Ok. Let me start by saying that there is a definite need for children’s books that are age appropriate and that teach them about ownership of their bodies and to give them details on what to do if someone (in fact, anyone) tries to touch them inappropriately. However, writing (and illustrating) such a book is an incredibly difficult thing to do.

In NO NO SQUARE the author depicts monsters as the "people" who want to do bad things. The problem with this is that children can be quite literal. They see a blue monster in a book and are told that the monster wants to do bad things, so they are on the lookout for blue monsters, not people.

Yes, the written words say that the cousin is bad, but the picture again shows a monster. I think this could easily go over the heads of children. It might have been better if the illustrations showed that regular people are the ones who might hurt them, not colorful monsters. However,  this is just my humble opinion. 

I gave the author A for effort and kudos for wanting to help teach children that their bodies are private. This is an exceptionally difficult subject, yet it is an important one.

I did like the illustrations, I just disagree with the choice of depicting the danger as coming from "monsters." As adults are all to aware, people are more dangerous than any other species.

I rate NO NO SQUARE as 3 out of 5 Stars ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 

*** Thank you to #NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this book. ***

This book bravely tackles a subject that not many others dare to go close to. A brilliant, repetitive lesson that will stick with children, and I feel is important for them to learn early on.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an e-book of "No No Square" in exchange for an honest review.

My child was learning about personal safety this week at school, so I figured it would be a good time to read this book at home. It's one thing to have a discussion with your children about inappropriate behavior and what to watch out for, but putting it in a less scary way, such at this book, makes it a bit more relatable to them.

The rhyme sounds silly BUT it's made to be easy to remember for children and I think that really resonates with kids.

I felt a bit awkward reading the book at times, because it is an uncomfortable topic to read-a-loud about BUT
this is the type of lesson that is so important. As parents we must impress upon our children the importance of protecting themselves and telling an adult if someone tries to do something inappropriate to them.