No Biting, Louise

by Margie Palatini, Matthew Reinhart (Illustrator)

Louise has a problem. She has the tendency to . . . how to put it? Gnaw? Chomp? Bite! . . . on everything and everybody. She promises Mother that she won't do it again, but sometimes Louise just can't help herself. "OOOOooooowww!" No biting, louise captures the humor—and the pain—of a common stage for preschoolers.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Humor, Family, Animals, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published August 21, 2007

Reviews

[Ian · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story is simple but functional, and the art is appealing, but I'm not convinced that the two work together. The story is about a cute character who violently bites things, but the art is too angular and reptilian to capture the soft side.

[Charlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know why my parents think I need to learn not to bite everyone! I’m perfectly fine with it. I did like that this book depicts Louise biting her dad. I do that to my dad all the time! I’m still unsure about the next step… chewing food …

[Zoe Schamehorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is awesome and so exciting for toddlers (or at least my toddler). Great action, fun story, and well paced!

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little bit simple and short. But good too.

[The Library Lady · Rating 2 out of 5]

The pictures are funny. But this doesn't have (dare I say it?) the usual "biting" wit of a Palatini book. Plus I fear that a lot of the well meaning parents who think they can solve their kids problems with books (HAH!) will scoop this up for their toddlers.Not only will they not get it, they might be like a toddler I know who wanted a "no biting" book to read over and over again to celebrate her PRIDE in biting--she'd even made up a song about how she loved to bite!
That book, BTW is "Teeth Are Not For Biting", a much more toddler geared book.If you insist on bibliotherapy for your child, try that one.

[Randie D. Camp, M.S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Louise, a young girl, is having a hard time controlling her urge to bite and gnaw on people and things. Her mother is quite bothered with this behavior, but grandma says it is just a phase. And it appears that it is so because Louise eventually stops biting but starting burping instead.

Parents can understand how it feels to have a biting toddler or preschooler and sharing this book might help to discuss the feelings associated with a biting child.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm an elementary school counselor looking for books to read to my kids about not biting. I found this and thought it would be a good one, but like most other reviewers, I agree that Louise doesn't quite learn anything from her actions. The author doesn't explain the consequences of why she should NOT bite, but rather blames it on "a phase" that she'll outgrow. It's a cute, short story but I wouldn't recommend it if you're looking to teach a lesson.

[Becca · Rating 1 out of 5]

Louise never seems to learn a lesson in this story, but instead, grows into a new habit. There is not much to this book, and I don't think I would have it in my classroom. It is funny, but nothing to learn from. Louise is not a good listener, and although she is an alligator with sharp teeth, the whole book doesn't seem practical to me, in any way.

Would not recommend.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this during circle time in the purple room when the had a biting problem. I use it with the toddlers too, one odour two year olds loves it. I enjoy how it tosses in some big words while address in the biting problem. In the purple room, we talked about how biting feels and that it is not nice.

[Rachel B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The children's librarian at our local library recommended this book because my toddler had a few biting incidents at daycare in a short span of time and I was looking for books that spoke to the topic. She liked reading about Louise and especially enjoyed the sound effects that accompanied each instance of Louise biting someone.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the illustrations! Grandma says the biting is just a phase - Louise is really proud of her little chompers! Grandma suffers a bite herself, but eventually Louise gets through that phase, and onto another! So this book is perhaps for parents more than the kids :)

[Heidi-Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A humorous story with entertaining illustrations. I don't know if I should read it in a storytime--who knows what ideas a rowdy group might get! It's still a fun book. A great lap-read book, for sure.

[Naomi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought the illustrations really supported this book vs. the story. It is basically those who are victims to Louise's nasty habit, including the grandma who stands up for her. Her parents try to redirect her to no avail.

[Jenn Swanson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book because my daughter is in the biting phase. Anytime she wants her way...chomp! I read this to her and she did enjoy the illustrations but I feel that both her nor the crocodile learned anything from this book.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This got lots of laughs at storytime.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fortunuately our biting phase (well, at least the first and only one so far) just lasted a week. This book seemed a little advanced for the under 2 set.

[Sandybear76]

I read this one to first graders and it seemed too old for them as a read-aloud. Simple story and words so it would be a good easy reader.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

At the urging of her family, Louise, a young alligator, tries hard to kick her biting habit.

[Kamae · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was disappointed in this book. Louise never learns a lesson in the story--just grows out of one bad habit into another.

[Dorcas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately, nephew is developing issues with biting. We'll see what he thinks of this.

[The Brothers · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very simple story of a little alligator who has some new teeth that she is just dying to use, so she bites everyone.

Funny and silly illustrations.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Louise's biting would hurt sooooo much, since she has that huge front tooth. Ow!