Lila Said No

$21.99
Lila Said No is a sharp-witted, laugh-out-loud story about a delightfully defiant four-year-old who has mastered the art of saying “no.” Lila refuses everyday tasks—getting dressed, taking a bath—unless she’s bribed with a treat. Her well-meaning parents, despite knowing better, keep falling into her clever little trap. With snappy, repetitive dialogue and spot-on comedic timing, this book perfectly captures the push-and-pull of a strong-willed child testing her limits. Parents will see themselves in Lila’s exhausted mom and dad, while kids will delight in her mischievous antics—cheering her on even as they know she shouldn’t get away with it. Featuring pitch-perfect illustrations that bring Lila’s spunky spirit to life, Lila Said No is a hilarious and relatable take on parenting, power struggles, and the simple solutions that sometimes solve even the biggest problems.
Lila Said No is a sharp-witted, laugh-out-loud story about a delightfully defiant four-year-old who has mastered the art of saying “no.” Lila refuses everyday tasks—getting dressed, taking a bath—unless she’s bribed with a treat. Her well-meaning parents, despite knowing better, keep falling into her clever little trap. With snappy, repetitive dialogue and spot-on comedic timing, this book perfectly captures the push-and-pull of a strong-willed child testing her limits. Parents will see themselves in Lila’s exhausted mom and dad, while kids will delight in her mischievous antics—cheering her on even as they know she shouldn’t get away with it. Featuring pitch-perfect illustrations that bring Lila’s spunky spirit to life, Lila Said No is a hilarious and relatable take on parenting, power struggles, and the simple solutions that sometimes solve even the biggest problems.

  • Hardcover, 10x10.1, 1lb, 40 pages

  • "A little girl’s favorite word is “no” in Frayard’s children’s picture book. Lila’s mom and dad say it’s time for breakfast; Lila “folded her arms, scrunched up her face, closed her eyes and said, ‘NO!’....Veteran illustrator Bennett’s offbeat images of Lila as a round-faced little girl with shaggy red hair, pale skin, and big blue spectacles are set against full-page watercolor washes over subtle background details. The hand-drawn style of the text, with Lila’s “NO!” and other words in uppercase letters for emphasis, adds more visual fun. Quirky and entertaining, with a kid- and parent-savvy message." - Kirkus Reviews

    "Quirky and entertaining, with a kid- and parent-savvy message." - Kirkus Reviews

    A sharp-witted story about the antics of a charmingly defiant four-year-old girl simply delighted to test the will and patience of her well-meaning parents.

    Lila regularly says "no" to her parents’ daily requests like getting dressed for school and taking a bath. Somehow the tail has begun to wag the dog and her parents don’t know what to do. Lila refuses to do anything unless she is rewarded with a treat.

    The book tackles this ever-so-common aspect of the parent-child relationship with both humor and authenticity as parents with the best of intentions who do in fact know better, willingly walk into a trap set up by their own child.

    (Oh dear! Lila will be late for school!)
    So her mother says, if you get dressed for school, I’ll give you a treat.
    Wonder of wonders...
    Lila got dressed right away.

    When a strong, willful child finds success, she can wield her newfound power with unflinching resolve. But, as parents know all too well, sometimes big problems require simple solutions.

    Lila Said No is one of those rare books that hits just the right note. With its powerfully snappy and repetitive dialogue, colloquial phrases, and spectacular comedic timing, Lila Said No is an immensely gratifying read. While parents will empathize, children will be amused at Lila’s silly and audacious antics—ones they know she shouldn’t get away with, but nonetheless love to see her try.

    Lila’s spunk and spirit shine in the pitch perfect illustrations.

    About the Author
    Kiki Frayard is a former creative director, copy writer, business owner, nightclub singer and forklift salesman. She retired (sort of) in 2021 and at the urging of her daughter fulfilled a lifelong dream to write children’s books. She lives in Lafayette, Louisiana, with her husband, Rick in a house filled with toys, games and hundreds of children’s books to the delight of her "hard headed" five-year-old granddaughter in Louisiana.

    Aileen Bennett is an illustrator, writer, and award-winning speaker. She is the author and illustrator of A Little Book About Fire (2023, Susan Schadt Press), and is also the illustrator of Lila Duray: A Collection of Delectable Poems and The Little Book of King Cake. She is originally from London, England, and has lived in the United States for twenty years. Happily married to an American, when she isn't traveling, Aileen works in her studio with the assistance of a white dog called Mr. Blue. She has an insatiable curiosity, bulletproof enthusiasm, and a slight obsession with surfing. She lives in Louisiana.