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“A compassionate, age-appropriate guide to helping children understand and assert their personal boundaries, [and] a vital resource for parents, caregivers, and educators.”
—Renee Reina, PhD, host of The Mom Room Podcast.
“When it comes to sexual abuse prevention, I Said No! is the perfect starting point. A must-read for parents, caregivers, and the children they love, this book provides clear, kid-friendly information about bodies, safety, and what to do when something doesn’t feel right. Armed with accurate information, your child will be better prepared to spot “red flag” feelings and behaviors.”
—Betsy Kanarowski, PhD, LCSW, Chief Clinical Officer, Saprea
A Mom’s Choice Award Gold, Recipient
What if someone offers you candy or money for you to show your private parts? What should you think? What should you do?
I Said No! helps parents talk to kids, and kids talk to parents, about a very difficult topic. From the hidden threats on social media to those lurking in schoolyard playgrounds and more, this book helps kids identify green and red flags, assuring them it is okay to struggle when distinguishing between the two. And it encourages kids to always confide in a trusted adult when a red flag is raised.
This Marble Press edition contains updated content and all-new illustrations.
Categories: SEL, picture book
Themes: SEL; social emotional learning; prevention;
Trade Paperback: $20.99 US
E-book: $14.99 US
48 pages; 10.5×8.5 inches,
Age: 4 – 9 years; Grade: K-Gr3
AUTHOR: Zack and Kimberly King
ILLUSTRATOR: Susan Szecsi
ISBN: 9781958325391 (Hardcover)
ISBN: 9781958325469 (E-book)
Publishing date: September 23rd 2025
Availability: Preorder it on the publisher’s website. Click here.
Preorder it at your favorite retailer online or shop.
Kimberly King started her work with sexual abuse prevention as a women’s health Peer Counselor and Human Sexuality teaching assistant to the renowned Dr. Sandra Caron. But after more than a decade of teaching kindergarten and proactive mommying, her son had a body safety scare with a friend—that triggered a shift. She realized she wanted take the scare out of sexual abuse prevention. Now, Kimberly helps parents, and all who care for kids, learn to talk about body safety with ease so they can prevent abuse and protect their kids.
Her work has been featured on such national platforms as ABC, NBC, and The Chicago Tribune. She lives in Stratford, Connecticut. Find out more about her at https://www.kimberlykingbooks.com/sexual-abuse-prevention-books-for-kids
Susan Szecsi is a classically trained illustrator and visual storyteller. Susan has worked with clients such as Scholastic, Chicago Review Press, and Stanford University Press. When not illustrating, she is the managing director and art director for Marble Press, based in Palo Alto, California, where she lives with her husband. See her work at https://www.brainmonsters.com/
“A kid-friendly primer on addressing the elephant in the room—metaphorical and otherwise.” —Kirkus Reviews
“This to-the-point cautionary tale is one that children must heed and learn from and a scenario that caregivers and kids should discuss together.” —Kirkus Reviews
“…exuberant energy and vivid hues, combined with the laugh-out-loud physical comedy…” —Publishers Weekly
American Library Association Best Graphic Novels 2024 Easy Readers Ages 5-9
A meaningful, modern fable.” —Kirkus Reviews