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NO Is All I Know!
Do you know anyone like Oliver McSnow...who only knows the word NO?!
Introducing a story about the AMAZING power of YES! This universally relatable picture book about toddlerhood from the New York Times bestselling team behind No More Naps! will elicit laughs from kids and their grown-ups everywhere!
Oliver McSnow ONLY says NO. He says NO so much that his NO starts to grow. And grow and GROW...until that NO is out of control! No baths. No brushing teeth. No cleaning up. No bedtime! Morning, noon, and night--it's just NO, NO, NOOOOOOOOOO!
But then Oliver's cousin visits. Jess loves the word YES. YES to friends! YES to food. YES to fun! YES, YES, YES, YES, YESSSSS! And suddenly, Oliver's world gets opened up in a most wonderful way!
Introducing a story about the AMAZING power of YES! This universally relatable picture book about toddlerhood from the New York Times bestselling team behind No More Naps! will elicit laughs from kids and their grown-ups everywhere!
Oliver McSnow ONLY says NO. He says NO so much that his NO starts to grow. And grow and GROW...until that NO is out of control! No baths. No brushing teeth. No cleaning up. No bedtime! Morning, noon, and night--it's just NO, NO, NOOOOOOOOOO!
But then Oliver's cousin visits. Jess loves the word YES. YES to friends! YES to food. YES to fun! YES, YES, YES, YES, YESSSSS! And suddenly, Oliver's world gets opened up in a most wonderful way!
40 pages, Hardcover
Published May 16, 2023
4 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Chris Grabenstein
104books2,407followersCHRIS GRABENSTEIN is a #1 New York Times bestselling author. His books include the LEMONCELLO, WONDERLAND, HAUNTED MYSTERY, DOG SQUAD, and SMARTEST KID IN THE UNIVERSE series, and many fun and funny page-turners co-authored with James Patterson. You can visit Chris at ChrisGrabenstein.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
November 29, 2023
Thanksgiving weekend family picture book read-aloud fun! (Book 4 of 13.)
A child who says "No!" to everything discovers how that might be limiting his enjoyment of life.
I'm a big fan of "No!" myself, so I'm saying "No!" to this book. And that gives me joy.
A child who says "No!" to everything discovers how that might be limiting his enjoyment of life.
I'm a big fan of "No!" myself, so I'm saying "No!" to this book. And that gives me joy.
August 26, 2024
Fantastic book for toddlers stuck in their “NO” phase.
While “no” is an appropriate answer, it helped my toddler understand that “yes” is an option and now he uses them both more mindfully.
Highly recommend to any struggling parents lol
While “no” is an appropriate answer, it helped my toddler understand that “yes” is an option and now he uses them both more mindfully.
Highly recommend to any struggling parents lol
June 24, 2023
This book is genius! I bet kids will want to read it over and over again.
November 11, 2024
Please note that this is a rating from a 5yo without adult input. Adult selected this book, hoping to break the pattern of no in the household. 5yo did not hear the power of yes. Instead, they have taken this no character as their biggest inspiration and role model in life. The no is even more adamant than before. The only difference is that now there is a gleeful smirk with a request for mac and cheese.
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June 14, 2023Ha, this book was cute. I really liked how the colors brightened when they switched their answers to yes. And no made sense at the end when it meant yes. That was clever. I really wish they would have asked, Do you want macaroni and cheese and seen what he said, but that's probably too complicated for this book.
November 11, 2023
No is a strong word but Yes is more powerful. Love the illustrations.
October 30, 2023
Oliver only knows "no". His response to everything from activities to ice cream is NO. Oliver's NO is very strong, until his cousin Jess coves to play. Jess loves "yes", so as Oliver plays with Jess, he learns that perhaps YES is better than NO.
This is a fantastic picture book to help children understand how to try new things and talk about why they should try new things. This book is also helpful for toddlers learning sight words. I read it with my 3-year old, and he read "no" every time the word came on the page. This is the first Chris Grabenstein picture book I have read, but I enjoy his middle-grade titles, and I look forward to reading more of his work.
This is a fantastic picture book to help children understand how to try new things and talk about why they should try new things. This book is also helpful for toddlers learning sight words. I read it with my 3-year old, and he read "no" every time the word came on the page. This is the first Chris Grabenstein picture book I have read, but I enjoy his middle-grade titles, and I look forward to reading more of his work.
October 26, 2023
Young Oliver Mc Snow always says"NO" to whatever he is asked. His responses become increasingly . vehement until he "had the world's strongest NO!" One day, his cousin Jess comes to play with him .
Jess is a cheerful little boy who has a "super powerful YES!". Jess takes Oliver outside to play where Oliver's world becomes full of fun and friends. His adventures with Jess show him that saying "yes"is a lot more fun than saying "no".The large , colorful illustrations are cartoon-like and so expressive that the story becomes very funny. Both young children and parents will be able to relate to Oliver' antics and be entertained by them.
