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Dude, That's Rude!
Kids today need manners more than ever, and Dude, That’s Rude! makes it fun and easy to get some. Full-color cartoons and kid-friendly text teach the basics of polite behavior in all kinds of situations—at home, at school, in the bathroom, on the phone, at the mall, and more. Kids learn Power Words to use and P.U. Words to avoid, why their family deserves their best manners, and the essentials of e-tiquette (politeness online). It seems like light reading, but it’s serious Manners are major social skills, and this book gives kids a great start.
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
About the author
Pamela Espeland
93 books5 followersPamela Espeland has authored, co-authored, or edited more than two hundred books on a variety of subjects. She lives in Minneapolis.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 27, 2019
This book is a MUST read for EVERYONE (adults and children). Since it's over 10 years old, it needs to be updated just a bit, but still... SO much great advice. Also, it could do without the silly language, (especially since it's a book about MANNERS and acting appropriately).
My youngest is on the spectrum and has comprehension issues, which filter over into social behavior. We read this book together to talk about what's appropriate/what's not, and in reading it, thought that my oldest could benefit from reading it as well (and he's 25!)
I'm a fairly lenient parent, correcting my children when necessary (and maybe I underestimated my expectations from them as they have fallen short recently), so when I read this, I made a list for my oldest, who has started unknowingly disrespecting me, as I've let things go, since he's a good person. However, no more! Also, the section that talks about cell phones is SO great that I couldn't help but think that adults are worse with this behavior than teens!
AND the "expectations" others have with quick responses regarding texts, etc. With all the "instant" ways nowadays, people don't give others very much understanding if a text isn't replied to immediately. People literally have their phones with them constantly, and I'm one of the rare few who don't. If I'm out shopping, I often don't hear my phone (because it's in my purse), so I may not see a text or call until I get home (or later!) If I'm at home and my phone is on our table and I'm upstairs, again I may miss a text or call that I won't see til later when I look at my phone. SO I may not respond until hours later.
When this happens to me with others, I give them that benefit of the doubt, thinking they're either busy or doing something else or didn't hear it (like me!), etc. instead of getting mad. BUT I'm rarely given that same courtesy. We all need to be more patient.
Anyway, enough of my rant. I just found that section SO interesting that it obviously brought up triggers for me.
It's so simple and easy to be nice and kind and mannerly, and this book is such a great reminder. (#seetheinnocence !) As I wrote above, if it was written in a better manner, it would have warranted 5 stars. For parents: start early with this book, so it becomes habit, instead of trying to break old ones.
My youngest is on the spectrum and has comprehension issues, which filter over into social behavior. We read this book together to talk about what's appropriate/what's not, and in reading it, thought that my oldest could benefit from reading it as well (and he's 25!)
I'm a fairly lenient parent, correcting my children when necessary (and maybe I underestimated my expectations from them as they have fallen short recently), so when I read this, I made a list for my oldest, who has started unknowingly disrespecting me, as I've let things go, since he's a good person. However, no more! Also, the section that talks about cell phones is SO great that I couldn't help but think that adults are worse with this behavior than teens!
AND the "expectations" others have with quick responses regarding texts, etc. With all the "instant" ways nowadays, people don't give others very much understanding if a text isn't replied to immediately. People literally have their phones with them constantly, and I'm one of the rare few who don't. If I'm out shopping, I often don't hear my phone (because it's in my purse), so I may not see a text or call until I get home (or later!) If I'm at home and my phone is on our table and I'm upstairs, again I may miss a text or call that I won't see til later when I look at my phone. SO I may not respond until hours later.
When this happens to me with others, I give them that benefit of the doubt, thinking they're either busy or doing something else or didn't hear it (like me!), etc. instead of getting mad. BUT I'm rarely given that same courtesy. We all need to be more patient.
Anyway, enough of my rant. I just found that section SO interesting that it obviously brought up triggers for me.
It's so simple and easy to be nice and kind and mannerly, and this book is such a great reminder. (#seetheinnocence !) As I wrote above, if it was written in a better manner, it would have warranted 5 stars. For parents: start early with this book, so it becomes habit, instead of trying to break old ones.
December 18, 2012
This was great, if only we could make everyone read it! Although this book is aimed towards children some adults could benefit from it as well. There are parts that are downright funny, yet still informative.
May 28, 2017
Not as good as Manly Manners, not by a long shot. Too many attempts to be funny, that actually give kids ideas on how to be rude.... But otherwise good.
October 5, 2022
Pro: it’s written in a way to keep young readers amused. Lighthearted so as not to make learning etiquette a boring or thankless task. Mostly up-to-date. In some respects I’m an old-school parent, so am on the fence with this book. But as they say, “when in Rome…or the USA…”
Con: it’s written to amuse young readers. But when my kids exhibit poor etiquette, that’s exactly when they need to sober up and think about something other than their own amusement.
