No! Said Rabbit

by Marjoke Henrichs

Everyone triumphs in this hilarious, relatable picture book celebrating the everyday struggles of parents and children. Perfect for bedtime!

“Time to go inside now,” said Mom.
“No!” said Rabbit. “I want to stay outside.”
“Time for a bath now,” said Mom.
“No No No No No!”

Rabbit is happy doing his own thing, and he doesn't want to listen to anyone else. Or so he thinks. Then, Mom makes a suggestion he simply can't resist!

Debut author-illustrator Marjoke Henrichs delivers a laugh-out-loud tale with Rabbit embodying every strong-willed child. Adult readers will recognize and empathize with parenting moments throughout, and a warm and loving twist at the end celebrates the joy of coming together again after a very contrary day.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Humor, Animals, Storytime, Rabbits, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

Published March 1, 2021

About the author

I was born in The Netherlands, but have lived and worked in the UK as an Artist and Theatre Designer for many years.

In 1995 I took part in the UK theatre design entry at the Prague Quadrennial which won the Gold Medal. Recently, I designed the set for ‘Little Red Riding Hood’: a children’s show for Northern Ballet and ‘Booming Voices’ for Eastern Angles.

I paint semi abstract landscapes inspired by my immediate surroundings, marshes, the river, ditches and arable fields, the sounds of the water birds and Suffolk’s big skies.

After my two children had grown up, I studied an MA in children’s Book Illustration at Cambridge School of Art and graduated in February 2019 with a distinction.

My debut picture book ‘No Said Rabbit’ published by Scallywag Press, was shortlisted for the Book Trust Storytime prize 2021. And long listed for the Klaus Flugge Prize It is currently translated into 14 languages. ‘Ready! Said Rabbit’ was published in February 2022, available in 8 countries.

Reviews

[Mathew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young children, especially when they became aware of and frustrated with, their parents always making the choices, begin to rebel. Rabbit here says 'No!' to almost all the things Mum suggests yet begrudgingly finds himself acknowledging the fact that mum might have a good point at each turn. Go outside? No! Hang on...that would lead to wearing my favourite wellies; have breakfast? no! Oh...but then I wouldn't get to eat those sweet carrots...

So the repetition continues, escalating until bedtime where Rabbit NEVER says no to a cuddle with mummy. A lovely book to snuggle up with and share at bedtime; parents will love the subtle play that Mum sets up with Rabbit and children will like the open rebellion of the protagonist.

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actions speak louder than words in this story about a rabbit who always says "No!" Toddlers and the very young will enjoy echoing rabbit as they listen to this from a caregiver or read the pictures on their own.

[Elisabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. The art was cute, the story was not.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both the 1 1/2yo and 4yo enjoyed this story. The best part was getting to mimic rabbit when he said “No!”. They enjoyed it so much that we had to read it numerous times in a row.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely accurate depiction of our days, Elika and I are delighted this author clearly gets us.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good lap book, this story features a rabbit who must be three years old. 'No' is the word he likes to use the most, for just about every activity that his mother suggests. Yet somehow, once he gets started on each new thing, it becomes the thing that he doesn't want to stop doing. Relateable, and a good jumping off point for talking about feelings of control. Illustrations are fun.

Thanks to Peachtree for the Advanced Reader Copy.

[Ophilia Adler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Den fick mig att le en aning. Kanin som verkar vara i trotsåldern. Säger NEJ! till allt mamma säger till honom. Dock vill han ju göra allt som mamma ber honom om..... egentligen.

[ez · Rating 3 out of 5]

he’s literally me

[Erin Buhr · Rating 4 out of 5]

A funny and relatable picture book about the contrary behavior of toddlers and preschoolers. This stubborn rabbit says no to everything his mom suggests from getting dressed to going outside. Despite his defiant nos he is lured into eating, playing and even having a bath throughout the day until the warm, loving end. The text is minimal and full of humor. The simple, bold artwork also pops on the page. Together they make for a good read aloud for storytime or bedtime.

[Molly Cluff (Library!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little Rabbit is feeling very independent and contrary, and says "no" to everything: breakfast, getting dressed, baths, etc. But then he ends up accepting all those things anyway (NO breakfast...buuuut...those look so yummy! NO getting dressed...buuuut...that's my favorite shirt, etc). Funny, though I'm not sure if this would help kids struggling with that behavior or further reinforce it? The last page where he immediately says yes to cuddles is rather adorable, though!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

To every parent who just tries to get through the day without your child opposing every single thing you ask them to do, this one is for you. A chance to read a story where your child's only job through the whole book is to say NO!...which you know means they will say "no" to you and intentionally answer "yes" every time. :) I can't wait to use this in toddler story time!

[Cass · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rabbit said "no!" But those carrots do look really good...

Cute bedtime read with your little one. Ends with a sleepy little rabbit. Fun perspective on kiddos automatically saying "no" but then realizing "maybe..." Also, great perspective on the mom not getting angry but instead realizing the little rabbit is using a word they know and then realizing what the mom is offering/saying.

