Picture book review: JO AND THE NO
written by Kyle Mewburn & illustrated by Judy Watson
This adorable picture book Jo and the No surprised me and spoke to me in ways I did not expect.
When Jo first comes across a No they’re not quite sure what it is, and they can’t seem to get rid of it. The No is too heavy to move, too fast to run away from, and too slippery to climb over. So Jo sits with the No, uses it for shade during hot days, and shelter during cold. Jo feels safe with the No. But Jo has lots of things they want to do and lots of places to go.
Little by little, Jo takes small steps then bigger journeys with the No before the No is finally gone and Jo can embrace YES and life again.
We all experience resistance and our own NOs. I have had plenty of them throughout life. From little NOs in everyday life to big ones that have held me back from things I want to try and things I want to achieve.
I want to go to university! NO, you’re not smart enough.
I want to be an author and illustrator! NO, that’s way too hard and you’re not good enough.
I want to try Pilates! NO, that’s too scary and what if you embarrass yourself?
It took lots of little tiny steps to overcome resistance and turns those NOs into YES.
This wonderful book, Jo and the No captures those exact thoughts, feelings, and struggles and turns them into something almost physical that our main character Jo can sit with before letting go of the No.
The message is clear and powerful without being didactic: we can overcome hard things, we can do the things we want to do, and create our own journey even when there’s resistance within. Jo and the No has a lovely rhythm that makes for a great read-aloud, and the illustrations are adorable with a beautiful colour palette. Just check out the following images from the book – I think my favourite is the lake spread.
Jo and the No is written by award-winners: author Kyle Mewburn and illustrator Judy Watson, and published by Dirt Lane Press (an imprint of WestWords). Due for publication in March, 2025, I received this advance copy for review.
I acknowledge the Darkinjung people as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which I am writing from today. I walk, talk, write, and create with respect on this land, and I acknowledge the enduring connection the Darkinjung people have with this Country; I thank them for their care of this Country, and I pay respects to the Elders past and present, and extend that respect to any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people here reading or listening.