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Looking for a fun way to teach etiquette to your students? Here’s a fun way. First, you’ll
need to familiarize yourself with my picture books Chato’s Kitchen, Chato & the Party
Animals, and Chato Goes Cruisin’. If you and your students already understand the
comedy of these popular characters, you’ve got a head start. In this story, Chato and his
sidekick are invited to the White House (Go, Obama!, but first must brush up on manners.
Each episode will inspire your students to create a cartoon panel that illustrates the
teaching point—so these comic lessons in behavior also encourage practice in writing
and art. Good luck and have fun! Feel free to download this unpublished story.
Chato’s Book of Manners
By Gary Soto
Chato and Novio Boy were wrestling for fun when a letter fell through the mail
slot in the front door. They looked up, startled. Was it a letter from the veterinarian
reminding them to come in for a vaccination? A letter from their landlord complaining
about noise? An early Valentines card from Flirty?
The two amigos slinked over and opened the letter. The letter read: Dear Mr.
Chato and Mr. Novio Boy: The pleasure of your company is requested in celebration of
Future Cat Leaders of America. Mr. and Mrs. President.
“Orale, ese! We’re leaders!” cried Novio Boy as he jumped on the table and
began to salsa to his reflection in the mirror. “We’re big quesos! He nudged Chato’s
shoulder, “Hey, maybe we can take one of the water bowls from the White House. Tu
sabes?”
Chato made a face at Novio Boy. “Cat, don’t be low class.”
“Yeah, but if I didn’t have low class, I wouldn’t have no class at all,” Novio Boy
answered in return.
“You know, homecat, if we’re going to the White House, we got to learn to act
right,” Chato said.
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During the week, Chato went about his cat business. He thought about what he
saw and did, and taught himself manners. Novio Boy learned the same.
[Chato discovers the litter box is all messy.]
Chato: Hey, cat, who spilled all the pellets on the floor? It was you, huh?
Novio Boy: How do you now it was me?
Chato: You got pellets between your paws. And a couple are stuck to your nose.
Clean up your mess.
*
[Chato writes a thank you note.]
Dear Dude:
It was a rocking party. I’m sorry I spilled la leche all over the floor. But wasn’t it fun
licking it up? Next time, the party’s at my crib!
Tu carnal, Chato
Always acknowledge a friend’s generosity or gifts.
*
[Sharkie, their friend, cuts in line at the cafeteria.]
Sharkie: (shoves Novio Boy out of the way) Let’s grub before the tortillas get cold!
Novio Boy: Don’t push. The chicken bones ain’t going nowhere. Now get back to the
end of the line
Wait your turn.
*
[Chato looks at himself in the mirror.]
Chato: I need to comb my fur.
Novio Boy: And to brush your teeth. You got feathers between the front ones.
Keep yourself neat and clean.
*
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[Chato climbs a neighbor’s roof. In a tree behind him sit Novio Boy and Sharkie.]
Chato: I’m King Kong Cat! I can climb a tree higher than any cat I know in el barrio.
Don’t brag.
*
[A family of dogs moves in next door.]
Novio Boy: Ah, cat, there goes the neighborhood.
Chato: Don’t say that. They seem pretty nice.
Welcome everyone no matter their race, religion, or lifestyle.
*
[Chato opens a door for an elderly cat in a wheelchair]
Chato: You first, señora—please.
Elderly Cat: Thank you, young cat.
Novio Boy: She has a smooth ride.
Respect your elders.
*
[Chato is shopping at Cats R Us when he hears a kitten meowing his head off.]
Kitten: Mommy, buy me this! Come on, mommy!
Mother Cat: No, it costs too much.
Kitten: You can buy it! You bought Samba one! It’s not fair. You like her better
because she’s a girl!
Mother Cat: No, I love you both.
Kitten: Then buy me this!
Don’t whine when a parent says no.
