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Sometimes there are reasons Grandma has to say "no," such as in matters of safety. Other times, when the initial answer is "no," Grammy then reconsiders. "Why not?" she thinks to herself. No harm will be done, and it might even be fun. In this delightful children's picture book, that's precisely what happens in a series of events, including the creative culinary decision to embellish a basic peanut butter sandwich with such outlandish ingredients as olives and raisins. The little boy and girl laugh, realizing it is quite delicious as they eat with Grammy.
Playing outside in the rain at first elicits a "no" from Grammy, but after her thinking, "Why not?" the three again enjoy silly fun. And when the children want to paint the swing set six different colors, Grammy says "no," but then reconsiders, declaring, "This is going to look so pretty." However, Grammy is quite firm in her "no" when it comes to the children going swimming without her, explaining they must never swim without an adult present. And so the three enjoy the pool together.
Geddes' fun and brightly illustrated book is a fantastic selection to read with any group of small children. One can imagine the kids saying together in chorus, "Grammy says, 'No!'" The important lesson imparted is that while sometimes it is okay to do silly things—with the permission of a parent or grandparent—there are other times when the answer must be "no." These would include any situations involving their safety, health, and wellbeing. But no doubt about it, Grammy finds creative and slightly unusual ways to have fun with her grandbabies. Featured at the book's end is a photograph of Geddes with the motley-colored swing set her real-life grandchildren painted, for which they developed the decorative color scheme.