Sometimes It's Hard to Be Nice

by Maggie C. Rudd

Sometimes being nice means being patient with your little brother who doesn't know how to treat your favorite things. Being nice can mean going to your sister's boring dance recital. Or tasting a tuna noodle casserole your grandma made—when you can't stand tuna noodle casserole. Being nice takes practice, and that's okay. You just keep trying, and soon you discover how GREAT it feels...to be nice!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Friendship

Kindle Edition

Published March 23, 2021

About the author

Maggie C. Rudd is from rural North Carolina where she lives with her two boys. When she isn't writing, she is teaching high school, making forts, or outside getting muddy with her kids. She is the author of the picture book I'll Hold Your Hand.

Reviews

[Rolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet, albeit overly didactic book about being nice even when it’s hard.

A few of the examples, though, are models of a version of niceness I don’t agree with-models that tell you to sacrifice your own feelings for the sake of adults.

[Ellon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found it preachy. Definitely a good message but I'm not sure kids will really connect with the way it's presented. It's also pretty long. I think some editing would have made the book stronger.

[Kristin Guay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is going to be a hit with library storytime programs and elementary schools--it is all about what it takes to be nice. This story is filled with so many scenarios that many children will see in their own lives. The story shows that it is hard to be nice when your cousin comes to play and breaks a toy, when you need to attend your sister’s dance recital, or when your grandma makes a dinner that you do not like. During each of these situations, the reader sees what can be done to be nice. This includes accepting the broken toy, going to the recital anyway, and eating a couple of bites of dinner and saying thank you. Other situations in the book include times when being nice takes a little practice. One example is visiting an elderly relative in a nursing home that seems a little scary and funny at first. However, the next time it will be better. The story also shows examples of how doing something nice can make you feel good such as playing with a younger sibling, cleaning up toys without being asked, and helping a parent find the car keys. There is even a part in the story that deals with standing up to a bully to help a friend.

I especially liked the part in the story where it shows how being nice can take some practice. Many times children are not so nice about something, but realize their error and want to try again. I thought this was important for children to see this and know that being nice does not always come naturally-the key is to try.

[Meliss · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is decent. It discusses how being nice is hard, takes courage, but it is worth it and can feel good too. It mentions bullying and sticking up to bullies, but in different terms. The hypotheticals get really specific at one point so I’m curious if it’s a bit personal. Overall I think it would be useful in a classroom setting as a reminder of how to be nice and the different forms being nice can take. Or maybe just at home, since it does mentioning going to the principal’s office for fighting bullies for your new friend. 🤔

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the title says, sometimes it's hard to be nice. It takes practice to get good at it, just like it takes practice to get good at anything else. When you do it though, it can feel good because more people get to participate and have fun. It's not always easy to be nice and takes courage, but it's worth it every single time. Another great book to read aloud at the beginning of the school year or after a long break to set the right tone.

[L.A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book with lots of specific examples on how it can be hard to be nice! It’s perfect for my kindergartener who has a little brother.

My only complaint that kept me from giving it five stars is that the very last example, unlike the others, is more than one page and a bit vague on standing up to bullies. I didn’t quite understand how the kid ended up in the principal’s office. But it won’t keep me from purchasing the book.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written book on how challenging it can be to be nice sometimes. Rudd takes readers from scenes where being nice is difficult to making brave decisions to be nice and stand up for others. The illustrations capture the emotions involved and affirm the child's decisions. Great story for early in a school year and as a refresher during long winter months.

[Annamarie Carlson (she, her)]

Exactly what the title says--reflects on times (particularly for kids) when it can be hard to be nice, such as when grandma makes a tuna casserole just for you (and you really hate tuna casserole) or when another kid cuts in front of you when you are in line for the slide.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes it’s hard, sometimes it takes practice, sometimes it feels good and other times it takes courage, but being nice is always worth it.

The text gives all kinds of examples of when kindness is required and would make for good discussion with younger students.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 2 out of 5]

A trite tale of learning to be nice.

Not recommended. I take particular issue with the idea that children should "be nice" to the kids that cut in line. Sure, it's nice; but we're not doing any favors to the kids who need to learn to wait their turn.

[D Fichera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! All around fantastic!

[Marcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can't argue with the theme of the book, but not something I'd pick for elementary-age kids. A bit didactic. Might be suitable for very young kids.

[Pinky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes it can be hard to be nice when you don't want to.

[Awjtf · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great book!

[Jordan Camp · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my favorite. Didn’t love some of the vocab like “hate”.

[Danielle Berg · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Fairly realistic look at the challenges and benefits of being kind. The illustrations were cute too! My only negative reaction was to the comment that when someone cuts in line, you should let them….Not sure I agree with that sentiment. I was also expecting a dog to be part of the story based on the cover, no such luck 🥺