*
[Chato sees a cat climbing an old tire leaning against the fence]
Chato: Cat, you were really brave getting up there.
Cat: I was? Really?
Chato: Yeah, cat, I couldn’t get to the top in one leap like you did.
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Try to say something nice.
*
[Chato stops a fight between two Chihuahua dogs who won’t share a huge bone.]
Chato: Cool it! There’s enough bone for a hundred of you little dudes!
Share. Don’t hit.
*
[Novio Boy has broken a pitcher in Chato’s kitchen.]
Chato: I was going to stir up some horchata. You seen the pitcher?
Novio Boy: Nah, cat. I ain’t seen it.
Chato: But it was on the counter a second ago.
Novio Boy: Probably a dog came into the house and stole it.
Don’t lie. Don’t accuse others. Admit your mistakes.
*
[Chato and Novio Boy are over at Samba’s house listening to CDs of their favorite rock
group, Los Gatitos del Norte.
Chato: We gotta go, Samba Mamba. See you later.
Samba: But can’t you help clean up the mess?
Novio Boy: Sorry, Rumba-Bumba. We got to meet Sharkie at three…
Chato: ..in a tree, for free, is gonna be, you and me.
Novio Boy: Rap on, Witty Kitty.
Help a friend to clean up when you play with his or her toys. Remember to put
everything back in its place.
*
[At a party, Chato hogs the conversation.]
Chato: Man, I saw this TV program last night about the Amazon River. It was so cool.
They got these trees that are a zillion years old and this green stuff that’s stuck to them. I
think they call it moss, or was it boss. HaHaHa. Anyhow, right after the Amazon there
was a program about our ancestors on the History Channel. Our ancestors were some bad
cats. They were all buffed and quick as lightning! They kicked it all day under the trees
and at night went shopping for some deer. They were sneakier than us homecats…
Novio Boy: I saw that—
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Chato: Yeah, and those big cats would go and climb a tree and scare the monkeys, just
like we scare the birds…
Share the conversation. Let others talk.
*
[Chato praises the kitten that climbed the tire by fence]
Chato: Hijole, big cat, you run really good.
Kitten: That’s what my mom says.
Be modest. Be happy for others who have a special talent or ability.
*
Chato and Novio Boy visit a school to read a book to the kinderkittens.
Chato: Kitties, you’re stepping on my paws.
Novio Boy: And get off my head. I just had my fur cut.
Keep your hands to yourself. Respect someone’s space.
*
[Chato rings up a friend. In background Novio Boy has a headset listening to a CD]
Chato: Hey, Sharkie, when you gonna return my CD of Los Tigres de Fresno?
Sharkie: Sorry, homecat, I lent it to Novio Boy. He’s got it.
Return what you borrow.
*
[A cat searches his desk for his pencil. It’s missing.]
Cat: I wonder what happened to my pencil.
Cat Two (feeling ashamed): Ah, I took it. Hope you didn’t mind.
Don’t take things that don’t belong to you. Always ask.
*
[Chato reflects on a time when he and friends were enjoying a Thanksgiving dinner.]
Novio Boy: (with mouthful) I fa ga ta ra ma ya bou da bon es.
Chato: What did you say?
Sharkie: Yeah, and you’re chewing with your mouth open.
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Novio Boy: Oh, I’m sorry. I said, I forgot to remind you about the bones. Be careful.
Don’t talk with your mouth full. Chew with your mouth closed. Sit up at the table.
Remember to keep your napkin on your lap.
*
[Chato and Sharkie are playing one-and-one on the basketball court. Chato is ready to
dunk the rock when Novio Boy pulls on his shorts.]
Chato: Hey, homecat, how come you did that?
Sharkie: What? I didn’t do anything.
Chato: You pulled on my shorts.
Sharkie: I just pulled on them just little bit.
Chato: A little bit? How come they’re down around my ankles?
Play fair, or you may not have anyone to play with.
