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labunnywtf's review
4.0
Received via Netgalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
I was so excited to read this book to the nephew. It's going to be an ongoing conversation as he grows older, saying no to bullies, to bullying, to peer pressure, to uncomfortable or unsafe situations. Both being ready to say no, and ready to hear no.
And it's such a great book. All about the power of NO, and that it's important to stand up for yourself, even if it's scary, or you're worried you'll hurt someone.
Also importantly, that there's times you can't say no. Like when your aunt tells you to pick up your cars for the THOUSANDTH TIME in the last hour.
We finish this fantastic book, and he looks at me all sweet eyes and big smile.
"I'm never going to say that."
"Say what?"
"No."
"......................why not?"
"Because it might make someone mad or hurt their feelings."
I was so excited to read this book to the nephew. It's going to be an ongoing conversation as he grows older, saying no to bullies, to bullying, to peer pressure, to uncomfortable or unsafe situations. Both being ready to say no, and ready to hear no.
And it's such a great book. All about the power of NO, and that it's important to stand up for yourself, even if it's scary, or you're worried you'll hurt someone.
Also importantly, that there's times you can't say no. Like when your aunt tells you to pick up your cars for the THOUSANDTH TIME in the last hour.
We finish this fantastic book, and he looks at me all sweet eyes and big smile.
"I'm never going to say that."
"Say what?"
"No."
"......................why not?"
"Because it might make someone mad or hurt their feelings."
pocketwatchcrow's review
5.0
*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing access to this book in exchange for an honest review.*
I’m so glad that this book exists! It has many examples of common situations that kids face, such as choosing a school club to join, a movie to watch, or facing a bully. Also important were examples of when it’s not ok to say no, such as when it’s time to go to school or the doctor. The vivid illustrations brought this story to life and included many diverse characters, rounding out this important lesson for children and adults alike. I faced strong pressure as a child to say yes to things, sometimes internal pressure and sometimes external, and I think being clearly told that it was ok to say “no” would have been beneficial for me. I highly recommend it!
I’m so glad that this book exists! It has many examples of common situations that kids face, such as choosing a school club to join, a movie to watch, or facing a bully. Also important were examples of when it’s not ok to say no, such as when it’s time to go to school or the doctor. The vivid illustrations brought this story to life and included many diverse characters, rounding out this important lesson for children and adults alike. I faced strong pressure as a child to say yes to things, sometimes internal pressure and sometimes external, and I think being clearly told that it was ok to say “no” would have been beneficial for me. I highly recommend it!
madisoncarrasco's review
4.0
I really like the concept of this book! Saying “no” is something I struggle with as an adult, so it was great to read with my kids and talk about saying no even when we feel pressured to say yes. I enjoyed the diverse illustrations and variety of topics mentioned. I am glad that it is also discussed that sometimes you can’t say no, like if your mom asks you to clean your room. Thanks for making that clear so I didn’t have to deal with a power struggle!
ARC received through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
ARC received through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
kellyhook_readsbooks's review
5.0
Raising self-aware children who understand personal boundaries is a noble but challenging endeavor. “I Can Say No” written by Jenny Simmons and illustrated by Kirstin Sorra can help parents and children explore the power of the word “no” together. Simply put, this book is a must-read. Written in rhythmic verse, young readers will easily stay engaged with the cadence of the story. The complex issue of saying “no” is explained with perfect simplicity. Children are presented with various circumstances in which they may feel like saying “no”. The broad concept of consent is presented in an age-appropriate way and encourages children to have the bravery to say “no”, even in difficult situations. Prevalent issues such as peer pressure, bullying, negative self-talk and interactions with strangers are explored. It also distinguishes circumstances when children and adults are not able to say “no” and why this is the case.
“I Can Say No” will certainly spark important conversations about how words can impact children and the way they engage with the world. Clear in its convictions, “I Can Say No” gives children the skills to stand up to injustice and unkindness.
In addition to the important text, the illustrations are beautifully drawn in vivid colors. There are a wide variety of races represented in the characters. Representation matters from a young age and I was pleased to see “I Can Say No” prioritizes this as well. As a parent, it is my goal to raise courageous children who live with integrity and kindness. This book will be a perfect companion to parents looking to do the same.
“I Can Say No” will certainly spark important conversations about how words can impact children and the way they engage with the world. Clear in its convictions, “I Can Say No” gives children the skills to stand up to injustice and unkindness.
In addition to the important text, the illustrations are beautifully drawn in vivid colors. There are a wide variety of races represented in the characters. Representation matters from a young age and I was pleased to see “I Can Say No” prioritizes this as well. As a parent, it is my goal to raise courageous children who live with integrity and kindness. This book will be a perfect companion to parents looking to do the same.
delonnag's review
5.0
I Can Say No by Jenny Simmons and Kristin Sorra is a powerful book about being true to yourself. What a powerful lesson to teach a child that it’s ok to say no to something you really do not want to do. For parents who are concern, it might promote sassy comments in their child - nope the author addresses that concern too. The purpose of the book is to help children learn boundaries. Dynamic SEL lessons as well in the back. Great book to add to your library. HAPPY READING!
stuffskyereads's review
5.0
This is a wonderfully important book for kids of various ages - and would be a perfect addition to classroom health and safety curriculums in elementary grades. Children need to hear that their words have power and that they should feel strong and capable to use that power when needed. The pictures and situations presented in the pages were engaging, age appropriate and relevant and lend themselves well to expanded conversations with children. I liked that varied situations where children could use their NO were presented - including safety situations, social interactions/peer relations as well as individual/intrinsic situations, and that non-examples were discussed too - you don’t get to say no to homework and chores! The caregiver information at the end of the book was also valuable and appreciated. I look forward to adding this book to my home and classroom libraries!
briarsreviews's review
3.0
This is a very important book to read! I know I was never really taught how to say no growing up and it became a problem for years (honestly, as an adult I'm still learning!). Teaching kids that they have the power to say no is super important! I think this book is a great way to bring forth some important conversations and have kids understand they have their own rights too. You don't have to do something you really don't feel is comfortable or good to do.
The illustrations in this book are also on point! I really loved the colourful nature and the shaded type of pictures. I think the pictures tie in this story very well.
Overall, this is a must read book if I had to pick one!
Three out of five stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, National Center for Youth Issues and Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
The illustrations in this book are also on point! I really loved the colourful nature and the shaded type of pictures. I think the pictures tie in this story very well.
Overall, this is a must read book if I had to pick one!
Three out of five stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, National Center for Youth Issues and Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
justine_the_wandering_reader's review
5.0
Gosh, what can I say? I wish I had this book when I was younger. Learning that it is ok and that it's not a bad thing to say "No" is so important for children. There was so many things that I did because I didn't know or felt guilty about saying no. This book acts as a guide to empower children to understand that they can say "No" and in ways that are not hurtful to others.
mlinamman's review
4.0
This is a great way to show children that you are allowed to say no to things that don't interest you and how to be firm but respectful when you do.
mreadsbooksnfics's review
4.0
This book is fantastic. Perfect for the kiddos between 7 and 10, this is a great way to teach about consent. About when it is okay and healthy to say no. I adore how this book is written. If I was a librarian, this would be a book I’d highlight for the little older kids to teach them about how to say no and when they need to listen. This book also have a beautiful array of illustrations with diverse characters.