Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and K. Joyner to bring you this post.

Do you know any kids who don't want to try something new, but when they do, they love it? I feel like so many kids go through this stage. It is hard to try something new. It is scary and a bit nerve-racking even for adults. For kids it is easier for them to say no then try it. Today's book is all about this stage. It is I Don't Think So! by K. Joyner and illustrated by Asha Butler. There is a giveaway at the end of this post!

About the Book:

I Don’t Think So! Written by K. Joyner, Illustrated by Asha Butler, and Editing and Art Direction by Monica Violet Joy

Ages: 3-8 | 34 Pages | Publisher: BookBaby (2025) | ISBN: 979-8218567026

Publisher’s Book Summary: Mia is a precocious kindergartner with two loving parents. She lives in a wonderful and colorful city, surrounded by curious characters. Mia seems to have it all. Unfortunately, try as she might, little Mia is terribly shy and it can be a real hindrance for any child to find the confidence they need to tackle new, scary challenges, like school! Luckily for Mia, she has her best friend Cody, and inspiring teacher, Ms. Doodlebee to help bring her out of her shell, and show her that the world is a wonderful, inspiring place, brimming with adventure, and fun!

Purchase Links:

About the Author:

Kelli Joyner (also known as K. Joyner) graduated from the University of Michigan-Dearborn with a B.S. Degree in Industrial & Systems Engineering. In 2020, she retired as a Vice President (VP) of Industrial Engineering from a Fortune 500, Atlanta-based company. Problem-solving, effective leadership, and strong communication skills were the characteristics that set Kelli apart from her peers, resulting in eighteen years of VP-level experience over her thirty-six-year career in industrial engineering with the company.

As a writer, she was drawn to great stories in both books and films as far back as she can remember, and knew she wanted to pursue a writing career at some point. Her first book, Unimaginable Loss…Godly Transformation was released in August of 2023. It is a memoir that recounts her childhood, her personal story of loss, and includes a guided grief journal. In 2024, Kelli wrote two young adult novels that are currently awaiting representation and adapted one into a screenplay.

I Don’t Think So! is Kelli’s debut children’s book. She plans to expand it into a series, called the Doodlebees, focused on instilling positive social skills and self-confidence in young children, while igniting their imagination and sprinkling in a bit of humor. In addition to writing, Kelli enjoys collecting miniature dollhouses and furniture, reading, traveling, and having fun with her family. Kelli resides in an Atlanta suburb, along with her husband. They have two young adult children.

To learn more, check out:

About the Editor and Art Director:

Monica Violet Joy is an acclaimed creative, renowned for developing and producing the beloved hit, CoComelon. She’s created series for athletes like Tony Hawk, and for revered toy companies such as Magna-Tiles as well as Build-A-Bear Workshop. She was a Consulting Producer on Netflix’s Go Dog Go!, a writer on Bubbles and Friends, and for Future Chicken. Monica has also worked as a writer, in development and production on: Blue’s Clues, Bubble Guppies, Kamp Koral, SpongeBob, Team Umizoomi, Wallykazam, Nimona, Ferdinand, Spies in Disguise, Ice Age V, and The Peanuts Movie. Her work has received Academy Awards, Annie Awards and Women of Inspiration Awards. Monica holds a Bachelor in Film Studies and Art History from the University of East Anglia, and a Master in History from the University of Birmingham.

About the Illustrator:

Asha Butler is an acclaimed artist from Atlanta, Georgia. Asha holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Animation from Kennesaw State University. She is an accomplished children’s book illustrator and animator. Inspired by her travels and playful moments with her beloved Shiba Inu, Kimi, Asha brings lively imaginative characters and worlds to life in her art.

From Me:

Mia is one of those kids who doesn't want to try new things. She is shy and hides around new people. She often answers something asking her to do something new with "I don't think so!" She is doing this on the first day of kindergarten. Her new friend, Cody, and her teacher Ms. Doodlebee find ways to get her to try some new things and be part of the class. As Mia tries the new things she realizes they are fun and with each new things becomes a bit more daring. I love how Cody makes each activity into something he knows she will like and then changes it back to what it was. It is the perfect modeling of how to get a young one to try something new even if they are scared to. Mia ends up loving her first day and all the new things she tries. It is so important to have someone in your life to encourage you through the scary things!

This book is perfect to read with any child who struggles to try new things. It is also a great back-to-school book! It is also a great book to read before a child starts kindergarten to talk about what school may look like. It is also just a fun book to watch Mia say, "I don't think so!" to each new activity and then to get talked into it and love it is fun and humorous. I can see this book being a loved one for classrooms as well as story times at home! I hope you will check it out!

Giveaway:

Enter for a chance to win one of five signed hardcover copies of I Don’t Think So! One lucky grand prize winner will receive a signed copy and a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card. Good luck!

I Don't Think So -- Picture Book Review & Giveaway