Realistic Fiction: No David!
Title of Book: No David!
Author/
Illustrator: David Shannon
Publisher: Scholastic
ISBN: 9780590930024
David is an energetic little boy that is always up to things that get him into trouble. Any parent of young children can relate to the constant "No's" that instinctively flow from our lips. Analyzing this book, my first impression from the cover art is that David is a BAD little kid that breaks all the rules. David writes on walls, he dangerously climbs to elevated heights and breaks things, he plays in mud and drags the dirt into the house, he makes huge messes, he chews with his mouth open, and more. All causing the infamous "No, David!" from his mother.
David is an energetic little boy that is always up to things that get him into trouble. Any parent of young children can relate to the constant "No's" that instinctively flow from our lips. Analyzing this book, my first impression from the cover art is that David is a BAD little kid that breaks all the rules. David writes on walls, he dangerously climbs to elevated heights and breaks things, he plays in mud and drags the dirt into the house, he makes huge messes, he chews with his mouth open, and more. All causing the infamous "No, David!" from his mother.
I read this book with Noah last night and as a reformed naughty toddler, he understood that David's behavior is
naughty and "not accepted". Noah found it humorous that he knew exactly what was going on. He related to David. We had a discussion in regards to the section where David is running away bare naked. Noah went through a phase where he would strip down to nothing. It all came off, diaper and all. His naked phase evolved into his running naked through the house after showers. Noah laughed and laughed and laughed.
In the artwork, I can't help but think that David looks like little monster sometimes, but there is still a sweet little boy in there. This is shown with David holding his arms open to his mother. The monster look disappears as he gets an "I love you" from his mother. Noah and I had a lot of fun reading this book. We give this book 4 out of 5 stars. As much as we laughed over the bare bottom scene, I don't think a nude illustration in a children's book in this day and age is appropriate. I feel like it's a slippery slope.
In the artwork, I can't help but think that David looks like little monster sometimes, but there is still a sweet little boy in there. This is shown with David holding his arms open to his mother. The monster look disappears as he gets an "I love you" from his mother. Noah and I had a lot of fun reading this book. We give this book 4 out of 5 stars. As much as we laughed over the bare bottom scene, I don't think a nude illustration in a children's book in this day and age is appropriate. I feel like it's a slippery slope.
This is a funny autobiography that causes many laughs. However, you are right to point out the controversy with the one "nude" scene. For this reason this picture book ends up on the banned book list quite frequently. While I do not agree with banning books from readers, I do agree with using caution as a teacher and perhaps choosing a different book to read in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI also read this book and when I was doing my review I thought that it would be a perfect book for a child to read with their parent because of how relatable it is and it teaches valuable lessons. I'm very glad you and your son enjoyed the book!
ReplyDeleteVanessa,
ReplyDeleteGrowing up this was one of my favorite books! I remember being drawn to the cover due to the vibrant colors and David who obviously was doing something bad and I wanted to find out more so I remember checking it out and taking it home to read! I think a lot of kids are drawn to the cover specifically, because like you mentioned David looks like a "monster", but he really isn't, the colors are eye-catching and he look's like he's doing something bad. I feel this book represents the monster in all of us especially when we are young children because we tend to break some of the rules our parent's put in place like writing on the walls when told not too, chewing with our mouth open when we aren't suppose too, trying to reach for the cookie jar when we are not supposed too (I was always guilty of this and my mom would say "No, Aliyah" which is why I related to David so much like many other readers growing up, running around naked when we aren't suppose to etc . This book is truly relatable to young readers, it brings laughter and lessons which are the best books! the illustrations as well are fun, captivating, vibrant and the words are simple, making it great for a read along.
great choice.