No! Said Rabbit

Starred review from February 1, 2021
Rabbit's first answer is always "No." Even if he has no real reason to refuse, he is just too contrary to acquiesce. So when Mom asks him to get dressed, he immediately answers no--but his favorite clothing items wait for him. Breakfast time? No. But those juicy carrots look delicious. Outdoor fun calls to him in spite of his refusal to leave the house. The pattern continues, with bathtime causing the greatest resistance, but Mom brings him in to enjoy the bubbles and his rubber duck, and now he is reluctant to get out. Henrichs uses spare, repetitive language and perfectly coordinated, simply rendered cartoon illustrations to highlight Rabbit's initial reluctance to comply followed by joy in the activities. Each refusal shows Rabbit's skeptical expression slowly morphing into delight as he engages in the previously scorned endeavors. Even as little readers relate to and giggle at Rabbit's antics, awareness of Mom's subtle mind games might be more elusive. Will they notice that his very favorite clothes, the delicious carrots, those lovely rain boots, and that perfectly prepared bath conveniently await him? Of course Mom's penultimate request will evoke sighs of contentment and an echo of Rabbit's emphatic "Yes!" As they cuddle with their grown-ups, little readers may also join Rabbit as he falls asleep without completing his final "No." A thoroughly delightful, warmhearted bedtime story. (Picture book. 2-6)

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March 26, 2021
Grades K-2 Poor Rabbit! Despite his best efforts to be cantankerous, he's either distracted or outmaneuvered at every turn. Invariably shouting "NO!" as his offstage mother tells him to get dressed, to have breakfast, to go outside to play, and then to come in and have a bath, Rabbit discovers first that his favorite top and pants have been laid out, then that yummy carrots have been set on the table, and finally that a tub has been irresistibly prepared with bubbles and rubber ducky. When it's time to come out ("NO!") for cuddles, the chorus changes to "YES!" before reverting at "Off to bed" to "NO, no, no, no . . . zzzzzzz." This spell of negativity will certainly strike chords of familiarity in parents and younger children. More, even not-so-young audiences will delightedly join in the loud chorus--and also enjoy Henrichs' scribbly cartoon illustrations as the bumptious bunny puts on his clothes all by himself (after a few tries), sneaks a cookie to follow up the carrots, and scowls in dirty defiance before coming in for the cozy nighttime ritual.

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