No!

David McPhail (author/illustrator)

Francis Lincoln Books, UK: April 2011

ISBN: 9781847801203

Genres: picture book

Issues: bullying

In this apparently simple, almost wordless picture book, David McPhail has created a powerful challenge to bullies of all shapes and sizes.

As he walks down the street to post a letter, a young boy passes scene after threatening scene – a tank down the middle of the street, soldiers breaking into a house, a policeman chasing an old man... By the time he gets to the postbox, where an older boy tries to hassle him, the young boy has had enough and says so – firmly.

The boy's return journey makes it clear that if more of us stood up and said no! to the many times we see people being treated unfairly that the world might be a very different place – a happier, more generous, more kindly place where those in power take care of those less fortunate and neighbours care for neighbours. Dedicated to 'teachers everywhere', McPhail's work is a passionate cry for help that adults should think before they act – and that one of their actions should be to stand up for the bullied and help them stand up for themselves.

Bullying is rarely a simple thing – it is often subtle and can be ignored as 'teasing' or 'joking', although the victim rarely finds it funny. This book allows teachers and carers everywhere to start that discussion and encourages everyone, big and small, to say no! when they see injustice around them.