No David! by David Shannon — Children's Book Review with Sample Lesson

No David! (ISBN 10: 0590930028) is the first in a series of children's picture books starring author David Shannon's alter ego, a sharp-toothed little child who is delightfully naughty.

This book's illustrations are brightly colored and outrageous, using a playful, childish style to depict situations that are realistic in the emotions they evoke in children and their parents. Even young toddlers will like this book in which the young David gets into trouble time and time again, until finally, David's mother makes him sit in the corner. Like any good parent, she reminds him of her unconditional love for him, with a big hug.

With simple text and vivid color, this book invokes a message of cause and effect in misbehavior, while sending the reassuring message that even "bad boys" are loved.

My toddler son (under age 2) delights in the misbehavior of the the little imp who stars in this book. The text is easy and repetitive, and the actual words and length of the book is short. This makes it a good book to read to an age two and up crowd. I strongly recommend this vivid children's book for it's humorous approach to the topic of children's mis-behavior. It will keep your children laughing from beginning to end.

• Misbehavior
• Toddlers
• Boys
• Rules
• Consequences
• Parental Love
• Discipline
• Humor

  
  

Age 2 And Up

I recommend this book even for young toddlers. Read this book with feeling and you will have your audience's rapt attention.

Age 4-5

Use this book to introduce and discuss cause and effect with older preschoolers. You can ask questions like, what did David do in this book? Why did David have to sit in the corner? Did David break a rule?

Age 5 and up (Kindergarten)

For older kids, the simple text is rewarding and easy reading for beginning readers. Most of the words in the text are repeated over and over. This book could be part of a unit with a more complex story like Lily's Purple Plastic Purse, by Kevin Henkes. You can expect more from the kids by asking more "why" questions.

Music and Movement

• If You're Happy and You Know It...Clap Your Hands
• Do As I'm Doing (This easy to learn and catchy song is a mimicking game. Click on the song title to learn more.)
• Monkeys and the Alligator
  
• Please read my article about incorporating music and movement in a story time or preschool group setting.

Transition Ideas

• If you can hear me...touch your nose.
• If you can hear me...stand up.
• If you can hear me...jump up and down.
• If you can hear me...turn around.
• If you can hear me...sit down.
• Remember the finest art of storytelling is in keeping your children's attention. Be ready to read as soon as most of the kids are ready to listen.

Read-Aloud

Pre-read this book by pointing to the front cover and asking the children if the little boy looks like someone who does what he is supposed to. Does he follow the rules?

Read the story with feeling, changing the tone and pitch of your voice as the mother in the story becomes more and more exasperated. Use a softer, more understanding voice for the last page, where David's mother says she loves him.

If your group is over age 3, reread the story. This time, ask the children to participate. Tell them every time you raise your hand, you want them to say "No David, No!" The children will enjoy helping you tell the story in this way.

Games

Instead of a craft, if you have the space, play one or both of the following games. Remember to keep it simple for younger ages.

• Simon Says
• Red Light-Green Light

  
  

If you are developing a unit on obedience, following the rules, misbehavior, etc., consider the following thematically related stories and book titles:

• Goldilocks and the Three Bears
• Olivia, by Ian Falconer
• Lily's Purple Plastic Purse, by Kevin Henkes
• The Gingerbread Boy by Paul Galdone