Today is Friday! And that means it’s time for a picture book review.
If you live or work with young children, there is a word that you probably hear very often. That word is…NO.
NO!
Written by Tracey Corderoy
Illustrated by Tim Warnes
Publisher: Little Tiger Press (2013)
Ages: 2-7
Themes:
Stubborness, self-control, socialization
Opening Lines:
“Otto was adorable. Everybody said so. Then Otto learned a brand-new word.”
Synopsis:
From Booklist:
“A new favorite word and a feeling of being in control lead a young rhino into several unsatisfying situations. Otto has expanded his vocabulary and learns to say “no” emphatically. He tries his new word out at home and at school. Though Otto lives in a loving household and attends a pleasant preschool, his parents and his teacher, a pink flamingo, are shocked by the toddler’s sudden negative attitude and stubbornness. Feeling powerful soon leads to Otto being excluded from many potentially enjoyable situations because he uses his new word indiscriminately. After a less than satisfying day at school, and with a hug and sympathy from his father, the youngster understands it is better to use that word sparingly.”
Why I like this book:
- Simple read-aloud
- Brightly colored illustrations with lots of action
- EVERY child and parent will be able to relate to this story
How a parent can use this book:
- Great read-aloud
- Talk about how ‘no’ is an important that should be used at certain times – when should we say no – when should we say yes
- Role-play with your child using the situations in the book – let your child think of other situations
Related Activity:
Make a Rhino Face Mask
You will need: Construction paper, paper plate, scissors, markers, glue.
- You can go to http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/rhinoscraftsideasactivitieskids.html and print out the template of the rhino mask.
- Or you can use a paper plate and cut out the eyes, nostrils, ears and horn from construction paper and glue them on the plate.
- If you want it to be a mask, you can cut out the center of the eyes.
If you are looking for more great picture book suggestions, hop over to Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog where you will find a bunch more hand-picked picture book reviews with activities for you and your child. If you are a mom, teacher or librarian, please check out Susanna’s amazing Perfect Picture Book page with over 1000 categorized picture book reviews and activities.
I hope you will be back on MONDAY for a SPECIAL HALLOWEEN POST!
I’ll be sharing my entry for Susanna Hill’s Halloweensie Contest (yes, there is still time for you to write a children’s story of 100 words or less) and I’ll also be posting a book review of Barbara Gruener’s What’s Under Your Cape, a marvelous resource for parents and teachers!
What a fun book for kids/parents with such a universal topic. Great for young children. This would pair easily with Julia Cook’s book “I Just Don’t Like the Sound of NO!” Love your activities.
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I Just Don’t Like the Sound of No…wow…that book sounds great also. Thanks for the kind words, Pat!
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So cute! It will go nicely with my 4 year old’s current favorite, “No, David.”
Looking forward to reading your Halloweensie tale! I am in awe of anyone who can tell a story in 100 words – I am generally much too verbose for that!
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Not easy for any of us, Katey! It’s going to be so much fun. 😉
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That rhino is so cute I wanna squeeze him! Looking forward to Monday! I just started mine thins morning – yikes!
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Yikes! But knowing you, Julie, you will pull an awesome Halloweensie story out of the hat.
Speaking of stories…guess what I pulled out of the mailbox this morning? Your FABULOUS book!!!!! I LOVE the illustrations…and thank you for the inscription…and the author signed it as well! Sophie will treasure it. 😉
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Thanks for letting me know!
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Rhino? I’m there. Can you say, favorit animal!
Seriously, it sounds like Tracey has hit on pibo gold. Thanks.
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I’ll have to remember that rhinos are your favorite…I’ll see if I can find some other rhino stories, Joanne. 🙂
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Terrific for the very young. He looks so cute and naughty!
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The illustrations are super, Joanna…and the message is great for kids. 🙂
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I’m sure this is a book which all children can relate to. And what adorable illustrations! Thanks for sharing, Vivian.
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I think it is a great book for parents as well…it helps us realize that ALL kids are like this. The illustrations are precious, I agree, Jarm.
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My grandchildren–now 11 and 10–are too old for this, but I’ve put it on my list anyway. We had a bookcase of “Maybe” books (books they might like to read) and I just have to get this one. They both made the most of the word “No” as they toddled around, and I think it will be a great memory jogger for the family to share “No” stories with the children.
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Yup..no is definitely one of the favorite words. Thanks, Marylin…I’m glad you discovered the book here. 😉
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Sounds adorable! Love the cover and the rhino mask is too cute 🙂
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Thanks, Penny…I love using simple arts and crafts stuff with young kids…they don’t need expensive toys…just a couple of good books and a small box of paper, crayons, scissors and glue. 🙂
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What a title! Really catches the eye, doesn’t it? Great message he soon learns. Thanks for sharing, Vivan!
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This sounds funny and very helpful. 🙂
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Boy! I used to hear that word A LOT!! But not so much anymore. Looks like a cute book. Thanks!
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I’ve got a little almost-two-year-old I’d love to share this book with! 🙂 Thanks for sharing this at Booknificent Thursday on Mommynificent.com!
Tina
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They love the word ‘no’, don’t they, Tina? It’s always fun to participate on your book link up. 🙂
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