on Goodreads (337)
What’s inside...
Written and illustrated by a fresh new talent, this is the story of a likeable, well-meaning and irrepressible dog and the mystery surrounding his name. Simple, short and punchy, this is a picture book children (and adults) will want to read again and again.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the main character kept saying 'No!'?
How do you feel when you want to say no to something? How do you express it?
What could the character have done differently to solve the problems?
Can you think of a time when saying 'No!' was helpful or necessary?
What would you say to the character if you were in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start a conversation with your child by sharing a personal story of a time you felt like saying 'No!' just like the character. This can help your child open up about their own feelings and thoughts. Encourage them to express why and how they relate to the book’s themes, and validate their feelings by showing empathy and understanding. Be curious and ask follow-up questions to extend the conversation, making it a meaningful exchange.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of expressing emotions
Explanation: The protagonist in 'No!' repeatedly uses the word 'no' as a way to assert his feelings and boundaries, depicting the importance of expressing oneself.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to voice their feelings and opinions in a respectful manner, helping them build healthy communication skills from an early age.
Example Lesson: Understanding the concept of rules
Explanation: Throughout the book, the repeated admonition 'No!' also touches on rules set by authority figures, teaching children why certain guidelines exist.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the necessity of following rules at home, school, or in public places, fostering a sense of responsibility.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of refusal
Explanation: The young character experiences frequent refusals but learns to persist and cope with them, a crucial lesson in resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to handle rejection or negative responses without being discouraged, equipping them with perseverance in challenging situations.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards others' decisions
Explanation: As the story progresses, the child understands the reasons behind the refusals, fostering empathy and perspective-taking.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children to consider others' viewpoints and reasons, enhancing their social interactions and emotional intelligence.