Preschoolers will identify with David, and toddlers will enjoy seeing what David will do next. Making a caricature of David adds a dose of fun to the story, moving No, David! away from the story of a naughty little boy and embracing the silly aspects of being a child. Shannon’s illustrations give a hand-painted feel to the story and he makes David appear almost toylike, with a giant head and a wooden doll’s body, with an open mouth full of pointed teeth. There are very few words in the book, and the font is a large, handwritten font that makes for a fun and interactive read-aloud. David Shannon’s use of bright acrylics will attract readers and listeners alike, as will David’s exaggerated facial expressions and actions. I love you!” The book, which received Caldecott Honors in 1999, reinforces to young listeners and readers – and parents – that no matter how much trouble you get into, and whether or not your parents get angry with you, they will always love you. David’s mother is the only voice heard throughout the story, and what she has to say will also be very familiar to No David’s audience: “Come back here!” “No! No! No!” “Put your toys away!” “Stop that this instant!” When David ends up being punished for breaking a vase, though, Mom is also tells him “Yes, David.

Preschoolers and toddlers alike will understand where David, the little boy in David Shannon’s No, David! is coming from: he’s a little boy who just wants to have fun, whether it’s running down the street naked, causing a flood as he plays in the bathtub, picking his nose, or chewing his food with his mouth wide open.

Oh david by david shannon