Dude. Be Nice

by Sarah Scheerger, Brent Camalich (primary_contributor), Jamie Camalich (primary_contributor)

Meet Dude, the nicest Dude in town! Or so he thinks . . .

One day, Dude decides that he wants to do nice things for his friends and neighbors all day long. But Dude isn't exactly attentive and tends to forget the most crucial part of helping asking first. So when Dude unravels a sweater, frees some dogs, and ruins an ice cream social, he needs to reckon with his own is it really nice if he wasn't that helpful? Can Dude and his best friend Fizz save the day before Dude makes too big of a mess?

With hilarious text from Sarah Scheerger and gorgeous illustrations by debut children's book artist Alex MacNaughton, Dude. Be Nice is a tale of good intentions and not-so-good outcomes, sure to make readers giggle along the way.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

Published October 14, 2025

Reviews

[Ernesto Cisneros · Rating 5 out of 5]

DUDE. BE NICE is exactly what the world needs right now! With a delightful blend of humor and charm, this beautifully illustrated picture book captures the essence of helping others in the most unexpected ways.
This book is perfect for young readers, as it encourages empathy and compassion while showcasing the joy that comes from being nice.

THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE MUST-READ!!!

[Nancy Borelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dude. Be Nice is a delightful children's book that features a well-meaning Dude who has all the best intentions to do the right thing for his friends. As he engages with friends, he finds ways to be helpful, but he forgets to use all of his best social skills that include asking for permission first, respecting others' rights and personal boundaries, anticipating unexpected consequences. He also neglects to listen to the wise advice of his friend Fizz, who watches as Dude continues to "step on others' toes" in his efforts to be so helpful. As the story continues, Dude suddenly starts to see how his plan is unraveling. So, he makes a new plan that considers the wants and needs of his friends first, and he discovers that teamwork is just an added benefit of reaching out first, making connections, and then doing the nice thing. Dude. Be Nice, by Sarah Scheerger with Brent and Jamie Camalich, illustrated by Alex MacNaughton, is a gentle reminder that demonstrates social skills in a fun way. As the story evolves, the reader learns how to be considerate of others by honoring their needs along with your own. This book is a must-read for children of all ages. And, to be honest, adults reading to their children might learn a thing or two from the book, as well!

[Melissa (Nissa_the.bookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
😊 always try to be nice
🧒🏼 have young children
🐻 love bears in hats
👩‍🏫 want to learn a valuable lesson

• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓

Created in part by the organization dude. be nice, whose mission is to “inspire people to treat themselves and others better" comes a book about a bear named Dude. He decides that he wants to do nice things for his friends and neighbors. All day long. But Dude doesn't exactly know how to read the room and tends to forget the most crucial part of helping people: asking first. So when Dude unravels a sweater, frees some dogs, and ruins an ice cream social, he needs to reckon with his own niceness: is it really nice if he wasn't that helpful? Can Dude and his best friend Fizz save the day before Dude makes too big of a mess?

• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒

My five year old and I read this one together. He loved that the bear’s name is Dude, and enjoyed following him on this adventure of trying to figure out how to be nice to everyone around him. Even though he was a bit terrible at it, he learned that sometimes it’s better to ask for help instead of just assume that people need or want help. I definitely recommend this funny but helpful book!

[Gela Kalaitzidis · Rating 5 out of 5]

DUDE. BE NICE by Sarah Scheerger with Brent and Jamie Camalich, illustrated by Alex McNaughton

This funny and sweet story is about a bear who decides to be super nice—he even writes out an "excellent" plan for it! But things don’t go exactly as planned. He learns that being kind isn’t just about doing nice things, it’s also about listening, asking for help, and working with others.

The illustrations are hilarious and full of energy, with lots of silly moments kids will love. Beneath all the laughs is a great message about teamwork, empathy, and what it really means to be kind.

A perfect read-aloud for social-emotional learning and classroom discussions about friendship and kindness!

[Mrs.MakesReadingFun · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a funny and heartwarming picture book about kindness, good intentions, and what it really means to think of others. Dude sets out to do nice things all day, but forgets one key step—asking first! The results are chaotic and hilarious, with a sweet message that’s perfect for kids learning about empathy and consent.

The bright, expressive illustrations add so much humor and charm, and the story opens the door to great conversations at home or in the classroom. A perfect pick for SEL lessons or storytime laughs!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah Scheerger has written an adorable book about not just being nice, but doing it right. Dude is a very nice guy and decides to be extra nice one day. He comes up with a list of helpful things to do, but Dude needs a little help from his friends to respect boundaries and build community. The text is fun and the pictures add extra touches to the story, lending a bit of whimsy and unexpected humor. This would make an excellent read aloud for a primary classroom followed by a discussion on making sure your helpfulness is wanted and does no harm.

[Gina Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how this lighthearted story tackles the common and complicated issue of 'nice gone wrong' with ease and humor. Dude is a nice bear. But being nice can be tricky sometimes. As he goes about his day being "EXTRA nice" we see Dude's good intentions turn into a mess. His cute penguin sidekick Fizz is there to point him in a nicer direction. Kids will enjoy all the layers of detail in the art. There are plenty of shenanigans to keep them engaged, plus an exciting finale worth a cheer.

[Erin Dealey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet, clever book! And the world could use a lot more NICE right now, honestly. I love that Dude is very busy being nice. I love his determination and good intentions. "Dude's out to be nice and nice he'll be." And I can just imagne the wonderful discussions readers --and classes, and libraries full of kids--can have about how to be helpful. One of the best takeaways: Asking is nice too. Brava, Sarah Scheerger!

[Donna Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

In conjunction with the "Dude. Be Nice" project, the picture book is a nice lesson on how sometimes, sharing the good feeling of helping is the best way to help.

Dude the bear wants to be extra nice today, but somehow he keeps making things worse. Aided by whimsical illustrations, the story shows how being nice sometimes means asking others to help, and that you should ask someone if they want help before you decide what's best for them.

[Maria Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Dude. Be Nice" is a fun read-aloud story; I anticipate it being a well-loved recess request in our school library. Kids will enjoy Dude’s misguided attempts at helping and will better recognize how communication is key when they want to offer service. Alex MacNaughton’s illustrations bring the manuscript to life. Readers will want to be sure to watch Dude’s facial expressions and the balloon illustrations at the end.

[Alexandra Alessandri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dude. Be Nice is a cute and funny story about being nice with intention. Dude is trying extra hard to be extra nice, but in his hyper-focused mission of niceness, he ends up doing some not-so-nice things. The characters are adorable and kids are going to love the text and illustrations! This one makes a really fun read aloud too.

[Kimberly Biddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dude. Be Nice is an excellent SEL book for children. It teaches what being nice really means in an indirect and entertaining manner. The humor in the book also adds to the charm and readability of the book. Children will love to read or hear this book over and over again. This book may very well be on the way to becoming a classic.

[Heidi M (Have You Seen My Coffee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun, funny, sweet story about a well-meaning bear, Dude, who has a bit of learning to do about what it means to be a helper. Highly recommend for readers of all ages. And please check out https://www.dudebenice.com/ 🤩🥰💞

[Lauren Kerstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply adored this sweet and yet incredibly insightful book! The interplay between humor and heart is absolutely beautiful. I highly recommend this book!

[AnneLibrarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for older children - all about being nice, good intentions, etc.

[Angie Quantrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining and fun take on being nice to others!