NO ROCKY! Don't Take the BALL

Reach for this book when your child is struggling to say no to peers or needs practice maintaining boundaries in the face of clever persuasion. It is especially useful for toddlers and preschoolers who are beginning to navigate playgroups and sibling dynamics where keeping a toy or protecting personal space becomes a daily challenge. The story follows Rocky, a persistent and charming character who uses every trick in the book to get his hands on a blue ball that the reader is tasked with protecting. By inviting the child to verbally interact with the text, the book transforms boundary setting into a playful, low stakes game. It empowers young readers to find their voice, teaching them that it is okay to be firm and consistent even when someone is being persuasive or cute. Parents will appreciate how it models the 'broken record' technique of standing one's ground without resorting to aggression, making it a foundational tool for developing social emotional confidence.