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plenty of smiles (outright laughter) in the situations, the temperament of rabbit, the patience of mother rabbit, and the patterns of resistance/appeal. This is one that will have toddlers calling out lines and repetitions.
Fun art, too, and can work well as a bedtime book.

[Nichole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an arc from the publisher in return for an honest review.

This book is adorable. So very much the life of a toddler to say no to everything. Even things they want. Young kids will enjoy saying no right alongside Rabbit.

[Tracie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young rabbit whose first answer is always "NO!" shares his day, from getting dressed to playing outside to finally finding a reason to say "YES!"

Parents and kids alike will relate to Rabbit's journey, and the story's rhythms and narrative arc make this an excellent bedtime read-aloud.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A contrarian, stubborn little rabbit who many preschoolers will no doubt find relatable.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had no idea Marjoke Henrichs knew my son, but hey, she captured him perfectly in bunny form.

[Lisa D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect bedtime book! Loved it!

[Arminzerella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rabbit is contrary. He says NO to everything his mom suggests, though eventually he does make up his own mind to do things for his own reasons. He gets dressed because those are his favorite clothes. He eats breakfast because those carrots do look tasty. He goes outside to play because he does like his rain boots. And so on. His mom doesn't nag or yell or cajole. Except for bathtime. That seems to be non-negotiable. And once Rabbit is clean, he gets to cuddle, which is a big YES.

Many kids will be able to relate to this (being contrary or at least going through a NO phase) while they test their boundaries, power, parents' patience. That audience should appreciate this (and if they don't their parents might!). Pet rabbits, too, are not afraid to say no. Please read this to them. They will feel seen. Do not share the part about carrots for breakfast. Carrots should be fed sparingly - only in small amounts for treats.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that most of us know someone like Rabbit, especially a young person. In this picture book, Rabbit just says, "No!" to everything his mother suggests. He doesn't want to get dressed or eat his carrots or take a bath or get out of the bath. But this mother has been to other rodeos before and knows how to handle her child. She patiently waits and describes the appeal of each of the things Rabbit has refused to do, and before he knows it, he is complying. The very large font used for the text, the repetitive words, and the colorful illustrations, some filling the page, all combine to make an appealing read aloud with a bit of a twist at the end. I'm glad that Rabbit finally found something he had no problem saying, "Yes!" to.

[Kristi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The colors of the illustrations are eye catching and the word "NO!" is very large making it a nice sight word practice. I wasn't enamored with the part where the rabbit had a cookie or two when mom wasn't looking. However, it very much captures the essence of toddlerhood and young children in general when it comes to doing something they don't want to do. It can be a good conversation starter for parents with their children. This book was provided by Peachtree Publishing.

[Jessica Mitchell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book came to our home at the perfect time, potty training! Like Rabbit's mom, we have heard our fair share of the word, "No!" in our house. This book is as much reassuring for parents as for the children who chuckle along as they relate to the big feelings of a little rabbit. Plus, it ends with cuddles and is the perfect way to close a day of voicing frustration and defiance.

[Bex mummyisreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jake enjoyed this but hasn’t asked to read it again since. Being nearly 7, I think it is a tad young for him now.

This one has fabulous illustrations and is quite relatable for us parents!! Jake liked the fact that Rabbit kept saying ‘No’ - he thought that was funny.

We’re passing along to my 2yo niece to enjoy it too.

[A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story about a contrary little Rabbit who eventually gets to YES in his own way. Reminded me a lot of Yes.

[Meredith · Rating 2 out of 5]

A young rabbit says “no” to all of his mother’s directions.

Young readers will relate to not wanting to listen and follow instructions, and caregivers will relate to having to cajole small children into doing things.

[Viviane Elbee]

In this book, a young rabbit says no to everything mom says, but cannot resist the good things. For example, mom says to get dressed (no), but then rabbit notices it’s his favorite shirt and shorts. It’s cute and parents of young toddlers will find it relatable.

[Carolienvanderwaarde · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lekker groot prentenboek voor de jonge peuter van 2 jaar. Bekend thema: Nee! Gelukkig is Konijn eigenwijs genoeg om zijn eigen 'nee' niet al te serieus te nemen, dus kleed hij zich wél aan, eet wél de wortels op, gaat wél buitenspelen etc.
Leuk voor peuterspeelzalen en Kinderdagopvang

[Helin Puksand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Armas lasteraamat jänkupoisist, kes ütleb kõigi asjade peale "Ei!". Ema on muidugi kaval ja tunneb oma last piisavalt hästi, nii et ta suudab jänkupoisi panna tegema kõiki asju, mida on vaja teha.
Ainuke asi, mis mind häiris, oli see, et sõnad ema ja jänku olid millegipärast suure algustähega.
Sobib ettelugemiseks pisikestele, kes on parajasti eitusfaasis.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mother rabbit tells her son to do things like her dressed or play outside. The son always says, "No!" but then find the appeal of what his mother is telling him to do. Imagine that! Mom knows what she's talking about 😆 Nice illustrations. The son was too disagreeable for my liking, though.

[Becca]

The scenario was all too real; I was definitely not in the mood for sass when I read this. The illustrations were adorable, though.