What do you think?
Rate this book
Dirty Bertie
Dirty Bertie
Bertie has shockingly dirty habits, from nose picking to weeing on the flowerbed! Whenever Bertie does anything dirty, Bertie's family shouts at him! Will Bertie every kick his horrible habits?
Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
11 people are currently reading
489 people want to read
About the author
David Roberts
168 books58 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
David Roberts was born in Liverpool. He always loved drawing from an early age and couldn’t wait to escape high school and go to art college. There he developed a keen interest in pottery and fashion and went on to study a degree in fashion design at Manchester Metropolitan University. After university he worked as a milliner and began to get work as a fashion illustrator but always felt his true calling was in children’s book illustration.
He signed up with Christine Isteed at Artist Partners in 1995 and has never looked back since. So after working as a shelf stacker, egg fryer, hair washer, film extra and coffee-maker David finally realised his dream of becoming a children’s book illustrator when his first book ‘Frankie Stein’s Robot’ written by Roy Apps was published in 1998. This book was shortlisted for the 'Mother Goose Award' for emerging illustrators.
Since then he has illustrated works by some fantastic authors such as Philip Ardagh, Daren King, Julia Donaldson, Jacqueline Wilson, Tom Baker and Chris Priestley. David considers himself privileged and lucky to be doing a job he loves. His most recent works include ‘Iggy Peck, Architect’ by Andrea Beaty, ‘The Troll’ by Julia Donaldson and ‘The Dunderheads’ by Paul Fleischman which was shortlisted for the 2010 Kate Greenaway Award.
David is also the creator of the ‘Dirty Bertie’ character about a little boy with bad habits such as picking his nose and trumping loudly!
David now lives in London.
David Roberts was born in Liverpool. He always loved drawing from an early age and couldn’t wait to escape high school and go to art college. There he developed a keen interest in pottery and fashion and went on to study a degree in fashion design at Manchester Metropolitan University. After university he worked as a milliner and began to get work as a fashion illustrator but always felt his true calling was in children’s book illustration.
He signed up with Christine Isteed at Artist Partners in 1995 and has never looked back since. So after working as a shelf stacker, egg fryer, hair washer, film extra and coffee-maker David finally realised his dream of becoming a children’s book illustrator when his first book ‘Frankie Stein’s Robot’ written by Roy Apps was published in 1998. This book was shortlisted for the 'Mother Goose Award' for emerging illustrators.
Since then he has illustrated works by some fantastic authors such as Philip Ardagh, Daren King, Julia Donaldson, Jacqueline Wilson, Tom Baker and Chris Priestley. David considers himself privileged and lucky to be doing a job he loves. His most recent works include ‘Iggy Peck, Architect’ by Andrea Beaty, ‘The Troll’ by Julia Donaldson and ‘The Dunderheads’ by Paul Fleischman which was shortlisted for the 2010 Kate Greenaway Award.
David is also the creator of the ‘Dirty Bertie’ character about a little boy with bad habits such as picking his nose and trumping loudly!
David now lives in London.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
March 26, 2012
A risota que é lá em casa quando lemos este livro sobre os hábitos pouco recomendados deste menino que em português se chama João (nome do meu filho mais velho...) sendo que o final é perfeitamente nojento!!!! Não encontrei a capa da versão portuguesa
November 2, 2017
Am I now adding children's books that I've read to my students because I'm extremely behind on my Goodreads goal and starting to panic? You betcha!
February 16, 2018
Loved by children both big and small. A firm favourite on my bookshelf.
March 11, 2012
A really nice book for early readers, very good humoured. An easy reading with lots or repetitive language to empower those who lack confidence. Great use of the ordinary with a funny spin, the text is well laid out and the graphics are attractive. I will recommend this book in the future to any child from 3-10 with limited reading confidence or ability.
October 24, 2021
Fun story, my daughter loved it, and I really enjoyed the illustrations
July 18, 2019
3.5 stars. This is gross, so naturally my kiddo loved it 😂 We read it three times in a row in the doctor’s surgery, where where it is obviously well-loved!
