: Olena Oprich
  • ISBN-13: 9781625863188
  • Series: Book 1 of Max & Maggie's Family Values. Book 2, Maggie Helps Mommy, out November 1, 2026.
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Questions parents ask

Is there a picture book that teaches a little boy manners and what it means to be a gentleman?

Yes. Max Learns to Be a Gentleman is a picture book for ages 2 to 8 about a young boy learning what it means to be a gentleman. Max sees his dad pull out a chair for his mom and starts to wonder what it means to be thoughtful. From helping his sister to holding the door, he learns that small actions matter.

What's a good picture book gift for a grandson about kindness and respect?

Max Learns to Be a Gentleman shows kindness and respect through everyday moments at home, like a dad pulling out a chair for a mom or a boy helping his sister. It's a paperback picture book for ages 2 to 8, and it's Book 1 of the Max & Maggie's Family Values series.

Are there picture books with a Black boy as the main character that teach manners?

Yes. Max, the main character of Max Learns to Be a Gentleman, is a young Black boy, and the whole story is about learning to be thoughtful toward other people: holding the door, helping his sister and noticing what others need. It's written for ages 2 to 8.

Is there a next book in the series?

Yes. Maggie Helps Mommy, Book 2 of Max & Maggie's Family Values, comes out November 1, 2026. Max's little sister Maggie pitches in at home so she can spend time with her busy mom.