Even reading as an adult, I very much enjoyed this story where we follow a young boy who feels many emotions as he processes what the word “no” truly means. I love that it teaches that saying no to your children and setting boundaries is not to diminish who they are, but to correct a behavior. I think this is such an important story to read to your children, young and old to help them understand all their big emotions, alongside some beautiful illustrations.

Thanks NetGalley for an E-Copy for my unbiased review.

Remember when I say NO. It's no to a behaviour and YES to you.

It can be difficult for a child to hear the word no. It is very personal to them. It is important for parents and those in authority what No might mean to them and how you can turn a No to a Yes and have positive results for everyone. It is not spoiling a child but learning together how to deal with anger, rejection, and not having control. We all can learn from this little book.

A special thank you to American Psychological Association and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was a great book to show kids and adults how kids cope when hearing the word no. This book seems to be geared towards kiddos the age of 3-6. The illustrations were also very pretty! Truly enjoyed this book!

#HowIFeelWhenIHearNO #NetGalley

I know every parent knows how hard it is when you have to tell your little ones NO. Especially to those who have littles who may not understand feelings the way others do. This wonderful book helps explain to my little one how we can find the best ways to turn NO into yes and to better understand why NO might be the best answer sometimes. The story tells how one child feels inside when they hear the word NO or they are told they can’t have or do something. I love the metaphors and the amazing descriptions that the author used to show how those big feelings might feel. My son said that those are how he feels, “like a raging volcano, about to erupt.” It was great that the story connects with children and their real emotions, even if they don’t understand why they are feeling this way. The story also shows the child that they can find comfort in the adults in their life and they are there for them. They show them ways to cope with those big feelings like breathing exercises. The author includes a guide in the back to help parents/guardians better understand what the child may be going through and ways we can help them cope and get through those hard times. I absolutely love this book. We received it as an ARC ebook but I will be adding to our home collection. I recommend this book to use in classrooms as well.

A great SEL tool to help teach children boundaries and that No isn't always a bad thing.
Beautiful artwork. Lovely metaphors.

This is such a thoughtful, engaging, well-written book about the feelings young kids (and sometimes all of us) feel when they hear no. It helped me understand my four-year-old's feelings about being told no and why he reacts the way he does. He doesn't like to talk about his big feelings so this book was a window into his experiences. I loved the illustrations and how even when the kid was having a hard time the mom was a steady, calm presence. I love how she responded at the end about how it was a no to a behavior but always a yes to her son as a person and that it's okay to have big feelings. The ending of the mom and son being together and turning a no into a yes and riding a dragon together was such a great view of repair and moving on from the event. I highly recommend this one for all kids, parents, classrooms, libraries, etc. I'll definitely be reading this one with my son over and over!

I received an ARC of "How I Feel When I Say No" in exchange for an honest review. Perfect for 3-7 year olds, this book uses a series of imaginative metaphors to demonstrate the big feelings that come with being told "no" by a grown up. I imagine this book is extremely validating to young children, to have the big feelings they regularly experience depicted in a fun and engaging way. Similar to other books by Magination Press, there is a note at the end to help parents/caregivers understand why big feelings occur and how they can help children work through them in a healthy, effective method. I'm really glad they include this because the story does not provide suggestions for children (since all young children can do is wait until the emotions subside to think clearly again).

The images are colorful and interesting to look at though the character representation admittedly lacks diversity. Younger and neurodivergent audiences may struggle with the metaphors, but older preschool children will have a blast acting out being a raging volcano or angry wizard. Overall, this is a book I would keep stocked in an early learning center or elementary school.

I love that this explores all the different feelings that hearing "no" may dredge up in a child, gives it a tangible description, but also validates those feelings. The artwork was so beautiful too

"How I Feel When I Hear NO" is a delightful and imaginative exploration of a common childhood emotion – the frustration and anger that often accompanies hearing the word "no." This book creatively conveys a child's perspective, allowing young readers to relate to and understand their own feelings better.

The use of imaginative metaphors, such as turning into a dragon, a mischievous wizard, or a raging volcano, effectively illustrates the intensity of a child's emotions when faced with denial. The story highlights the rollercoaster of emotions kids can experience and the potential for those emotions to make them want to "destroy everything in their path." This portrayal is both relatable and a helpful way for children to express their feelings.

What makes this book truly valuable is its emphasis on the importance of a parent's guidance in helping children cope with these intense emotions. The message that, with a parent's help, children can find a way to turn a "NO" into a "YES" is a valuable lesson for both kids and their caregivers.

The inclusion of a Reader's Note with information on helping children manage significant emotions related to hearing "no" adds an extra layer of usefulness to this book. It serves as a helpful resource for parents, caregivers, and educators seeking to facilitate constructive discussions about managing and understanding these feelings.

"How I Feel When I Hear NO" is a four-star book that provides an engaging, imaginative, and educational journey for children and their parents. It effectively addresses a common childhood challenge and offers valuable insights into navigating and transforming negative emotions into positive solutions.

Thanks NetGalley for the preview!

I loved this book about big feelings and how to cope. The illustrations were so beautiful as well! The metaphors will be so helpful for kiddos with big feelings.

a picture book about kids learning that sometimes hearing the word 'no' is actually a good thing. And it does it in a way that kids can understand.

The I said no to your behavior not you. Got me I was like I must now say this every time. I was also able to say something to my child we often say. That it is okay to have big feelings

How I Feel When I Hear NO
Ronit Farzam

Written to help parents and children to understand boundaries. This social emotional learning resource is helpful for parent teacher night. either as a demonstration, parent resource or option for parents to share with students. The book shows children that anger is not the response to being denied something. The book also shows parents that boundaries are important and that having them is showing love. This is needed for parents to understand the child's point of view, and the child to see that parents love them even if they deny something.

I love the illustrations in this book and the main loving message of saying no to a behavior, and yes to you. It’s a sweet way to explain big feelings and that love is always still there. I received a free copy of this book from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.