I Can Say No by Jenny Simmons is a wonderful book to teach children assertiveness and autonomy. It's target audience is elementary-school aged children. It gives specific examples of how to decline things you don't want to do, e.g. activities with friends, physical contact with others, situations in which you are uncomfortable. It is a quick book to read, but some of the content is a little nuanced. It encourages children to think about their values, like honesty, integrity, etc. It also encourages children to consider their autonomy as people and encourages boundaries and respect. The last page also includes tips for parents/educators, which is very helpful. This is a truly wonderful resource to discuss autonomy, boundaries, and values with children.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC.

Attractively illustrated book with a great message on how to say no even when it is hard to do. I've ordered a copy for my kids based on his reading!

A very empowering book of how it is ok to say "no". A young girl learns not to be pressured into doing things that she does not want to do and things that are not right. A wonderful lesson to learn. Great for kids of all ages. I highly recommend it. Thanks #netgalley for the early review copy. I loved it.

A great book for kids! It teaches them that saying No can be a great thing. It helps illustrate situations and examples of when to say No and why its okay to say no. Its a helpful book and the art was delightful!

*Thanks Netgalley for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

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 truly enjoyed reading this book with my son. He has trouble saying no for the "right" reasons. The author made the concept of "no" easy to understand. The author makes the reader understands that "no" is a powerful word and can be used for good and bad. At first I was hestitate because the auther kept saying that "no" is powerful and should be used proudly but did not put boundaries in place. I really appreciate that there is a section in the book that specifically tells the reader that "no" should not be used in disrespect or to get out of doing tasks such as homework and chores.

I believe that this would be a good classroom book for teachers to have and read to students each year.

I loved this children's book! It is so important to teach children and young people that they are in control of their own lives. So many adults cannot say no to things, and the sooner we learn that saying no can benefit our happiness, the better!

This book is FANTASTIC. I have been talking with my kids a LOT about the topic of saying no, and the pressure to lie to not hurt someone's feelings, and how that isn't on us to manage others feelings. I love that it has a discussion guide at the end, and ties in respect. The response to the pickle juice and the response to the teacher in the hallway both struck my kids as rude, so I would have preferred those to also be kind. The diversity in the illustrations is also nice to see. Overall, I love this approach and am going to pre-order copies for some friends as well. All kids would benefit from the approach this book takes to no!

Wow. I wish I would have had this book when I was growing up. As a big people pleaser, I have said Yes to many things when I wanted to say No. What a valuable lesson to teach children. I especially appreciated the part where the author says you don't have to give a reason for your No. I always feel like I need to give an excuse, which leads to me saying Yes when I don't want to.
I read this book to my children, ages 11-14. Even though this is a picture book, it's message is for everyone. It prompted great discussion and they are even referencing it when I ask them to watch a movie with me that they don't want to watch - lol!
I love the message of this book. The artwork is beautiful, and I love the diversity. This book is for everyone.

This is a small book with a big message. Learning to say no is something every child should learn how to do. This book would make a great starting point for discussions about setting boundaries and limits for ourselves, and saying no to things that feel wrong. The illustrations are attractive and there is a lot going on in each page. I would buy this book for a friend or family member.

What a great book! And such an important topic.
The author wonderfully touches various situations when it is important for us, to be able to say: NO - but also moments, when unfortunately - we cannot say: NO and rather, have to follow (e.g. doing homework, tidying up the room, etc.).

This book will help children to identify various situations and also learn that saying: NO sometimes, is necessary to protect oneself or to be able to isolate oneself for reflection, allowing yourself to feel sad and angry - before being able to come out & be all happy again.

How I wish this book had been available back then, when I was a little child. But society was not ready for this message yet, all those years ago.

This book does a wonderful job of giving examples of reasons to say no and reasons it is ok to say no. I think it is important or kids to understand that no means no at a young age and that they can say no without dealing with peer pressure.

I wish I could’ve had this book to read as a child.

This book teaches the crucial lesson that it's okay to say “no” and that “no” is final. The illustrations are lovely and the diversity really warmed my heart.

No is such an important word for children to learn. I'm glad there is a book that tells a child it's ok to say no - that no is complete sentence.

Saying no without guilt is an important lesson all children should learn. They touch on not being disrespectful and how saying no frees up your time for the yes in your life. This book's illustrations have diverse children and adults depicted. Would recommend it for all children.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley & National Center for Youth Issues via
Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA).