The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration - Book Sixty-Six

Lately the news has been full of stories about people demonstrating in the streets of cities in Egypt, Libya and other countries in the Middle East. Again and again we have heard about how the people in these countries are saying NO to their governments and leaders. They are no longer  willing to tolerate governments and leaders who refuse to listen to their demands. They refuse to be bullied and pushed around.

Today's picture book is about a little boy who says no. It is powerful and conveys a message that readers of all ages will appreciate

No!

David McPhail

Wordless Picture Book

For ages 5 and up

Roaring Brook, 2009, 978-1-59643-288-8

   A little boy has written a letter to the president and he is now ready to post it. He puts on his coat, hat, and mittens, and he walks down the street to the post box. As he is walking down the street, military aircraft fly overhead and they bomb some houses on a hill nearby. Then a tank drives up the street and it blows up on of the houses. Soldiers march past and as they boy watches, they break into a house, terrifying the people who live inside.

   Further down the street, the little boy sees that a big boy is leaning against the postbox. The big boy knocks off his hat and is about to strike him when the little boy says “No!” He is not going to tolerate another act of aggression. He is putting his foot down.

   We live in a world where there is so much bullying. We see it in schools and we see it on the national and international level. In this picture book, David McPhail uses one word (the only word in the book) to show readers of all ages that we don’t have to tolerate bullying. We can say “NO!” and show that we are not going to put up with violence any longer. With its empowering message of hope and David McPhail’s wonderful illustrations, this is a book that will resonate with readers of all ages.