Uncle Willy's Tickles: A Child's Right to Say No

When Uncle Willy comes to visit, he likes to tickle me. He tickles me under my chin, under my arms, on top of my head, just about everywhere! It makes me laugh at first, but sometimes Uncle Willy keeps tickling me...and tickling me...and tickling me.

Uncle Willy tickles Kyle until his insides feel like they're splitting apart. Kyle loves Uncle Willy, but not those tickles. He wants to hide when Uncle Willy visits. He'll put spots all over his face so Uncle Willy will think he has chicken pox and leave him alone. He'll tell his mom he's sick so he can stay in his room. But instead he tells her about Uncle Willy's tickles…and then he tells Uncle Willy, too.

This new second edition includes a Note to Parents by Jane Annunziata, PsyD, which discusses touches and the idea that your body belongs to you.

From the Note to Parents:

It can be hard for young children to say "No" to an adult. Reading this book will help children realize they can have power over their bodies—power over innocent touches like Uncle Willy's, and power over other kinds of touches than can possibly lead to harm. Touching should feel safe and good. Children have every right, as do we all, to feel that way.