Book Review
A short overview of this book
No No The Little Seal by Sherri Patterson and Judith Feldman is a book that parents can use to talk to young children about sexual abuse. Books on this topic are difficult to find. This book could be used to explain to a child why they can no longer have contact with an adult (who has sexually abused a child), or to explain the abuse that happened to a child.
You can learn more on this page, about how to talk to kids about sex education.
Ideal Age
Ideal for children aged 6 to 10 years.
Buy this book
✅ Buy a copy of No No The Little Seal by Sherri Patterson and Judith Feldman from Amazon.
Video Transcription
A transcription in case you are more of a reader than a listener
Hey there! I’m Cath Hak, and welcome to Sex Ed Rescue. I’m here to help parents find a better way to talk to their kids about sex. One of the things I do is review books that make those awkward conversations, like discussing sexual abuse, a whole lot easier. These books take the stress out of figuring out what to say and how to say it in an age-appropriate way because it’s all right there in the book.
Today, I want to talk about a book called No, No the Little Seal by Sherry Patterson and Judith Fieldman. It’s a book that explains the general story of a little seal who learns to stay safe, say no, and tell. The book is quite wordy, so I recommend reading it yourself first to make sure you’re comfortable with it. The authors also include some helpful questions at the back of the book, like what to do if a grownup doesn’t help you when you tell them about abuse, or if a friend asks you to keep a secret about something that happened to them.
What’s great about this book is that it’s published by Innovative Resources, an Australian company that creates amazing resources for counselors, psychologists, and schools. I was thrilled to find a copy in my library! Now, let me walk you through the book. It starts with a little seal named Nono living in the ocean, having fun with their friend, a dolphin, and being looked after by their uncle, who is actually their father.
The book covers important topics like protective behaviors and prevention of sexual abuse. It’s clear that the authors have a solid understanding of what needs to be discussed. Many books on these topics miss the mark, but this one really hits it.
The story takes a serious turn when Uncle Seal starts crossing boundaries with Nono at night, using grooming techniques and keeping secrets. It’s important to understand grooming because it’s how abusers manipulate children and prevent them from speaking up. Nono feels uncomfortable and unsure about what to do, but with the help of a whale, they find their way back home.
When Nono finally opens up to their parents about what happened, they respond with love and support, making it clear that it’s not Nono’s fault. This book covers everything, from telling secrets to addressing blame, and it does it brilliantly.
I want to acknowledge that there aren’t many books on this topic, as it’s not an easy one to write about. But when you come across a book like this, written by therapists and experts who work with kids, it’s truly priceless. Whether you need to explain abuse to your child or help them understand inappropriate behavior from someone they know, this book can be a valuable tool. It can even help explain complex family situations involving legal issues.
In summary, No, No the Little Seal is a valuable resource for discussing a difficult topic with children. I hope you find it helpful if you ever find yourself in the unfortunate position of having to talk to your child about abuse. Remember, books like this can provide guidance and support during challenging conversations.