Jess is a cheerful little boy who has a "super powerful YES!". Jess takes Oliver outside to play where Oliver's world becomes full of fun and friends. His adventures with Jess show him that saying "yes"is a lot more fun than saying "no".The large , colorful illustrations are cartoon-like and so expressive that the story becomes very funny. Both young children and parents will be able to relate to Oliver' antics and be entertained by them.
July 27, 2023
This book reminds me of so many kids (maybe even some I am related to.) I can see this as a great read-aloud! Between this and No More Naps, it's like Grabenstein was stalking my family at one point or another.
June 25, 2023
I do like the premise of the book. And the book definitely rings true for a lot of kids! But it's just not necessarily a great book.
August 8, 2023
Copy provided by Young Adult Books Central
Oliver McSnow says "no!" to just about everything that's asked of him. He says it frequently, and with increasing vigor. It doesn't really matter what is asked; Oliver says "no", and seems to be a deeply unhappy child, and his actions make his family, including his cat, unhappy, too. His choices become very limited, since he doesn't want to do anything, won't go to sleep, and will only eat macaroni and cheese. When his cousin Jess comes to visit, he is surprised that Jess says "yes" with the same frequency. Oliver goes along with his cousin because he is too tired to fight him, and has a surprisingly good time playing, meeting dogs, eating new foods, and generally expanding his world view. At the end of the day, when Jess asks if Oliver will continue to say "no" all the time, Oliver shows that his cousin has been a positive influence on him.
It was hard to watch Oliver's behavior at the beginning of the book, as it was so disruptive and the parents clearly did not know how to change it, but it was good to see that Jess is able to convince (or possibly just steamroll!) Oliver into trying new things.
The most impressive part of the book is how Espinosa's illustrations show Oliver's emotions, and how he looks almost like a completely different character at the end of the book. The illustrations are bright and clear, and have plenty of white space in the background so that the words are clear and easy to read.
This will be an important book for readers of a certain age, say two to three year olds, who are at the developmental stage where they are purposefully cantankerous, even when it is to their own detriment. If this book is not enough, the bibliotherapy to help with negative emotions can continue with Shannon's classic, No, David! (although it is the mother saying "no"!), Hale's board book I'm Grumpy, or Higgins' Mother Bruce.
Bonus points for me for not channeling my mother and titling my review of this "Oliver gets himself smacked upside the head". ; )
Oliver McSnow says "no!" to just about everything that's asked of him. He says it frequently, and with increasing vigor. It doesn't really matter what is asked; Oliver says "no", and seems to be a deeply unhappy child, and his actions make his family, including his cat, unhappy, too. His choices become very limited, since he doesn't want to do anything, won't go to sleep, and will only eat macaroni and cheese. When his cousin Jess comes to visit, he is surprised that Jess says "yes" with the same frequency. Oliver goes along with his cousin because he is too tired to fight him, and has a surprisingly good time playing, meeting dogs, eating new foods, and generally expanding his world view. At the end of the day, when Jess asks if Oliver will continue to say "no" all the time, Oliver shows that his cousin has been a positive influence on him.
It was hard to watch Oliver's behavior at the beginning of the book, as it was so disruptive and the parents clearly did not know how to change it, but it was good to see that Jess is able to convince (or possibly just steamroll!) Oliver into trying new things.
The most impressive part of the book is how Espinosa's illustrations show Oliver's emotions, and how he looks almost like a completely different character at the end of the book. The illustrations are bright and clear, and have plenty of white space in the background so that the words are clear and easy to read.
This will be an important book for readers of a certain age, say two to three year olds, who are at the developmental stage where they are purposefully cantankerous, even when it is to their own detriment. If this book is not enough, the bibliotherapy to help with negative emotions can continue with Shannon's classic, No, David! (although it is the mother saying "no"!), Hale's board book I'm Grumpy, or Higgins' Mother Bruce.
Bonus points for me for not channeling my mother and titling my review of this "Oliver gets himself smacked upside the head". ; )
August 29, 2023
First sentence: Oliver McSnow would always say no!
no matter what you asked him.
Did he brush is teeth? NO!
Was he hungry? NO!
Would he clean up his mess? NO!
Did he want to swing on the swings? NO!
Oliver said NO! so many times...his NO! started to grow.
Premise/plot: NO! Is All I Know stars a [stubborn] toddler named Oliver. NO is his word of choice for almost all situations. He does manage somehow someway to always say yes to macaroni and cheese. But perhaps his parents just don't ask him if he wants it. Each spread offers an opportunity to laugh. The no-situation is being slightly exaggerated, in my opinion.