March 16, 2015
This book is hilarious and children love it! Bertie is a little boy with dirty habits, he eats sweets off the floor, he licks the dogs face and wees on the flowerbed! The pictures are very funny and the repetitive nature of the story means that the children can join in with 'no Bertie, that's dirty Bertie!'
I found that this book engaged children that had difficulty listening and sitting nicely at circles times as the story is so funny!
This is a good book to use with young children when thinking and talking about good hygiene linking to PSED and PD. Children can relate to this story as they probably have carried out some of his dirty habits! A great story that I would use with children from Nursery up to KS1.
I found that this book engaged children that had difficulty listening and sitting nicely at circles times as the story is so funny!
This is a good book to use with young children when thinking and talking about good hygiene linking to PSED and PD. Children can relate to this story as they probably have carried out some of his dirty habits! A great story that I would use with children from Nursery up to KS1.
November 16, 2013
Such a funny book. Pupils loved this book because the pictures were so funny. Read as a class, Dirty Bertie is about a little boy who is just....dirty! I'm sure you will not be able to finish this book without laughing. It really shows small children what bad habits you should not have.
A good addition to your book corner but beware, you will hear giggles!
A good addition to your book corner but beware, you will hear giggles!
April 27, 2012
Gross and soo funny.
May 13, 2013
It's my FAVORITE BOOK! 100\100
April 14, 2020
Good book for teaching young children about self awareness, cleanliness, and good manners. This books helps children to understand acceptable behaviors and good health choices. This was a surprise and very interesting read and I though it would be a perfect read into Health and Safety as it teaches young children what should and should not be eaten.
May 11, 2019
One of the most loved story time books ever. What's great is that Bertie doesn't not stay small, he grows up. Introduce Bertie to small kids and later elementary school kids will love the books about Bertie when he's older.
February 2, 2020
My brother and I got out all of our picture books this weekend and we found this absolute corker!
This is possibly the most hilarious and spot on book my brother read in KS1! I will definitely be sharing with my Y1 class!
This is possibly the most hilarious and spot on book my brother read in KS1! I will definitely be sharing with my Y1 class!
October 10, 2017
Awesome lil bit yucky but bertie is a hero ! lol
May 14, 2018
Kids will love the gross humour in this picture book about Bertie and all the dirty habits his family have tried to stop him from.
July 1, 2020
This book is about a boy that was very dirty. I liked the fact that they chose the boy to be dirty not anything else.
August 29, 2020
another good book in the series
October 12, 2021
A hilarious read. It makes for a fun story time with young children.
Read
January 2, 2023So gross
August 19, 2013
Just look at that cover. Just look at that face. Not particularly one that is endearing especially if what he is engaged in has anything to do with it. But the reality is....kids do all sorts of things that are kind of disgusting and yukky, but we as parents go ahead and love them anyway....love them unconditionally, and it is our job to teach them the rights and wrongs of life as we pass through it together.
Bertie is a little guy who loves to explore, taste his world, copy-cat those around him and experience things that he bumps into. He finds a lollipop on the ground and he picks it up and licks it. He gets down beside his dog and together they eat the dog's food out of his bowl. Yum! He scrounges around in the garden dirt picking up slugs and bugs to have as his friends and he imitates his cat who pees in the flower garden. When his dog gives him a big sloppy kiss up the side of his face, he licks his dog back resulting in a very, very furry tongue. He is a mischievous little boy without being bad. He is very much a "Dennis the Menace" character, engaging in life but not knowing his engagement can be offensive to others.
His family members, and those around him, are grossed out and he constantly hears, "No Bertie!" "That's dirty Bertie!" He manages to conquer all his bad habits except one. If you study the cover of the book you might just be able to guess which one. This book is very interactive and has many "yuks" and "bleughs" throughout. It gives lots of opportunity for you to discuss proper manners and hygiene and what is acceptable to become a couth, respectable little citizen of our planet. The illustrations are cartoonish, adorable and very, very expressive. I love them and I love Bertie too (even tho' he needs a bit of a tweaking). Your kids will laugh and think the wit and humour is delightful. For some reason these kind of antics tickle their funny bones. The illustrations and text bring this book alive and work perfectly together. The paper book comes with a CD that has a great song that explains the story. It will have your kids singing along with a huge smile on their faces.