When the boys need very strict regulating, is when we break out Erasmus, or is when I quote from lord chesterfield’s letters to his son. I.e., the OG’s of etiquette.
Con: it’s written to amuse young readers. But when my kids exhibit poor etiquette, that’s exactly when they need to sober up and think about something other than their own amusement.
When the boys need very strict regulating, is when we break out Erasmus, or is when I quote from lord chesterfield’s letters to his son. I.e., the OG’s of etiquette.
December 18, 2023
This is a cute book about manners. The only issue I have with it is there is some outdated info about landline phones over a page spread and a website that isn't valid (and not good advice imo) about kid chat rooms (because I would not encourage that).
August 14, 2017
Good basic information about manners. I may use parts of it with my class. Very old section about dealing with manners on landlines.
April 30, 2020
This is a great overview of basic manners. The parts on internet, email, and phone usage are a bit outdated but are a great jumping off point for family discussion.
March 16, 2022
This book was adorable & well written for kids. Teaches about good manners in a variety of settings.
January 2, 2023
Written in a way that little boys receive the info. Our family loved it. Thank you!
April 15, 2025
I was gifted this by my aunt a handful of years ago. I judged it by its cover (rookie mistake) and took it personally. I'm cleaning up my room and found a bunch of neglected books. I decided to read it for a few reasons. Mainly because I know there are things I need to work on. Also, politeness makes people feel amazing. After reading it as a 19-year-old, there is a lot of sage advice. I thought at first it was made for children because of some of the phrasing, but the more I think about it, it all applies. No matter how old you are, follow the advice in this book. I am going to read this annually. The last page lists ten ideas to follow for perfect manners essentially. I'm going to list them out next for my memory and yours. It says to memorize them. It starts with Confucius's golden rule. 1. Treat others how you like to be treated by them. 2. Put other people first. 3. Show respect for yourself and others. 4. Be kind and cheerful, and use common sense. 5. Share. Be fair. 6. Be patient. Wait your turn. 7. Show appreciation. 8. Be a good sport. 9. Clean up after yourself. 10. Accept people's differences. I love these. They are all unique but set you up for success in life. I'm trying my darndest. What's great about this book is how it hammers home the advantage of being nice rather than lackluster or rude. The adage "You get more flies with honey than vinegar." Check this out. You might be on top of your game right now, but it doesn't hurt to get a refresher course. I sure needed it. I got this in the bag.
October 5, 2010
Checked out this little gem from the library mostly for its title. It has brought out many laughs from the kids and "ews" from me. It starts off with reasons why good manners are needed and then covers everything from farting to thank-you notes. There's even a section on internet etiquette--basically stating that just because you type something it doesn't mean it's OK to be rude. The example given of being rude is something like, "That is so stupid u r dumb and everybody should hate you." I had to laugh because so much of that goes on when people are allowed to leave comments on news articles, videos, wall posts, and rss feeds. The kid-speak is spot on, and the format of the information in each chapter (from troubleshooting graphs to bullet lists broken up with plenty of graphics--instead of solid text) contributes to its kid-friendly reading.
We are going to use this book to not only get some manners, but to get Seth his Good Manners Belt Loop in Cub Scouts. I'm going to ask all the children to do the three tasks he has to do. Make a poster of five good manners you want to practice, correctly introduce two people with one of them being an adult, and write a thank-you note.
We are going to use this book to not only get some manners, but to get Seth his Good Manners Belt Loop in Cub Scouts. I'm going to ask all the children to do the three tasks he has to do. Make a poster of five good manners you want to practice, correctly introduce two people with one of them being an adult, and write a thank-you note.
December 5, 2010
For kindergarten children, this is an excellent book to read to teach children about manners and to inform them what are manners. I would use this book in the classroom as a read aloud to discuss with children the difference between good and bad manners. The book contains examples of rude, polite, and school manners. I love the school manners.
October 24, 2013
I checked this out at the library to use for our Good Manners Belt Loop with cub scouts. It gave me some good ideas to make up a little manners quiz.
It is written for kids and looks cute, but I can't picture any of my kids sitting down to read it on their own. They might listen to it if I read it to them. I might try it.
It is written for kids and looks cute, but I can't picture any of my kids sitting down to read it on their own. They might listen to it if I read it to them. I might try it.
September 18, 2009
Great for kids ~ good learning tool. Thanks Tricia.
March 15, 2010
good for kiddos.
October 24, 2010
Helps plan for Manners Monday.
January 26, 2011
Cute and creative way to teach manners.
August 21, 2011
it's a v nice book especially for kids they can learn a lot of goos things from this book it's good one..
November 19, 2013
Read this with the kids for FHE. They now walk around telling each other "dude, that's rude."
December 29, 2014
Fun and engaging way for kids to read about manners. My littles loved it!
January 10, 2015
Engaging, and say to create many mini-lessons to go with the different topics.
July 31, 2012
Lot's of fun for teaching children about manners.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews