Yes! No!: A First Conversation About Consent is a bright and engaging contribution to the First Conversations series by Megan Madison and Jessica Ralli, with warm and expressive illustrations from Isabel Roxas. The series was developed to help young children and the adults who care for them to access big social concepts through simple dialogue and clear visual storytelling.
- Title: “Yes! No! A First Conversation About Consent“
- Written: Megan Madison & Jessica Ralli
- Illustrated by: Isabel Roxas
- Age Group: 2 – 5 years (Can be introduced earlier)
- Links to EYLF
- Principles: Secure, respectful and reciprocal relationships
- Practices: Responsiveness to children
- Outcomes: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing (Outcome 1) and are connected with and contribute to their world (Outcome 2)
Introducing Consent
This title introduces consent as something deeply connected to everyday interactions. Through concrete language and relatable scenarios, the book celebrates how we ask for permission, how we respond when someone asks us and how bodies and boundaries deserve respect.
The story begins by naming body parts and reinforcing the empowering message: “This is my body. It belongs to me.” It then explores the many ways children communicate “yes” and “no” including facial expressions, gestures, turning away and verbal language.
Importantly, the book “Yes! No!” includes additional guidance for adults at the back with conversation starters and practical strategies to continue exploring autonomy, boundaries and respectful relationships beyond the final page.
Educators will also appreciate the sturdy board-book format (also available as a picture book). Its sturdy design is ideal for little hands (and mouths!), offering durability as babies explore the book physically while educators support early learning around bodily autonomy, communication cues, and respectful interactions.
Why It’s Perfect for Infants and Toddlers (0 – 3 Years)
Although “Yes! No!” is typically recommended for ages 2 – 5, the foundations of consent begin long before children are confidently speaking.
For Infants
With thoughtful, responsive delivery, this book can also be introduced into infant rooms supporting children aged 0–2.
In these earliest years, consent is about recognising and responding to the cues children already use to communicate comfort or discomfort, turning their head away, leaning in for more, pushing a hand away, crying, smiling, frowning. The book models noticing those signals and respecting them.
For Toddlers
For toddlers discovering independence, the book helps build vocabulary and confidence around making choices and asserting boundaries as essential skills that contribute to their sense of identity and wellbeing.
The inclusive representation throughout the illustrations normalises the beauty and diversity of all bodies, helping every child feel seen.
Practical Ways to Use It in Your Room
| Intentional reading moments | Slow the pace, explore the pictures together, and ask: “What do you think this child wants?” |
| Offer clear and simple language | Support children to express preference: “Do you want a high-five or no high-five?” |
| Acknowledge non-verbal signals | Celebrate every form of communication: “You moved your hand away… that means no, and I’ll listen.” |
| Embed consent into routines | During nappy changes, dressing, toileting, joining group time: “Is it okay if I help you now?” |
| Partner with families | Share how you are teaching body autonomy and encourage similar conversations at home. |
| Link to the NQF | Strengthens belonging, identity and respectful relationships (EYLF Outcomes 1 & 2, NQS QA5) |
“Yes! No!: A First Conversation About Consent” brings a vital message into a format perfectly suited to early learning settings: children’s bodies, voices and choices matter.
Whether you are supporting an infant learning to turn away from an unwanted touch or a toddler finding their confident “no!” this book reinforces the educator’s role in listening, empowering and nurturing safe, respectful relationships from birth.
A wonderful addition to any ECEC library and a must-have for rooms helping children develop autonomy, trust and connection right from the start.
