Big Kids No Everything

Starred review from February 13, 2023
In this delightfully fizzy board book exploration of refusal’s power, the “no” of the title is meant quite literally. Rendered by Kirwan (Baby Bug) in fluid black lines and portrayed with various skin tones, the title’s so-called “big kids”—all of whom appear to relish resistance—resemble preschoolers. Following an initial spread that shows a passel of children each saying “No” via speech bubbles, categories of the word unspool across the pages. “There are small nos...” opens text next to a portrait of a child retreating from a cactus, holding an apparently poked finger to their face. A page later, “there are BIG nos” is pictured as another child scowling fearlessly from the palm of a smiling, Godzilla-size creature. The descriptions continue (refutations brave and timid, “nudie-tudie,” and “won’t-let-go”) before a turn probes the important work that the word “no” performs: “When you’re a big kid, all of this NOing is part of GROWing.” Kirwin embraces the idea that “no” isn’t so much chaotic rebellion as it is an important stepping stone to autonomy—an idea that’s bound to earn a “yes” from its listeners. Ages 1–5. Agent: Nicole Tugeau, Tugeau 2.

Starred review from March 15, 2023
Learn the power and potential of the word no. Many picture books extol the virtues of yes. Take that bath! Eat those veggies! But here, Kirwan takes a more nuanced view by savvily recasting proclamations of no into empowering statements. Set against crisp white backgrounds, the loose, sketchy, digitally created vignettes show a variety of relatable scenarios, while bold outlining provides eye-catching contrast. A cast of whimsical and diverse cartoon-style children have vibrant, expressive faces that show readers how it's gonna go. Sometimes that friend with the oversized cymbals deserves that "Loud no." There's a regretful "no" over a ruined kite. A "small no" after a run-in with a cactus. Evocatively shaped and sized speech bubbles help communicate mood and tone. Some pages speak to caregivers--who hasn't experienced the "hangry no" supermarket slump? Others will tickle children and adults alike, like a scene in which a feisty child streaks naked from the bathtub. Some "no"s are personal, like rejecting a gnarly pair of striped pants, while others, like a group of kiddos with protest signs, are a "very important no." By reminding readers that saying no isn't automatically negative but rather "part of growing" and developing self and autonomy, Kirwan showcases an oft-overlooked step in "learning how to be a big kid." (This book was reviewed digitally.) A fresh and charming take on "growing a voice." This "no" book is a big yes. (Board book. 2-5)

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November 17, 2023

PreS-K-Anyone who has ever interacted with a child knows just how prevalent the word "no" can be. Whether the "no" itself is loud, soft, or somewhere in between, learning to express oneself in this way is an important step in the journey to the independence that comes from being a "big kid." This delightful picture book is as much for caregivers as it is for children, since the primary message of the story is that while a child's refusal can lead to times of frustration, learning to say "no" is critical to that child's healthy development. Limited in both words and images, the book itself permits readers to focus on its message through its intentionally pointed delivery. Clever use of page design directs the reader's attention to specific moments, and laughter is a frequent result of the book's images. This presentation invites readers to discuss with one another exactly why a child would say "no" in the manner depicted, and what feelings they might be experiencing in those situations. A range of skin colors appear on the faces of the children, which expands the potential audience for this story. VERDICT This lovely story is a charming investigation of the social-emotional elements that arise as young children are growing into their independence; a recommended book for families to enjoy together.-Mary R. Lanni

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