Important themes such as discipline, proper behavior, parental love, and childhood essence are evident throughout this children’s book through words and illustrations.

In 1997, Shannon came across his childhood book in his mother's closet and re-wrote it using a childlike handwriting and included drawings of his mishaps.

Shannon took on this project because he thought it would be fun to recollect on all of those familiar variations of the universal “no” that he heard as he was growing up.

The author (David Shannon) at the end of his note says, "Of course, "yes" is a wonderful word…but "yes" doesn't keep crayon off the living room wall.

"[1] This story, portrayed by a picture book, is about a young boy named David who is often told “no” by his mother.

Throughout its illustrations, this book pictures the various unapproved activities that David participates in, such as trying to snag a cookie from the cookie jar, tracing mud into the house, splashing water all over in the bathtub, running around naked, pounding pots, playing with his food, chewing with his mouth open, jumping on furniture, picking his nose, making a mess with his toys, and so on.

Each page of this book has David acting out things he is not supposed to do, and this theme addresses the common issue of disobedient and improper behavior in younger children.

[2] In addition to discipline and proper behavior, parental love and patience is another theme that this short story highlights.

[3] As mentioned in the authors note, this book also is able to help capture the essence of childhood and the curiosity that children often have at such a young age.

These illustrations help reinforce the intended younger audiences abilities to identify what the outcomes will be as a result of certain actions.