No Means No!

No Means No! by Jayneen Sanders, illustrated by Cherie Zamazing (UpLoad Publishing 2015)

PB RRP $12.95
ISBN: 9781925089226

Reviewed by Jade Harmer

Sadly, we live in a society where sexual predators exist.

We can’t always be there to protect our children, but we are in a position to empower them to understand their rights with particular regards to their body, and to encourage them to speak up if they ever find themselves in an uncomfortable situation.

Jayneen Sanders, an experienced primary school teacher, counsellor, editor, author, publisher and mother, has recognised the need for resources that assist parents, carers, teachers and child welfare professionals in talking to children about such issues.

No Means No! follows the release of Sanders’ Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept (UpLoad Publishing 2013), illustrated by Craig Smith, which dealt with a little boy being touched inappropriately by a trusted caregiver and keeping it a secret.

No Means No! treads more lightly than its predecessor, but the message is still loud and clear. Cherie Zamazing’s illustrations create a bright, cheerful feel as Sanders manages to cover difficult issues in a non-confronting way, teaching children and caregivers about boundaries, respect and consent.

Sanders’ plucky central character knows how to say no.

For instance, she chooses not to kiss Auntie Jeanie, but to give her a high five. She chooses not to play tickling games with her cousin, but to play catch. And she chooses not to accept her mother’s offer of help to wash her private parts at bath time, but to do it herself.

Sanders’ character never comes across as rude or difficult, but rather assertive and confident. She never fails to speak up with regards to personal boundaries and this is consistently respected by the family members and friends she encounters.

The story is appropriately set at home and school, where young children spend much of their time. 

Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept

Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept by Jayneen Sanders, illustrated by Craig Smith (UpLoad Publishing, 2013)
HB RRP $22.68
ISBN: 9780646546230

Reviewed by Jade Harmer

Jayneen Sanders’ picture book Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept tells the story of Sir Alfred, an endearing and brave little knight. Sir Alfred is small and innocent, and conveyed perfectly by illustrator Craig Smith. He comes from a broken family. His mother works hard cleaning Lord Henry’s castle, and after school, Lord Henry offers to look after Sir Alfred while his mother finishes her cleaning.

Sir Alfred and Lord Henry have such fun together until one day Lord Henry touches Sir Alfred inappropriately and refuses to stop when Sir Alfred asks him to. Lord Henry warns Sir Alfred that if he tells anyone about their “tickling game” his mother will lose her job and it will be his fault.

As the story progresses, Sir Alfred changes. He becomes quiet, introverted, frightened and sick with worry. His attempts to stay away from Lord Henry fail until one evening his mother hears him sobbing in his bed and reminds him that ‘some secrets should NEVER EVER be kept’.

Wrapped in the warmth of his mother’s love, Sir Alfred discovers that speaking up and sharing his terrible secret is the right thing to do.

This is a difficult story to tell, but an important one. It is a disturbing reality that sexual offenders are more often than not known to their child victims, and, according to Sanders’ website, an astounding one in three girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused before they turn eighteen.

An experienced primary school teacher, counsellor, editor, author, publisher and mother, Sanders has recognised the need for resources that assist parents, carers, teachers and child welfare professionals in educating and empowering children to speak up, no matter what.

This book includes a useful Note to the Reader and a set of Discussion Questions. It is recommended by the author that it be read to children by a parent or caregiver. Suitable for reading with children from pre-school and beyond and a recommended school library resource.