Lady B Spots Trouble
Volume 1 of the Allowed to Say NO! Series
By Ralph F. Frank
By Ralph F. Frank
In the first book of the Allowed to Say NO! series, children learn to pay attention to body feelings when they are uncomfortable with unwanted touch, to be as assertive as possible to prevent unsafe or inappropriate touch and to always ask trusted adults for support. We open up a child-friendly way of adults and children talking about body safety; no different than teaching a young child how to cross a street.
Jesse, an adventurous boy of 5, meets Lady B, a feisty karate-chopping but safety-conscious ladybug, on his Wishing Spot – the first branch of his backyard oak tree. Jesse heroically searches for hidden treasure, but sometimes it’s dangerous, and his instincts tell him something is unsafe; the same feeling he gets when his neighbour hugs him to tight. Jesse and Lady B navigate these adventures, not just with lifejackets and seatbelts, but with the secret power of instinct.
Safety is a Tricky Business!
Who to talk to in these worrying moments? Jesse sits on Granny’s red kitchen stool and listens when she says, “Feelings are like the wind. They blow and howl and shake everything and later it’s all quiet like they were never there. But sometimes they just don’t go away.” Granny tells Jesse,
“If you get a No Feeling,
you’re allowed to say ‘NO!’
and ask adults you trust for Help!
Safety is a Tricky Business!
Who to talk to in these worrying moments? Jesse sits on Granny’s red kitchen stool and listens when she says, “Feelings are like the wind. They blow and howl and shake everything and later it’s all quiet like they were never there. But sometimes they just don’t go away.” Granny tells Jesse,
“If you get a No Feeling,
you’re allowed to say ‘NO!’
and ask adults you trust for Help!
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"I might be a little bug, but when I say ‘NO’, I mean it!" |
“A friendly ladybug helps a small child learn how to trust his instincts and say no. Debut author Frank, a sexual abuse counselor and educator, couches his advice in language kids can understand, like defining a private body part as the area covered by a bathing suit. . . could help open a difficult conversation.” - Kirkus Reviews
“Who can resist a talking ladybug that befriends an adventurous boy, and together they explore the world of “yes” and “no” feelings, and sharing ways they stay safe when those “no” feelings appear. This sweet story and beautifully illustrated kindergarten resource comes with a student Colouring Book and a Teacher’s Guide with lesson plans, both created for busy teachers and parents who want their children empowered to say “NO!” A great resource for meeting Personal Safety curriculum outcomes.” - Stella C. Bates, District Principal of Aboriginal Education
“Lady B Spots Trouble addresses topics that every educator and parent need to be talking to children about in a fun and meaningful way. Teaching a child to say “no” while they are young is key to them having success later in life. I’m excited for the next books in the series!" - Amber Scotchburn, author of Parenting…With A Twist
“It's an important topic. I think the liveliness of the illustrations and the engaging interaction between the two characters help the story avoid didacticism. It's well aimed at primary-aged children and I would expect it to be useful tool for adults discussing this challenging topic with young readers.” - Lois Peterson, author of The Wrong Bus