I absolutely loved everything about this book and the awareness it brings in the most simplist way ever. This is definitely something that every child should read and should be in ece classrooms every where

Rating: 5/5 stars.

“I Can Say No” by Jenny Simmons is a beautifully illustrated children’s book with one central theme: how and when to say “No.” This book drives home the message that it is okay to say no, and provides a bunch of different scenarios for when you can and should say no. It also explains that saying no is like a superpower; just because you have the ability to no, does not mean that you should always say it. To explain this, the author references situations with authority, for example, when a parent asks you to clean your room, or a teacher asks you to go to class.

How and when to say no is a vital lesson that I had wished I had learned earlier in my life. The first time I was really taught that it was okay to say no was in a Grade 9 health class, where we learned all about consent and boundaries. It was something I wished I had learned a lot earlier, as I am not a touchy-feely person, but always believed that I had to say yes to everyone and everything, be it an offer of a hug from a relative when I was feeling uncomfortable, or someone asking me to do a favour.

The writing style is simple, with rhymes to help keep the reader's attention. The art is has a charming appeal to it, and I loved the diversity shown in the characters in the pictures. The tips for parents and educators at the end of the book is a crucial addition. Overall, this is an amazing book, that imparts an important lesson that every child should learn as early as possible.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book on NetGalley and have provided an honest review.*

I loved this book! It is a great book to teach children the power of saying no in a way that shows self-respect and respect for others. It gives children the words to do so and even goes over the different feelings that comes saying no. I liked that it gave examples of times when it’s okay to say and times when it’s not okay to say no. There is a resource in the back for adults too that is a great complement to the book. This would be a great resource for both classroom libraries and personal libraries.

This book empowers children to say no. Not ‘no’ to everything, but to the things that might affect their mental health, saying no in order to empower them to feel safe, to feel unpressured. It’s well illustrated with examples too.

This book has such an important message! It's a great way to start the conversation with kids about the many different reasons to say no. I do wish there had been a bit of a callback at the end to the allusion to the main character being a superhero whose superpower is "no", though I did enjoy the no club art project at the end. What I liked most was that it acknowledges the reasons people hesitate to say no, whether it's fear of being rejected or hurting another person's feelings. It even acknowledges that you have a responsibility to "use your no" responsibly and only in appropriate situations, and reminds kids not to back down or change their minds when they believe in their reason for saying no. I loved the diversity of the kids depicted! The tips for educators and parents was also a great addition.

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.

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."

This book had a wonderful message of self-empowerment for children (and adults!). The images and message are clear and delivered in a very relatable way.

The book follows a central character declaring that she does not have to do or say certain things and it adds that the consequences are also not her concern. It is done in such a way that this is not a careless unfeeling book but rather helps the reader embrace their own voice. The reader is empowered to accept that not every decision will please other people but that the goal is to ensure the reader is safe and comfortable.

I also applaud the representation in the book!! There are several different types of people (gender, age, race, ethnicity, ability, etc) depicted! I strongly believe that representation matters and this book sends that message loud and clear.

I plan on getting a copy of this book for my daughter's classroom library as soon as it publishes.

Highly recommend.

This is such an important book for kids to read and even more important in our current time. The illustrations are great and the theme is perfect for an important lesson kids need to learn but is often forgotten. I love that I this book is set up in a way to engage kids , keeping it simple yet the meaning and importance of the message is not lost. The power of saying no is something even adults need to be reminded of and is an often forgotten important life lesson, yet one all people should learn. I strongly recommend this book!

I loved this book! It shows children how they can say NO without being rude and hurtful, but also staying true to themselves. I wish I had a book like this when I was a child. As an adult I still have problems telling others NO!

As an adult that sometimes says yes when I should say no, this book helps teach some important lessons.

It's okay to say no.
When you don't want to do something.
When doing something for someone will overwhelm you
When someone is being bullied.

This book also touches on consent and bodily autonomy.

I enjoyed it and will be reading it to my children.

*Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for this eARC.

This sweet book packs a lot of punch!

The author does a great job of drawing in the reader by talking about a super power and takes something so simple as the word "No" and navigates through many big and important issues that children today face. The story is illustrated with diversity and inclusion thoughtfully laid out and addresses these big issues while also being brief for the type of story that it is.

This is a book is designed in such a way that it can be read to younger children but also given to older children with a little more independent understanding. In many ways each page provides a greater opportunity to discuss many issues.

This is an outstanding picture book that can be used to teach children about both consent and self advocacy. I will be purchasing this book to read aloud to all ages, pre-K to fifth grade. It would also be excellent to use in a small group or individual therapy situation. Five stars, I wish I had been read such a book when I was a child.

This book explains the rights and wrongs of saying no. There are certain situations where it's okay to say no. The book gives examples of proper and polite ways to say no without hurting someone's feelings. You can also say no assertively if you feel you are in danger, or standing up to a bully. The book also provides reasoning when you shouldn't say no. For example, you should respect teachers, parents, and authoritative figures and not argue back. The illustrations are diverse and colorful and holds your attention. Saying no is a powerful tool and anyone can have this superpower.

Thank you Netgalley and Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA)/National Center For Youth Issues for the opportunity to read this book.

I received an electronic ARC from the National Center for Youth Issues through NetGalley.
Simmons takes readers through a variety of scenarios when saying "no" is healthy and wise.
The book begins by talking about how tough this small word is to say and encouraging readers to practice and be okay with saying it. I appreciate the empowering message for readers of all ages with an emphasis on younger readers gaining confidence to speak up for themselves. Speaking up for ourselves and for others takes courage. Simmons helps readers see that sometimes someone else may feel hurt when they say no, but they have to take care of themselves.
Brightly colored illustrations show readers the wide variety of situations they may face in their lives. An excellent family read to spark dialogue.

"I can't control other people; I can only control me"
This book teaches kids the power of the word no. How they should be able to stick up for what they want and voice it. I think it covers the subject very well and is a great tool to have.

This book will serve as a great tool that educator and parents can use to help their children/students the basics of consent. The characters are diverse. There is a section in the back of the book to support parents and educators reading this book. If there was a way to improve this book - it would be to add discussion questions for students/children.

What an AWESOME and NECESSARY Children’s Book!!! I loved the way Jenny Simmons tackles learning the different ways you can say no and what it looks like in certain social settings with examples. Learning positive self-talk as a child will help children grow to be confident, strong individuals who have good self worth. Jenny Simmons addresses positive self-talk throughout this entire book. This book also addresses braveness, telling the truth, when it is not acceptable to say no, and keeping your no’s in check. It helps children learn the beginnings to boundary setting which is something most adults still struggle with. I love how the author relates your no as superpower. The pictures, words, and layout of the book are inviting and will be great talking points to continue the conversation outside of the text. Readers will be able to ask more questions and expand on what they read about. I love the tips for educators and parents guide in the back of the book. What a cool resource!! As a previous foster mom, turned adoptive mom, turned Foster Parent Trainer, turned CASA volunteer working with children who have been abused and/or neglected, I can honestly say….this book will change lives! All children (and adults) need to learn the concept of being able to say “no.”
Jenny Simmons, thank you for the gift of this book. I cannot wait to get this book in the hands of some of the children I work with, as well as my own children. Thank you NetGalley, National Center for Youth Issues, and Jenny Simmons for a free eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#ICanSayNo #NetGalley

I liked the topic of the book a lot. I think it's very important to teach kids how to say no. I read this to my 4-year-old and 6-year old kids. They couldn't understand all the examples offered in the book (e.g. like saying no if you didn't want to volunteer to help save the reptiles), but it was still a good way for us to discuss the topic of saying no. At one point, after a series of examples of when you can and should say no, the author says "sometimes you can't say no...like with chores and homework". I think that's a bit confusing. I would have preferred if the author had said that you can say no, but that there are consequences for not doing your part or not doing work that you should be doing.
I thought the book was a bit too long. I usually judge kids' books by whether or not I am going to enjoy reading and re-reading it. My kids wanted to hear it again but I didn't feel like reading it again. So I give it a 3.5-star rating.

Books like this are the reason the young generation will change how society is run. I love this. Being true to yourself is so important. Beautiful illustrations, and beautiful story.