One, two Rudie Nudie,
Rudie Nudie in the bath.
Squeaky clean and splishing, splashing, sploshing –
Rudie Nudie laugh.
So begins this delightful celebration of being naked (nudie!) and delighting in the freedom of childhood in the time between bath and bed. Two young children (the older seems to be a girl and the younger a boy) bath together, then, before being dressed, escape their towels and run and romp over different surfaces including the smooth floorboards, the furry carpet and the slightly prickly doormat. The pair jump and pirouette and run for cuddles before finally allowing their parents to catch and dress them ready for bed.
Rudie Nudie is a celebration of childhood and of freedom. The children’s nudity is natural and presented in a way that leaves nothing for anyone to complain about – there are no genitals on display, for example. This is a book that youngsters will giggle at and will want read over and over – but, be warned, they’ll also want to mimic the rudie nudie fun. And why wouldn’t they? This pair is having fun, and is warmly nurtured by a pair of parents who watch and support the fun.
A book about living.
Rudie Nudie, by Emma Quay
ABC Books, 2011
ISBN 9780733323355&
This book is available from good bookstores, or online from Fishpond.