No, David!

Book review by Peter Lewis, Common Sense Media
No, David! Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 2+

Lovable David's antics are relentless.

David Shannon Picture Book 1998
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Parents say

age 6+

Based on 6 reviews

Kids say

age 2+

Based on 1 review

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this simple story caters to the desperado in most every child.

Community Reviews

Rachel Marquez
Rachel Marquez Adult
February 26, 2019
age 2+

Movie ratings

Good book for my child and my movie ratings: 1. G - All Patrons Only 2. PG - Parental Guidances 3. SPG - Strong Parental Guidances till 13 or up 4. R-13 - Restricted till 13 or older 5. R-16 - Restricted till 16+ 6. R-18 - No children under 18

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
MarkNeelson3
MarkNeelson3 Adult
November 18, 2014
age 18+

Competing with Game of Thrones

I think that the novel No David, is a very disturbing book for young children. Although most people will think its a children's book if you look at the underlying message you can tell its really a book for young adults. Some pages have vulgar nudity and abrasive tones throughout the book. I think this book is appropriate for 17 and over.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 6 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Here comes trouble! David Shannon's disorderly little devil--a balloon-headed, snaggle-toothed, high-octane piece of work--digs himself into a deep hole with his endless horseplay. But when David finally hits bottom, his mother is there with a pair of loving arms. The artwork brims with youthful energy. Parents and children will chuckle (or groan) in recognition.

Is It Any Good?

David Shannon won a Caldecott Honor for this book, and the reasons are obvious. The images are utterly endearing. The colors are deep, the images are graphic, the action is direct and oh-so-real. In David's outrageous behavior, Shannon has caught that thin yet real line between a mischief-maker and a brat.

During a library read-aloud, a group of 4-year-olds readily took to the parental role, giving David a good tongue-lashing. For every crayon applied to the wallpaper, for every toy left carelessly on the floor they cried with glee, "No, David!" and then dissolved in giggles. David's antics are relentless, but he is also extremely lovable. He is truly sorry when he breaks his mother's vase, and he finds his ultimate happiness safely wrapped in her loving arms.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about David's behavior. Does he mean to cause so much trouble? How does he feel after breaking the vase? How does his mother feel?

Book Details

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