*
[Sharkie and Novio Boy are playing a video game called the Smart Cats vs. the Gigantic
Chihuahua. A kitten is screaming “Let me try! Let me try!”]
Learn to take turns.
*
[Novio Boy answers the telephone.]
Novio: Hola. Novio Boy speaking.
Samba: Is Chato there?
Novio Boy: I’ll go get the dude.
Identify yourself when someone calls. Remember to speak clearly. If it’s for one of your
parent, don’t scream, “Mom, it’s for you. Dad, it’s your friend from work!” Put down
the phone and walk over to tell your mother or father that the call is for her or him.
*
[Chato asks Novio Boy to help clean up the kitchen.]
Chato: Hey, cat, have you seen the broom?
Novio Boy: Yeah, my sister was riding it a while ago.
Chato: Cat, you’re malo. Come on, help me with the dishes then.
Take part in doing your chores.
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*
[Chato spies Sharkie drinking out of the wrong container—the toilet.]
Chato: Qué asco, Sharkie.
Sharkie: What?
Chato: You’re slurping.
Don’t slurp. Eat and drink from the right utensils. In this case, Sharkie should have used
his water bowl instead of the toilet. See diagram of place settings at end of book.
*
[Chato and Novio Boy are lounging in the yard when Samba brings over a guest.]
Samba: I want to introduce you guys to Paco. Paco, this is Chato and this Novio Boy.
Chato: Welcome to el barrio.
Novio Boy: Yeah, welcome. It’s a kicking place. Where are you from?
Rise to your feet when you introduce yourself. Shake hands. Try to make the new person
feel comfortable.
*
[Chato and Novio Boy are waiting for their friend, Chorizo.]
Novio Boy: What’s keeping him? We said the game started at noon.
Chato: And we need him to play center.
Be on time.
*
[Chato offers a compliment to Samba—and means it]
Chato: I really like how you sang “De Colores.”
Samba: Thanks, Chato.
Don’t be hesitant to offer compliments. People like to hear pleasant truths. And if
someone compliments you, smile and show that you appreciate it.
*
[Bully dog talks about Chato behind his back.]
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Bully Dog: Man, yesterday when we were on the court, this dude Chato had to two
chances to score, and he missed both! The guy is weak.
Novio Boy: Yeah, and he’s my friend, too. I’m out of here.
Just say no to put downs.
*
[Novio Boy listens to his uncle tell him about first winter living outside. The uncle has
told this story repeatedly and at great length.]
Uncle Cat: When I was your age, I was forced to live outside. My family was cold! But
that January was even colder. You young cats don’t know about survival. My generation
we knew how to struggle. I lived on feathers that winter. Do you know what it’s like to
live on feathers?
Novio Boy: No, I don’t.
Uncle Cat: Well, let me tell you…
While Uncle Cat may be a nice cat, he is at this moment a bore. A bore is someone who
repeats himself or herself. Since he is elderly, try to listen and wait for a moment to
excuse yourself.
*
[Chato, Novio Boy, and Samba are in the back yard playing when out of the blue Samba
asks a noisy question.]
Samba: Novio Boy, are you adopted?
Chato: Hey, that’s not a cool question, Samba. It’s like, personal. Tus sabes?
Unless someone confides in you, do not ask personal questions. For instance, don’t ask
an older person how old he or she is. Or if he or she is rich or married.
*
[Samba’s grandfather has died.]
Novio Boy: I heard your grandfather died. I met him once. I thought he was really cool.
Samba: Thanks, Novio Boy. He was a nice cat.
Novio Boy: That’s what I heard, too.
In the time of death, try to feel someone’s pain. But don’t ask questions. Being with the
person will be enough.
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*
[Chato and Novio Boy discover a mural covered with graffiti.]
Chato: Man, look at what some loco did!
Novio: Sin verguenza! The mural is all ruined.
Graffiti on public property shows disrespect for your community.