My thoughts: I LOVED this one. Is it for kids? Is it for adults? Is it for everyone? Parents have at the very least two options--neither good for the exact-in-the-moment-nowness of a fit--laugh or cry. Can you find the humor--at some point in time--in the situation? Because, to be honest and fair, many fit-throwing situations are ridiculous....later. This book doesn't illustrate HOW his parents handle the no-ness of it all. This focuses solely on Oliver. [Which I think is probably the best call. A book about the parents deciding HOW to deal with Oliver would be a lot less funny. Though definitely realistic for them to come up with a game plan.) It is written as a comedy.
I do like that Oliver meets his cousin (who always says yes) and the situation begins to resolve. Is it realistic? No. Is it fun? Mostly.
no matter what you asked him.
Did he brush is teeth? NO!
Was he hungry? NO!
Would he clean up his mess? NO!
Did he want to swing on the swings? NO!
Oliver said NO! so many times...his NO! started to grow.
Premise/plot: NO! Is All I Know stars a [stubborn] toddler named Oliver. NO is his word of choice for almost all situations. He does manage somehow someway to always say yes to macaroni and cheese. But perhaps his parents just don't ask him if he wants it. Each spread offers an opportunity to laugh. The no-situation is being slightly exaggerated, in my opinion.
My thoughts: I LOVED this one. Is it for kids? Is it for adults? Is it for everyone? Parents have at the very least two options--neither good for the exact-in-the-moment-nowness of a fit--laugh or cry. Can you find the humor--at some point in time--in the situation? Because, to be honest and fair, many fit-throwing situations are ridiculous....later. This book doesn't illustrate HOW his parents handle the no-ness of it all. This focuses solely on Oliver. [Which I think is probably the best call. A book about the parents deciding HOW to deal with Oliver would be a lot less funny. Though definitely realistic for them to come up with a game plan.) It is written as a comedy.
I do like that Oliver meets his cousin (who always says yes) and the situation begins to resolve. Is it realistic? No. Is it fun? Mostly.
April 27, 2023
From the creative team behind the previous picture book, No More Naps, this title follows young Oliver McSnow, a boy who uses one word--NO!--quite effectively. Oliver is so fond of this negative utterance that he even says no to treats and activities that just about anyone would find enjoyable. The arrival of his friend, Jess, puts him back on the right track since Jess introduces him to the wonders awaiting those who embrace anything new and say yes instead of no. While the plot and conclusion are fairly obvious to anyone who has read a children's picture book, the text is written in an engaging, lively fashion, and the illustrations, created using a pencil and Adobe Photoshop, and the book design itself are outstanding. Featuring a stubborn youngster whose facial expression and stance epitomize his refusal to relent to any request, even the smallest, as well as pages in which the letters of that NO grow larger and larger, at one point taking up almost the entire page, and being repeated on other pages. Readers will want to check out the endpapers, consisting of several no's and only one yes on the back endpaper. But it stands out against the rest. There's an important message nestled in the pages of this picture book, and it's a certainty that most of us know an Oliver McSnow or two who could benefit from reading this book and turning their own no's into the affirmative.
November 13, 2023
Bursting with super entertaining facial expressions and copious NO! interjections in the art, NO IS ALL I KNOW! has a supremely cheeky and entertaining voice, a very relatable MC, and totally non-didactic writing. This book is such a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike, who will immediately recognize the oh-so-common NO! response by the young MC, and will appreciate how this story subtly shows how habits can form and the pros of keeping an open versus closed mind. Be prepared to giggle over the kid vs. parent humor, and to cheer over the positive power of YES! Such an excellent and entertaining picture book!
May 18, 2024
I read this book as an adult reader for the AR Diamond book award. This book has been on my to-read list for a little while now. The author is so phenomenal at writing for middle grade, I knew I had to read his picture book as soon as I could get my hands on it. The story is very funny overall. The illustrations are just right for this book. They compliment the text in such a way that allows the reader to easily flow from page to page. Sometimes saying no is not fun at all. Saying yes is most often WAY more fun!
Warning: There’s a naked little boy butt in this one. Just the butt, nothing else. I guess that could offend someone out there.
Warning: There’s a naked little boy butt in this one. Just the butt, nothing else. I guess that could offend someone out there.
October 26, 2024
“No Is All I Know” is a delightful children's book that follows the journey of a young boy named Oliver, who stubbornly rejects everything with a firm "no." From everyday tasks like brushing his teeth and taking baths to fun activities like playing on the swings, Oliver's refusal to engage leaves him isolated in his own world. However, when his cousin Jess, a cheerful advocate of saying "yes," visits, everything changes. Jess encourages Oliver to try new and exciting activities, challenging his negative mindset. This engaging story not only entertains children but also teaches valuable lessons about openness and the joy of new experiences, making it a perfect read for families.
