Reviewed by Wendy Lipke
This book by Molly Potter and illustrator Sarah Jennings belongs to the Let’s Talk series of books helping adults start big conversations with little people. The author believes that talking to kids for 5-minutes-a-day about feelings is as important for their wellbeing as eating vegetables or cleaning their teeth.
Molly Potter is a bestselling author of 35plus books for teachers, parents/carers and children covering a variety of topics under the broad umbrella term of ‘wellbeing’. She has also been a county advisor on all things PSHE (personal, social, health and economic) with a special focus on RSE (relationships and sex education), where she developed her keen interest in helping children navigate life’s tricky bits!
Sarah Jennings is the illustrator of all the Let’s Talk picture books as well as The Bunny Adventure series. She has been involved in this work since 2013.
This latest book in the Let’s Talk series, is about consent and explains to the reader all about asking for, giving or not giving permission. The information is given clearly with illustrations reflecting real-life situations. Feelings about being comfortable or uncomfortable, in particular situations, are explained in lots of everyday occurrences, informing that we may not all be comfortable with the same things. Readers are reminded that it is ok to change our minds.
The book provides examples of how people say yes in various situations, and the reader is given information about what to do when someone says no.
Other aspects highlighted are things people usually keep private, and why touch needs consent. The type of consent is then addressed, in the home, and with friends, what to do if someone doesn’t ask for consent and recognising when one might need help. A step-by-step guide to saying no takes up one page.
The information is provided in both text and visual form which could lead to role playing some of the situations provided or creating new situations for students to consider. This book would be beneficial to teachers and parents alike and addresses some of those very important issues in today’s society as it presents the information in a way both adults and children could use to get the message across in an interesting way.
All this information is found in a 260mm square hard covered colourful book which could be turned to at different stages in one’s life to re-enforce these important issues and behaviours.
It’s OK to Say No
(2025)
by Molly Potter and Sarah Jennings.
Bloomsbury Education
ISBN:978-1-80199-538-2
$26.99; 36pp