Rudie Nudie
Written and Illustrated by: Emma Quay.
Published by: Harper Collins (Australian) first 2011 and again in paperback 2014
Ages: 2 and up.
Theme: nudity, playtime, bath-time, bedtime.
Opening Lines: One, two Rudie Nudie, Rudie Nudie in the bath. Squeaky clean and splishing, splashing, sploshing – Rudie Nudie laugh.
Synopsis: From bath to bedtime Author/Illustrator Emma Quay captures the joy, playfulness and highjinks of a little brother and sister preparing for bed.
Why I like this: Now before you say “Oh but it’s full of nudity.” So what! The dark pencilled human outlines cleverly concealing the “necessaries” throughout, show a brother and sister playfully enjoying the time between bath and bedtime. Slipping out from their thick towels, rolling on the rug, racing down the passage and out into the back yard, totally ignoring their differences, before mother calls them back inside to help them dress for bed. I loved this. As a grandparent, or parent, remember the giggles the little ones made when tickled by towel drying or blowing bubbles on their chest. Oh how delicious they smelled, so clean and sweet, and the talc powder spraying through the air. It is such a moment in time, an innocence to treasure. They grow so fast and what a way to capture that but in a picture book. The title is eye catching and the cover illustration entices you to check it out. What this also teaches children is cleanliness, routine, fun and equality. Yes everyone needs a bath and everyone must go to bed at some time. This book certainly brings a smile, see you’re already smiling at the pictures, with its minimal rhyming text and soft warm hue illustrations.
Emma Quay has illustrated some beautiful books such as Goodnight, Me, and the 2010 CBC Early Childhood Book of the Year for ‘Bear and Chook by the Sea’ (written by Lisa Shanahan). Emma lives in Sydney with her husband and two young daughters.
Resources/Findings:
Great trailer for this book. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lc-KeMXpRCc
Here are some great ideas for making bath-time fun especially if your child has a sensory disorder… http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/bath-time-fun.html
I’m always pleased to be able to bring you some more special books that have come my way and be able to share them with you and join other great writers over at Susanna’s Blog, where there are literally hundreds of book reviews to view. So pop over and visit the lovely author, Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and find the tab for Perfect Picture Books. Her blog is full of resources links and activities associated with books reviewed by many authors
Writer and Dreamer at work 
Oh, how cute!! I like the idea of this book. In Europe nudity is not so frowned upon, especially when it comes to children.
Hi Darlene, It is a cute book and no nudity is not so frowned upon down here either where children are concerned even around beaches and baths. Glad you liked this. Enjoy your weekend.
I love bathtime squeals for nude little kids! So much fun. And it is interesting the cultural differences about what is and isn’t ok in a picture book.
Glad you like this one Joanna. It is a lot of fun. Yes true, note this is the Australian Harper Collins. In America they would probably change the cover illustrations. As may be deemed inappropriate.
Sounds fun!
Thanks, it is. Nice to see you Andrea.
Nice to see a book celebrating baths rather than discussing how much the child dislikes them. A plus for parents and caretakers!
True Cathy this is a nice look at bath and bedtime. A fun choice.
I wondered what that title was going to mean. Adorable art. Looks cute. Thanks.
It is very cute Joanne. Glad you like it.
I well remember those happy, blissful squeals at bathtime. And…because I miss them, I’m off to check out this sweet book and splash back in time!
Aww that is so cute. Hey keep a copy for when your grand kids come a knocking. Would be real nice to read to them too. 😉
Days of innocence and lots of giggles. I love your choice about two children celebrating their bath time. Great title and cover. It looks like a beautiful book!
Thanks Pat. Yes it is a lovely fun book. A soft bedtime read that will have you and future (hint) grandkids, giggling. 😉
I am laughing at the title! Sounds like a cute book!
It is fun and real cute. Thanks for stopping by Erik.
SOOO cute!
🙂 Thanks Julie
what fun. Reminds me of the Night Kitchen – who needs clothes anyway, when you’re taking a bath!
Exactly! LOL.