”In order to prevent child sexual abuse, it's important that parents speak to their children early about body boundaries and safety. Many parents may be unsure how to go about addressing these topics, but "I Said No!" provides easy-to-understand guidelines for children, and helps parents start these essential conversations. Sexual abusers rely on secrecy and silence to victimize children, and teaching children when and how to tell an adult will help keep them safe.” 

Lindsay Hawthorne

ENOUGH ABUSE

”Kimberly King and her son Zack's updated 2025 edition of I Said No! is a compassionate, practical, and empowering guide for children and their caregivers. Based on Zack’s real-life experience, the book offers age-appropriate, non-graphic scenarios to teach kids how to recognize unsafe situations and respond confidently using the “Think, Say, Do” model. What sets this book apart is its clarity and approachability. Using “red flag” and “green flag” language simplifies the complex topic of boundaries into something children can understand and remember. Each scenario is followed by thoughtful prompts encouraging meaningful dialogue between children and trusted adults. Adding updated content to address technology and social media makes this edition especially relevant. Whether you're a parent, educator, therapist, or pediatrician, this book is a vital tool in any prevention toolkit. It helps bridge the gap in difficult conversations and ensures children know how to speak up, even when the person causing harm is someone they know. This book is a conversation starter, a confidence builder, and a potential lifesaver. Highly recommended.”

NICKI REISBERG

Scrolling to Death

“As a parent, discussing sensitive topics with my children has always been a priority, but finding the right resources can be challenging. The upcoming newest edition of I Said No! by Zack and Kimberly King has been an invaluable tool in our journey to teach body autonomy and personal boundaries! We have read the previous version, but the updated illustrations and information really helped my oldest (9 years old) comprehend what was being said and how it relates to real life. The book's approach is both gentle and empowering. Through relatable scenarios and clear language, it helps children understand the importance of saying "no" when something feels wrong. The inclusion of "red flags" and "green flags" provides a visual and conceptual framework that resonates with young readers. What stands out most is the book's ability to address a difficult subject with honesty and care, without inducing fear. It's a resource I feel confident sharing with my child, knowing it opens the door to important conversations about safety and trust. I highly recommend this book to any parent or caregiver looking to equip their child with the knowledge and confidence to navigate their personal boundaries.”

LAUREN BROWN

Independent bookseller at Poppy Books and Gifts

“An incredibly informative resource that thoughtfully covers a wide range of essential body safety concepts. It serves as a valuable teaching tool for both parents and children, presenting complex topics in a clear and accessible way that encourages meaningful conversations. The inclusion of practical scenarios offers young people and their caregivers the opportunity to explore proactive steps to take in challenging situations.”

VICTORIA BARENDSEN

Registered Psychologist

THE SAFE KIDS PROJECT

 I Said No! is at the top of my list. The concept of green-flag and red-flag feelings and behaviors is presented in an accurate, accessible, and kid-friendly format. This book not only addresses body ownership and rights, but also equips kids with the knowledge and action steps they need should someone violate their boundaries. Child sexual abuse prevention is a topic that can make caregivers uncomfortable, but I Said No! provides the perfect roadmap for navigating conversations around prevention and safety.”

Dr. Betsy Kanarowski (PhD, LCSW) is the Chief Clinical Officer at Saprea,  

 I Said No! is a great tool to help parents and professionals teach children about body safety.  I love the short sections of the book and being able to cover just a topic or two at a time.  It is so important to introduce these topics to children early and review them often.  As a professional in health care, it is extremely helpful for children to know the anatomical names of their body parts to ensure that the safe adults they share information with understand any concerns they report.  This book does a fantastic job of guiding conversations about body parts and helping an adult identify any red flags.

Shawna Wollbrink, RN

Mayo Clinic Center for Safe and Healthy Children and Adolescents