Review of "I Said No!," by Zack and Kimberly King

Review of

I Said No!, by Zack and Kimberly King ISBN 9781878076496


Five out of five stars

 This is a book that should be read by all children and their quality caregivers. Together and not separately so the caregiver can engage the child in a conversation about any physical contact that strays into the area of sexual. One of the most positive aspects of the book is that people at all levels are covered, from the stranger to the friend to close relatives such as an aunt, uncle, brother, sister to grandparent. When I was in elementary school, the emphasis was on “the boogeyman” and “Mr. Stranger Danger.” Females were never mentioned as a threat.

 Actions are coded with red and green flags for inappropriate vs. appropriate touching. The only point that should be more fully explained is the natural curiosity that boys and girls have for each other’s bodies. For example, when I was four, the neighbor girl and I played what we called “pull down pants.” We were both curious and fascinated with the physical differences and wondered why we were different. This was not sexual and should not be considered criminal or somehow damaging. It could only be that if the adults overreact to what the children were doing.