Please don't be offended by the story and little Bertie. Have fun, laugh and know that kids are kids and they need our expert advice to teach and correct them, and tell them what is acceptable behaviour in life. Trust me, kids will think this book is a real hoot! I know the little kid in me did. Enjoy!
Bertie is a little guy who loves to explore, taste his world, copy-cat those around him and experience things that he bumps into. He finds a lollipop on the ground and he picks it up and licks it. He gets down beside his dog and together they eat the dog's food out of his bowl. Yum! He scrounges around in the garden dirt picking up slugs and bugs to have as his friends and he imitates his cat who pees in the flower garden. When his dog gives him a big sloppy kiss up the side of his face, he licks his dog back resulting in a very, very furry tongue. He is a mischievous little boy without being bad. He is very much a "Dennis the Menace" character, engaging in life but not knowing his engagement can be offensive to others.
His family members, and those around him, are grossed out and he constantly hears, "No Bertie!" "That's dirty Bertie!" He manages to conquer all his bad habits except one. If you study the cover of the book you might just be able to guess which one. This book is very interactive and has many "yuks" and "bleughs" throughout. It gives lots of opportunity for you to discuss proper manners and hygiene and what is acceptable to become a couth, respectable little citizen of our planet. The illustrations are cartoonish, adorable and very, very expressive. I love them and I love Bertie too (even tho' he needs a bit of a tweaking). Your kids will laugh and think the wit and humour is delightful. For some reason these kind of antics tickle their funny bones. The illustrations and text bring this book alive and work perfectly together. The paper book comes with a CD that has a great song that explains the story. It will have your kids singing along with a huge smile on their faces.
Please don't be offended by the story and little Bertie. Have fun, laugh and know that kids are kids and they need our expert advice to teach and correct them, and tell them what is acceptable behaviour in life. Trust me, kids will think this book is a real hoot! I know the little kid in me did. Enjoy!
September 17, 2013
Picture Book Project
Category: Picture Book Soak ("Cannot Wait to Use With Students")
Source: Princess Anne Public Library
Dirty Bertie, written by David Roberts, describes the disgusting habits of little Bertie. This young boy loves to explore the world around him without the care of his personal hygiene. He picks up slugs and bugs, pees in a garden, eats food off the floor, and picks his nose – that is just the start of it. His family members and those around him are grossed out by his actions as he constantly hears “No, Bertie! That’s dirty, Bertie!” Not knowing that his engagement can be offensive to others, Bertie’s behavior allows the reader to be interactive with the many uncouth things throughout the story.
The cartoonish illustrations are of very high quality and expression, which are combined with inherent humor and consistency. Although these illustrations can be a little gross when read by an adult, young readers can surely relate.
Through the repetition of sayings in this picture book, teachers can use this picture book in a health setting in order to teach young students about the battle between germs and soap. By joining along, students can understand the importance of acceptable manners and hygiene.
Category: Picture Book Soak ("Cannot Wait to Use With Students")
Source: Princess Anne Public Library
Dirty Bertie, written by David Roberts, describes the disgusting habits of little Bertie. This young boy loves to explore the world around him without the care of his personal hygiene. He picks up slugs and bugs, pees in a garden, eats food off the floor, and picks his nose – that is just the start of it. His family members and those around him are grossed out by his actions as he constantly hears “No, Bertie! That’s dirty, Bertie!” Not knowing that his engagement can be offensive to others, Bertie’s behavior allows the reader to be interactive with the many uncouth things throughout the story.
The cartoonish illustrations are of very high quality and expression, which are combined with inherent humor and consistency. Although these illustrations can be a little gross when read by an adult, young readers can surely relate.
Through the repetition of sayings in this picture book, teachers can use this picture book in a health setting in order to teach young students about the battle between germs and soap. By joining along, students can understand the importance of acceptable manners and hygiene.
September 6, 2012
Bertie is a dirty little boy who picks up sweets from the floor and eats them, eats dog food and licks his dog, all in all he has lots of bad habits! However he learns to curb most of his bad habits, when the sweets make him ill or he get a hairy tongue from the dog, but there is one disgusting habit he cant break! Im sure you can all guess what this is!