*
Chato and Novio Boy have invited younger cat from the neighborhood over for dinner.
Chato: Novio Boy, maybe we should put the Gameboy away.
Younger Cat (reflecting): You’re right. You spent all afternoon slapping together the
enchiladas. Look how you shaped them into little mice. That’s muy clever.
Don’t bring toys, books or cell phones to the dinner table. Dinner is the time to talk
about what you did during the day.
*
[A cat jumps off a porch and lands on his face. Another cat laughs and says, “You
looked really stupid!”]
Novio Boy (in a whisper): It’s so uncool to laugh when someone gets hurt.
Feel for someone when he or she gets hurt playing. Help the person if necessary.
Laughing at a person suggests cruelty on your part.
*
[Novio Boy hears an older brother cat speaking meanly to his younger brother cat.]
Older Brother Cat: You got big ears!
Younger Brother Cat: I do?
Older Brother Cat: Yeah, you do.
Be mindful of what you say. Words hurt.
*
[Chato steps on chewing gum.]
Chato: I got gum on my paws! And I had just licked them clean!
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When you’re tired of your chewing gum, wrap it in a piece of paper and toss it into the
garbage can.
*
[Getting off the elevator, Novio Boy is bumped into by a large dog.]
Large Dog: Excuse me.
Novio Boy: That’s OK. With all the shoppers, it’s really crowded.
Offer a pardon when you bump into someone. Or if you step on someone’s toes. Or if at
the movies you have to leave and are forced to step around people.
*
[Novio Boy begins to eat before Chato is seated.]
Chato: Carnal, you started without me.
Novo Boy: I did, huh? I’m sorry. What was I thinking?
Wait for everyone to be seated before you start eating, or if the host (the person throwing
the dinner party) says, “Go head—start, please.” Also, if there are more than three
people, remember to pass the bowls and plates to the right.
*
Chato, Novio Boy, Samba and Flirty are at a restaurant. Everyone’s food has arrived
except Flirty’s.
Flirty: Go ahead and start. I’m sure mine’s going to come any second.
In a restaurant it’s OK to start eating provided the person who is waiting for her or his
dinner gives you permission.
*
[Chorizo observes a person on the bus who looks tired.]
Chorizo: Sir, you have my seat. I just got out a movie and have been sitting for a couple
of hours.
Give up your seat to someone who could use the rest.
*
[Chato examines a menu.]
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Chato: What’s an appetizer?
Novio Boy: It’s like when you and I eat guacamole and chips before we get to the main
course.
Chato: Oh, so this thing called entrée is the main course, huh?
Novio Boy: That’s right.
????
*
[Samba asks Flirty to attend a classical concert.]
Samba: You’ll like it. The music is so moving and people are so elegant.
Flirty: Classical music? Is it like what they play in elevators? No way!
An invitation is made because the person considers you a friend. It’s hurtful when a
friend complains about something she or he enjoys. However, it’s alright to decline, but
in a gentle manner. Also, it’s a matter of personal development to try something new.
*
[Chato takes a friend from out of town to the museum.]
Friend (pointing): WOW! That statue of the lion must be TWENTY-FEET TALL.
Chato: You know, we should keep our voices down.
When visiting a museum, you should keep your voice down. This is also the rule for the
library, church, and temple.
*
[Novio Boy is more popular than ever, but still muy modest.]
Novio Boy: Check it out.
Chato: What?
Novio Boy: I’m invited to two fiestas on the same day. What am I going to do?
Accept the invitation that comes first. If they come at the same time (within a week of one
another), decide which person you’re closest to—grandparents, a father who is no longer
married to your mother, or a friend who moved away but is suddenly in town.
*
[Novio Boy discovers himself staring at a young woman with green hair.]
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You may wonder about a person with a neck brace, or a seeing-eye dog, or tattoos up
and down his arm. However, staring makes people feel uncomfortable.
*
[After a late night on the fence with dudes from el barrio, Chato rises late from his bed
near the refrigerator.]
Novio Boy: Buenas dias.
Chato: Good morning. Did you eat breakfast yet? I smell chorizo con huevos.
Each day is special. Begin it with a cheerful greeting.
*
[Chato observes a diner waving a fork at a food server.]
Diner: Can I get some ketchup!
Don’t point at someone with either a finger or eating utensil. And don’t holler for the
server.
*
[Chato catches Novio Boy drinking from the milk carton. Disgusted, he decided that he
would just drink from his water bowl.]
Chato: Man, I was just going to fix myself a bowl of cereal!
Novio Boy: Why don’t you. There’s still some left.
Don’t eat or drink from a container meant for everyone.
*
[Chorizo runs into his obedience teacher.]
Chorizo: Hey, teach, long time no see!
Don’t address a teacher or someone regarded as a professional in a familiar manner.
Call her or him “Ms., Mrs., or Mr.” Ask yourself how familiar you are with the person
you meet.
*
[Chorizo runs into a Chihuahua he used run with and pats him on his head.]
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Chorizo: Hey, where you been? Looks like you got some grey in your fur. And what,
did you lose a couple of teeth?
No one likes to be patted on the head. It makes a person feel small. Also, no one likes for
a person to bring up life’s changes, such as getting older, or when you develop from
being a child into adolescence.
*
Novio Boy runs into the priest on the street.
Novio Boy: Father Goode, I would like you to meet my best friend, Chato.
Chato: It’s a pleasure to meet you, Father Goode.
Father Goode: It’s a pleasure to meet you. I have heard many good things about you.
Think about who is the most important person here. It’s Father Goode, of course. And
it’s because he’s older and enjoys a higher position in life. [Carolyn, fix this!]
*
Chato runs into his run into his aunt Fur-de-Lease at the swap meet.
Chato: What a surprise, tia! I want to introduce you to my best friend, the homie of all
homies.
Again, think of the person who is the most important person at the moment. It’s Chato’s
aunt, of course. Start, then, by introducing [fix this]
*
Chorizo brings to attention his new dog collar to a homeless dog.
Chorizo: It’s Gucci. The rocks are real.
Homeless Dog: Looks nice.
Unless you’re very good friends, do not bring attention to yourself by pointing out new
clothes, shoes or, in this case, a Gucci dog collar. It will make the person possibly
jealous, and will certainly make the person feel bad.
*
Flirty has gotten braces on her teeth.
Flirty: Don’t say anything.
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Novio Boy: What?
Flirty: I know you’re going to make fun of me.
Be sensitive when a person gets braces or pair of eyeglasses.
*
[Chato observes Novio Boy juggling groceries into the house.]
Chato: Hijole! Those are a lot of groceries. Let me help.
When you see someone carrying something heavy or awkward, lend a hand—or a paw.
*
It was a hot day when Chato decided to visit a Dairy Queen. He ordered a root beer with
lots of ice. He drank his soda through a straw and took off the lid. He was ready to
crunch the ice, but remembered his manners.
Don’t crunch ice—ever! When a soda is drained, the refreshment is over.
*
[Samba is showing slides of her trip to Africa.]
Samba: The giraffes are taller than—
Novio Boy: But what was the food like?
Let a person finish speaking. Don’t interrupt.
*
Final rule.
When Chato and Novio Boy arrived at the White House, they were glad that they
had taught themselves some manners.
“May I present my husband, President Stripes,” said First Lady Mrs. Stripes.
They greeted each other with handshakes.
“It’s cool—I mean an honor—to be here,” Chato said.
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“It’s lovely,” Novio Boy agreed. His eyes bugged out when he spotted the buffet.
But, remembering his manners, he stopped himself from running there and cutting in line.
After a polite nibble of food, the two cats spent the evening shaking their tails on
the dance floor.