No, David!

No, David! By David Shannon

Picture Book/Easy Reader

Evaluation of Book

Here comes trouble with the book No, David! written and illustrated by David Shannon. David, a lovable Dennis the Menace like character has outrageous behavior that is relatable to all kids and parents. In the story David breaks his mother’s favorite vase. His antics make readers giggle and parents remember the silliness of childhood behaviors.

This endearing book has graphic images and bold colors. Shannon’s illustrations provide a foundation for the story that helps to establish the setting. Through the pictures the reader sees David’s house and neighborhood which are all the places that David gets into trouble. These illustrations also help to create the mood of childish characters with messy handwriting. Shannon’s use of line in the illustrations

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help to show David’s movement throughout the story as a busy child.

Response

There are days as a parent where I felt like David’s mom in this story. Sometimes the only word out of my mouth was “No”. Yet, like David’s mother there were always loving arms at the end of the day. I also find that every year there are a few students at school who fit the character of David. They need more direction and more correction, yet like David they have that same loveable personality.

The only thing that I struggle with when I read No David! to my students is the caricature like drawing of David. The fang like teeth make him look like a monster which is possibly the author’s intention because there are times when David acts like one. However, I still don’t care for the pointy teeth.

Conclusion

It’s no wonder that this lovable children’s book won a Caldecott Honor for this book. David’s outrageous behavior is relatable by to all children. His antics bring giggles from all and the David books are often requested by the students in the library. It is definitely a must read.

Citation

Shannon, D. (1998). No, David!. New York: Blue Sky Press.