June 14, 2023
Having read a number of chapter books by Chris Grabenstein this picture book caught my eye. No can be a very powerful word and difficult to get out of the habit of saying as the main character shows us. When not given a choice but forced to see what the answer yes can do it is fun to see the changes in the character. The illustrations also crack me up - especially the poor cat. Not only is this a fun book to read to a class, it's great to think about the habits we get into and the risks we aren't willing to take. But what happens if ... Wonderful book.
August 30, 2024
I liked that the cousin helped Oliver to say yes to things, but as a parent, my kid disagrees with me a lot. It doesn't matter. She still has to do what we say. She has to try her dinner whether it's something she likes or not. I certainly don't cater to her by making an extra meal just for her. (Also it can take up to 15 times of trying something before you like it.) So I guess I found it unrealistic that the parents never made their child obey them.
June 17, 2023
Age: 2-5
Emotions: Defiance
As I slog through my day due to a night of 3-year-old negotiations, bribery, and subservience (me-->toddler), I feel seen by this book.
Grabenstein shines a tempting light on the joy of "yes" to a no-loving toddler. Surely all the defiant children will read this, have a revelation, and finally have a change of heart much to their parent's relief.
Emotions: Defiance
As I slog through my day due to a night of 3-year-old negotiations, bribery, and subservience (me-->toddler), I feel seen by this book.
Grabenstein shines a tempting light on the joy of "yes" to a no-loving toddler. Surely all the defiant children will read this, have a revelation, and finally have a change of heart much to their parent's relief.
July 6, 2023
4 stars (I really liked it)
A cute story to show how saying yes can open you up to new experiences. I know my students will especially like the part where you can see Oliver's butt (reminds me a bit of ironically).
A cute story to show how saying yes can open you up to new experiences. I know my students will especially like the part where you can see Oliver's butt (reminds me a bit of ironically).
October 4, 2023
A child who says no learns the power of yes.
This is a book designed to help a child who is quick to say no to things to learn how to say yes. While it's a cute concept, I wasn't sure I liked how negative the child is initially (I know, that's the point). That the 'yes' opened all kinds of doors to new experiences was fun though. That part I liked. :)
This is a book designed to help a child who is quick to say no to things to learn how to say yes. While it's a cute concept, I wasn't sure I liked how negative the child is initially (I know, that's the point). That the 'yes' opened all kinds of doors to new experiences was fun though. That part I liked. :)
April 30, 2024
A disagreeable boy torments his parents with interminable NOOOOOOOOOOOOOs until his affable cousin introduces him to the wonderful world of YES. Expressive illustrations demonstrate the power of negation and affirmation for children who are learning how to wield words to assert their will and practice self-determination.
July 20, 2024
"No" is Oliver's go-to word. Ask him a yes or no question and you will get a "no". Oliver says "no" to toys, food, baths, ice cream, dogs...everything! Until one day his friend Jess comes over and Jess likes to say "yes"! Oliver quickly learns that "yes" is so much more fun that "no". So, no, he won't be returning to saying "no".
Recommended for storytime.
Recommended for storytime.
June 8, 2023
This book is a great book for teaching little ones that saying "No" isn't always the best. When Oliver finally has a play date with his cousin Jesse (who always says "yes") he realizes all the joys he was missing out on. Reviewer 25
July 30, 2023
This is a beautifully illustrated, picture book that your preschooler/toddler will love to have read to. Oliver is an a no phase jut like your little one. And then his cousin Jess arrives and together they turn the NO to YES!!
Great theme and as always Grabenstein does justice to it.
Great theme and as always Grabenstein does justice to it.
August 18, 2023
I wondered how this book would turn out because the boy always said no to everything. It ended up being good because he met someone who said yes and he discovered so many things and had fun! He learned that saying yes opened him up to new things.
October 18, 2023
3.5 stars--We all seem to know a kid who is way too addicted to yelling "NO!" Oliver is a kid whose NO!s cause havoc and misery for everyone, until spending a day playing with his more optimistic cousin and finally realizing that "yes" is a lot more fun.
October 27, 2023
Grabenstein's book features a young child whose response to everything is the word no. It takes a more positive friend to convince him maybe he should change his mind. It is a good book to put in the hands of that typically negative child.
October 28, 2023
Oliver responds to everything with a "no." Readers see this escalate until he is completely out of control. Then, his cousin comes over and models "yes." By the end, Oliver discovers how much more fun life is when he tries new things and experiences. Great artwork.
December 8, 2023
I have a very strong-willed niece that resembles Oliver McSnow in quite a few ways. While I'm sure she's going to enjoy the book (I'm pretty sure she'll recognize the word "No" quite quickly and help read along), I think her parents will enjoy it even more.
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