This book is a great book for classroom interaction as it has lots of bright and vivid pictures of Bertie and his bad habits and lots of 'yuk' and 'bleugh!' words that children can be encouraged to join in with. The book also comes with a CD that has a very expressive song explaining the story, which is also interactive, and fun for children to sing along to. I think its a funny book, loved by children as its slightly irreverent, but also has an important message about manners.
This book is a great book for classroom interaction as it has lots of bright and vivid pictures of Bertie and his bad habits and lots of 'yuk' and 'bleugh!' words that children can be encouraged to join in with. The book also comes with a CD that has a very expressive song explaining the story, which is also interactive, and fun for children to sing along to. I think its a funny book, loved by children as its slightly irreverent, but also has an important message about manners.
April 29, 2013
Dirty Bertie
A book which I find children thoroughly enjoy is “Dirty Bertie”. When reading this book to children, they love the idea of getting involved in the story. There is repetition throughout the book where the children get the opportunity to reply “No, Bertie! That’s dirty Bertie!”
This book allows the reader to see all of Bertie’s dirty habits exposed. Some of them include Bertie picking his nose, Bertie eating candy off the floor and Bertie licking the dog. In response to all of Bertie’s dirty habits, his family reply “No Bertie! That’s dirty Bertie!” After reading this story children realise that these habits are dirty and are often encouraged not to carry out such habits. This book is sure to have young readers laughing out loud from start to finish.
A book which I find children thoroughly enjoy is “Dirty Bertie”. When reading this book to children, they love the idea of getting involved in the story. There is repetition throughout the book where the children get the opportunity to reply “No, Bertie! That’s dirty Bertie!”
This book allows the reader to see all of Bertie’s dirty habits exposed. Some of them include Bertie picking his nose, Bertie eating candy off the floor and Bertie licking the dog. In response to all of Bertie’s dirty habits, his family reply “No Bertie! That’s dirty Bertie!” After reading this story children realise that these habits are dirty and are often encouraged not to carry out such habits. This book is sure to have young readers laughing out loud from start to finish.
April 27, 2014
Bertie has very horrible habits, He likes to pick is nose and eat it along with other disgusting habits! His family want him to stop these horrible habits and set out to teach him but will Bertie learn?
An extremely funny story abut hygiene. This book was found in nursery and I used it as part of story time and the children thoroughly enjoyed it and wanted to hear it over and over. It has a great message for hygiene and can be related to all children of all ages.
Pictures are very vibrant and have a lot of details which allow children to talk about what they see.
A must have book for the classroom!
An extremely funny story abut hygiene. This book was found in nursery and I used it as part of story time and the children thoroughly enjoyed it and wanted to hear it over and over. It has a great message for hygiene and can be related to all children of all ages.
Pictures are very vibrant and have a lot of details which allow children to talk about what they see.
A must have book for the classroom!
July 3, 2007
Dirty Bertie can't get his fingers out of his nose, aside from a few other nasty habits. This has my little one in cackles too, perhaps because she identifies with some of the nasty habits. Dirty/clean is one of those opposite pairings that three year olds learn early, and there's nothing like this story to underscore just why it's so much more fun to be dirty!
March 13, 2008
MY SON AND I DISCOVERD THIS BOOK AT THE LIBRARY YESTERDAY AND HAD A FEW LAUGHS. AND ALTHOUGH BERTIE MAY DO SOME UNCOUTH THINGS THERE IS A RING OF TRUTH TO HIS STORY IF YOU LIVE WITH A 4 YEAR OLD BOY.
September 4, 2012
My boys loved this one, it was gross, they didn't pick the ending, which was even grosser. They laughed, joined in the chant and it was fun to read to them, especially since it rhymed ... alwsy good for kids books.
May 13, 2008
We usually don't mind gross little boy books, but this one was too much for me. Piddling in a flower bed and the visual of a giant booger was just too much for my taste.
October 14, 2008
My kids thought this book was hilarious. It was pretty funny - but I kept getting the willies from Dirty Bertie's escapades! :)
July 24, 2008
When would Bertie learn good manners?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews