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David
No, David!
The Caldecott Honor-winning classic by bestselling picture-book creator David Shannon! When David Shannon was five years old, he wrote and illustrated his first book. On every page were these NO, DAVID! . . . and a picture of David doing things he was not supposed to do. Now David is all grown up. But some things never change. . . .Over fifteen years after its initial publication, NO, DAVID! remains a perennial household favorite, delighting children, parents, and teachers alike. David is a beloved character, whose unabashed good humor, mischievous smile, and laughter-inducing antics underline the love parents have for their children--even when they misbehave.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1998
473 people are currently reading
16932 people want to read
About the author
David Shannon
213 books561 followersDavid Shannon is the author and illustrator of many highly praised books for children. Born in Washington, D.C., he grew up in Spokane, Washington. He graduated from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, with a fine arts degree, and then moved to New York City. His editorial illustrations have appeared in The New York Times, Time, and Rolling Stone, and his artwork has appeared on numerous book jackets. Shannon is a passionate baseball fan and softball player. He and his wife now live in Los Angeles.
David Shannon @ Scholastic
David Shannon @ Scholastic
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,414 reviews
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June 21, 2009Oh yes. I've read other people's reviews of this book. I understand that it's pure catnip to Jasons, Ethans and Rebeccas throughout the land. But until now, one perspective has been conspicuously absent. So let me try to rectify that.
MY NAME IS DAVID AND I LOATHE THIS BOOK.
Why? Let me count the ways:
1. The book's message is uniformly nihilistic throughout. Instead of being taught to embrace life in all its infinite variety, the feral, razor-toothed, wolf-child is subjected to a constant stream of negativity and denial from an obviously sadistic disembodied 'authority figure'.
2. Is it not remarkable that there are no other children evident anywhere in this vicious little vignette of cruelty and persecution? Why is this? Well, obviously because Jason, Ethan, Becky and the gang are all hanging out at Jason's crib, watching "Bob the Builder" and scarfing down marshmallow 'n ketchup pizza, because Jason's mom is like totally cool, and a future MILF to boot.
3. And what is it with the kid's teeth anyway? Even feral children deserve a little time with the orthodontist. The crude, ugly caricature of a wolf-child that the author presents here is a hideous calumny with the potential to cause severe emotional damage to Davids throughout the land.
4. It is a complete travesty to think that the single instance of faintly nurturing behavior demonstrated by the Eva Braun authority figure (to someone called "Davey") could possibly negate the damage inflicted by the litany of negativity and denial that precede it.
The dedication on this woeful screed reads as follows
"To Martha, my mother, who kept me in line then,
and to Heidi, my wife, who keeps me in line now."
from which it is obvious that David Shannon is a completely pitiful individual, who has obviously embraced his pathetic, whipped existence.
BUT, FELLOW WARRIOR-DAVIDS, THAT DOESN'T MEAN WE HAVE TO. TAKE THE PEANUT BUTTER JAR, SMEAR IT ALL OVER THIS BOOK, AND THEN FEED IT INTO THE VCR.
And don't forget to check the site www.davidsunitedagainstcaregivercruel... regularly to monitor progress of the class action suit.
MY NAME IS DAVID AND I LOATHE THIS BOOK.
Why? Let me count the ways:
1. The book's message is uniformly nihilistic throughout. Instead of being taught to embrace life in all its infinite variety, the feral, razor-toothed, wolf-child is subjected to a constant stream of negativity and denial from an obviously sadistic disembodied 'authority figure'.
2. Is it not remarkable that there are no other children evident anywhere in this vicious little vignette of cruelty and persecution? Why is this? Well, obviously because Jason, Ethan, Becky and the gang are all hanging out at Jason's crib, watching "Bob the Builder" and scarfing down marshmallow 'n ketchup pizza, because Jason's mom is like totally cool, and a future MILF to boot.
3. And what is it with the kid's teeth anyway? Even feral children deserve a little time with the orthodontist. The crude, ugly caricature of a wolf-child that the author presents here is a hideous calumny with the potential to cause severe emotional damage to Davids throughout the land.
4. It is a complete travesty to think that the single instance of faintly nurturing behavior demonstrated by the Eva Braun authority figure (to someone called "Davey") could possibly negate the damage inflicted by the litany of negativity and denial that precede it.
The dedication on this woeful screed reads as follows
"To Martha, my mother, who kept me in line then,
and to Heidi, my wife, who keeps me in line now."
from which it is obvious that David Shannon is a completely pitiful individual, who has obviously embraced his pathetic, whipped existence.
BUT, FELLOW WARRIOR-DAVIDS, THAT DOESN'T MEAN WE HAVE TO. TAKE THE PEANUT BUTTER JAR, SMEAR IT ALL OVER THIS BOOK, AND THEN FEED IT INTO THE VCR.
And don't forget to check the site www.davidsunitedagainstcaregivercruel... regularly to monitor progress of the class action suit.
June 25, 2019
My nephew could read this book as it had about 3 words per page mostly. They are words that he knows very well and he was able to act these out once he figured out what was going on. You see, my nephew gets these words all the time. My nephew is basically this little boy David in the story. He is always doing something he shouldn’t and getting ‘No’, or ‘Stop’. He got in on the joke and he began to sound like me or his Mom. His Dad doesn’t do that as much. He handles things better mostly. I need to work on my skills, anyway.
The artwork is great and the kid does look like a little monster sometimes, but there is still so much love for the kid. The one thing this book missed was eating at the table. My nephew has to be one of the messiest eaters ever and almost every other meal he spills his little water cup. If we were to add a page it would be, ‘pick that up and wipe your hands and face.’ Something to that effect and he would be covered by food. David did make this cool guy with a fork, 2 chicken legs, green beans, and a potato for a head and the nephew thought that was so cool. We will probably being seeing that soon too at the table.
The niece laughed at how similar her brother and David were. The nephew loved being in on the joke for once and he understood how this boy felt. The nephew gave this 5 stars and the niece gave this 4 stars. We have a lot of fun reading this. I do love that the last page is saying, I love you. It’s the best ending.
The artwork is great and the kid does look like a little monster sometimes, but there is still so much love for the kid. The one thing this book missed was eating at the table. My nephew has to be one of the messiest eaters ever and almost every other meal he spills his little water cup. If we were to add a page it would be, ‘pick that up and wipe your hands and face.’ Something to that effect and he would be covered by food. David did make this cool guy with a fork, 2 chicken legs, green beans, and a potato for a head and the nephew thought that was so cool. We will probably being seeing that soon too at the table.
The niece laughed at how similar her brother and David were. The nephew loved being in on the joke for once and he understood how this boy felt. The nephew gave this 5 stars and the niece gave this 4 stars. We have a lot of fun reading this. I do love that the last page is saying, I love you. It’s the best ending.
November 16, 2019
I am David. This is a book about little ADHD mini-me. And since it is a (semi)-autobiographical picture book, it is also about a David much like David Shannon, of course. I also gave it (at his birth) to nephew (and godson) David, which as it turns out was an appropriate gift for another "No, David" kinda kid. Self-fullfilling prophecy? Is there something about being David? Possibly.
I always thought of my name as connected to the wise and Goliath-slaying David of the Bible, but when I asked my mother if this was the reason she had named me David, she said "No, David. There was this woman across the hall from me in the hospital and I didn't know what to name you and she said she was going to call her son David and I thought, that sounds nice." She would say "No, David" far more times than "Yes, David" over the years, but we really did love each other.
Oh, the book! It's funny, especially about certain kinds of kids (boys?). And the art is wonderfully kooky and colorful. A classic.
I always thought of my name as connected to the wise and Goliath-slaying David of the Bible, but when I asked my mother if this was the reason she had named me David, she said "No, David. There was this woman across the hall from me in the hospital and I didn't know what to name you and she said she was going to call her son David and I thought, that sounds nice." She would say "No, David" far more times than "Yes, David" over the years, but we really did love each other.
Oh, the book! It's funny, especially about certain kinds of kids (boys?). And the art is wonderfully kooky and colorful. A classic.
September 1, 2024
No, David! Don't splash in the bathtub!
No, David! ~~ David Shannon
I loved this book. We’ve all been there during our childhood. A wonderful read.
No, David! ~~ David Shannon
I loved this book. We’ve all been there during our childhood. A wonderful read.
August 25, 2016
A classic among children's books, this book never ceases to amuse me. David distinctly reminds me of my brother when he was an innocent blond. Here's one memory of his countless antics.
I've always wondered what kind of person David would grow up to be. While I have trouble envisioning a teenage David, I doubt he'd be identical to my brother. Still, I can't imagine that they'd be markedly different. All in all an endearing book.
I've always wondered what kind of person David would grow up to be. While I have trouble envisioning a teenage David, I doubt he'd be identical to my brother. Still, I can't imagine that they'd be markedly different. All in all an endearing book.
December 27, 2025
Although thankfully, David Shannon's No, David! does end in a conciliatory and affirmative enough manner (in so far that David's mother obviously loves her son even though he clearly is a proverbial holy terror most of the time), personally I have found No, David! not even remotely to my liking, to my reading tastes. For honestly, that ALL of Shannon’s scenarios of behaviour in No, David! present instances of young David negatively acting out and often massively so, this certainly has made No, David! rather monotonous and one-sided for me, as though ALL David can do is to basically just be a royal pain in the behind. And even the mother’s declaration that she still loves her son does not really make the one after another litany of David's many peccadilloes fun and interesting for me and in particular because No, David! is also just a list of David's bad behaviours with no explanations ever offered to him why, just a constant no, no, no, but never in fact giving David a real talking to about what is good and what is unacceptable, what is bad or problematic ways and manners of acting.
Combined with the fact that (and the Caldecott Honour designation David Shannon received for No, David! quite notwithstanding) I on a personal visual level also really do massively despise the accompanying illustrations (since yes indeed and albeit that Shannon's use of colour is bright and lively, I find David depicted in a visually totally repellant manner that makes him look creepy and in particular his teeth quite fang-like and perhaps even evil) I really cannot consider more than one star for No, David! and that yes indeed, this book has both been a massive disappointment and on a personal aesthetics level, that I also really do have trouble understanding why No, David! is a Caldecott Honour book (as for me, David Shannon’s illustrations actually do seem to render poor David into almost a monster).
Combined with the fact that (and the Caldecott Honour designation David Shannon received for No, David! quite notwithstanding) I on a personal visual level also really do massively despise the accompanying illustrations (since yes indeed and albeit that Shannon's use of colour is bright and lively, I find David depicted in a visually totally repellant manner that makes him look creepy and in particular his teeth quite fang-like and perhaps even evil) I really cannot consider more than one star for No, David! and that yes indeed, this book has both been a massive disappointment and on a personal aesthetics level, that I also really do have trouble understanding why No, David! is a Caldecott Honour book (as for me, David Shannon’s illustrations actually do seem to render poor David into almost a monster).
March 9, 2017
One of my favorite children's stories, probably because it reminds of me of my oldest son when he was small. David seems prone to get in trouble, and even though he seems to have trouble behaving, his mommy loves him unconditionally. We love the illustrations; my grand daughter got the biggest kick out of the one where he has escaped down the street after his bath, running butt-naked. : )
June 20, 2013
My middle son's favorite book as a child. The little stinker - he especially loved the part when David ran naked down the street to avoid a bath. We giggled and giggled everytime we read this book together.
Man! I miss when my boys were little.
Man! I miss when my boys were little.
December 19, 2016
My 2-year old son insists I give this book 5 stars. I myself would give it three ... maybe even 2 since David is told NO so often without explanations of why or attempts at redirection ... but this is the one book my son brings to me time and time again. I literally read it to him 6 times today. He's adorable when he reads along with me. So I guess that any book that gets such love from my 2-year old deserves 5 stars. :)
June 23, 2017
“No, David!” is David Shannon’s first book of the “David” series and has won the Caldecott Honor Book Award, which it richly deserves that honor. This book details the adventures of David being bad while his mother continually tells him: “NO, DAVID!”
David Shannon’s first attempt at making the “David” series is truly a masterpiece to this very day. David Shannon’s writing style is memorable as he writes in a simple preschool format that is easy enough for readers at a young age could relate to as he details David’s mischievous adventures. David Shannon’s illustrations are truly inspiring as he illustrates David with a large head and sharp teeth and his gleeful expressions as he seemly enjoys the mischief that he causes.
“No, David!” is one of David Shannon’s finest children’s books ever created and is surely to make anyone laugh out loud whenever they witness David’s mischief in the household and making his mother go crazy when she keeps telling him, “NO, DAVID!” Even though this book might entice bad behavior towards children, it is suitable for children ages four and up since the vocabulary and the writing style are simple to read for any preschooler.
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
August 17, 2023
This book got me through Covid. A heartfelt, tearjerking thriller. Was on the edge of my seat every turn of the page. Greatest coming of age story I ever read. God bless David Shannon.
January 29, 2013
I know this is a widely popular book and to my surprise I was not to fond of it!
The story shows David, a young boy constantly getting in trouble and in the end shows his mother, hugging him and stating she loves him. I did not like this book for many reasons.
The first reason was that his mom just keeps saying no or stop it, or something of that form; there is never a reinforcer or punishment. The second reason was that in addition to him not getting in trouble his mom just says "yes David, I love you!" First, we do not even know david was questioning this. Furthermore although this action and statement is fine, and I admit gives the message that even when kids misbehave their parents love them, there is more that could have been learned. With the progression of the story as it is, David and the kids reading this book may get the impression that it does not matter whether or not they behave- and I have seen this first hand. It also may suggest that a punishment for bad behaviors makes kids believe they are not loved-which any parent would agree is not true.
I believe I would have liked this book much better had it been longer and included David having a longer punishment than a passive and dismissed and over-looked time-out.
On the other hand there were some things I like about this book. I enjoyed the illustrations, and even without the words the message may have been implied. The action depicted through David are relatable to kids as behaviors they too may get in trouble for. This book could have potential for teaching right from wrong, or good from bad behaviors.
For this reason, I would not completely dismiss this book from others or my future classroom.
The story shows David, a young boy constantly getting in trouble and in the end shows his mother, hugging him and stating she loves him. I did not like this book for many reasons.
The first reason was that his mom just keeps saying no or stop it, or something of that form; there is never a reinforcer or punishment. The second reason was that in addition to him not getting in trouble his mom just says "yes David, I love you!" First, we do not even know david was questioning this. Furthermore although this action and statement is fine, and I admit gives the message that even when kids misbehave their parents love them, there is more that could have been learned. With the progression of the story as it is, David and the kids reading this book may get the impression that it does not matter whether or not they behave- and I have seen this first hand. It also may suggest that a punishment for bad behaviors makes kids believe they are not loved-which any parent would agree is not true.
I believe I would have liked this book much better had it been longer and included David having a longer punishment than a passive and dismissed and over-looked time-out.
On the other hand there were some things I like about this book. I enjoyed the illustrations, and even without the words the message may have been implied. The action depicted through David are relatable to kids as behaviors they too may get in trouble for. This book could have potential for teaching right from wrong, or good from bad behaviors.
For this reason, I would not completely dismiss this book from others or my future classroom.
June 9, 2009
Great series for 2-5 year olds. My nephews loved to hear (and see--terrific illustrations) the many ways naughty David got in trouble. But no matter how bad David was, by the end of the book he knows that Mommy still loves him.:)
Also consider the follow-ups David Goes To School, and David Gets in Trouble.
You'll cringe at David's antics, and be thankful that your child isn't that bad!:)
Also consider the follow-ups David Goes To School, and David Gets in Trouble.
You'll cringe at David's antics, and be thankful that your child isn't that bad!:)
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September 15, 2010Love the colors, the drawings, love the reality of it!
This weekend I asked a guy if he'd read this book to his son and he informed that no, he hadn't because it was too violent or scary or something.
huh?
what?
David has jagged teeth that's true but, violent? scary? not so much.
so I'm kind of giving this book 5 stars because when ever I see it I'll think wow there's is actually a parent out there somewhere that is even more neurotic than me. And let's face it feeling superior in parenting for a change just feels good.
This weekend I asked a guy if he'd read this book to his son and he informed that no, he hadn't because it was too violent or scary or something.
huh?
what?
David has jagged teeth that's true but, violent? scary? not so much.
so I'm kind of giving this book 5 stars because when ever I see it I'll think wow there's is actually a parent out there somewhere that is even more neurotic than me. And let's face it feeling superior in parenting for a change just feels good.
September 20, 2017
This is a great book. I read it to my preschool class during the first week of school. I used it as a teaching tool to talk about appropriate classroom behavior. After reading the book we created a list of classroom rules. This book was very helpful.
December 27, 2015
I read this because I wanted to complete my good reads goal ha ha!! *Cheater*
March 7, 2016
This book reminds me of a certain someone...
August 26, 2016
This was our son through and through. I can't believe that he'll be 17 in a few months.
August 10, 2021
(8/2/21) reading No David was a thoroughly nasty experience from start to finish. i will elaborate on this review when i have the time to properly express my feelings on this sorry excuse of a book.
(8/10/21) eight days later and i finally have the mental capacity to discuss No David. every time david expresses himself, his creativity is completely and utterly Squashed, stomped on, decimated, if you will. a resounding, “No David!” echoes throughout the house with every ounce of independence displayed by david. his self expression and creativity are met with disapproval time and time again. in a desperate quest for his parents attention, it’s no wonder that david’s endeavors become increasingly disruptive as the book progresses. where are david’s parents in the moments before he sets out for a naked run in the street? how does david manage to bust out his entire baseball uniform (complete with helmet, bat, and ball) and take aim at a fancy vase before his parents take notice? the only attention david receives from his parents comes during the aftermath of his destructive behavior and is, of course, Of The Negative Variety. clearly, david has this figured out, and is going to grow up with some serious issues. on the last page of the book, the reader (and david) are met with the same gall and audacity of someone who has just confidently spit in your face. “I love you!”, the mother says to david as she pulls him into a crushing hug just moments after punishing him yet again. Really? Really? I love you? sounds like david’s mother loves the sense of control she gets from yelling at her son all day, but david? not so much. like i said, david is definitely going to have issues.
(8/10/21) eight days later and i finally have the mental capacity to discuss No David. every time david expresses himself, his creativity is completely and utterly Squashed, stomped on, decimated, if you will. a resounding, “No David!” echoes throughout the house with every ounce of independence displayed by david. his self expression and creativity are met with disapproval time and time again. in a desperate quest for his parents attention, it’s no wonder that david’s endeavors become increasingly disruptive as the book progresses. where are david’s parents in the moments before he sets out for a naked run in the street? how does david manage to bust out his entire baseball uniform (complete with helmet, bat, and ball) and take aim at a fancy vase before his parents take notice? the only attention david receives from his parents comes during the aftermath of his destructive behavior and is, of course, Of The Negative Variety. clearly, david has this figured out, and is going to grow up with some serious issues. on the last page of the book, the reader (and david) are met with the same gall and audacity of someone who has just confidently spit in your face. “I love you!”, the mother says to david as she pulls him into a crushing hug just moments after punishing him yet again. Really? Really? I love you? sounds like david’s mother loves the sense of control she gets from yelling at her son all day, but david? not so much. like i said, david is definitely going to have issues.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2013
I have to add this Caldecott award winner to our children's favorite books. Another wonderful David book, it had many things which both my 5 yr old and twin preschoolers could relate to. Almost every page had them wide-eyed with disbelief that there could be another kid out there that wants to get into the same trouble they do. The pictures were enchanting and colorful and were enjoyed by our entire family, including grandma today. By the end of the book, my twin 3 yr olds were all saying "No David!" at the end of every page. David Shannon's "David" books are a big win in our house hold. Highly recommended.
January 21, 2016
Not my favorite David book. Again cute illustrations and the little boy in the story is cute and onrey.
February 10, 2022
My babies are autistic. Have a mentioned that? And my sweet Moo had a time of it when he was little. So good and yet he often “got in trouble.” He loved this books. God bless you David.
January 12, 2011
I loved this book!!!! This is the first picture book I have read since probably fourth grade and oh my gosh it made my day!!!! When you get into middle school you always have to read classics and poems and novels. But I think if every once in a while you read a childrens book then it would put a smile on your face. I like this book because it reminds me of when I was a little girl and I would do weird things like David does and my mom would always tell me NO! or stop that right now but in the end my parents of course still loved me.
I also really liked this book because it was such a simple concept but yet it was almost interesting. The pictures were really cute and I couldnt wait to turn the next page and see what kind of mischievous thing David was going to do next.
I also really liked this book because it was such a simple concept but yet it was almost interesting. The pictures were really cute and I couldnt wait to turn the next page and see what kind of mischievous thing David was going to do next.
October 14, 2019
I used to read this to my daughter when she was little.
This book always brought out so much tenderness in me even though David is a little boy who is always getting into some kind of trouble, hence the title. I think it always made me think of my daughter and how she was always being told no also, even though she was just being a baby and exploring her big world. I can still picture that little face whenever she was told no.
When the time came to clean out and donate a lot of her children books, this is one I couldn't let go of because in my mind this book will always be about her.
Read sometime between 2003-2006 and thereafter.
This book always brought out so much tenderness in me even though David is a little boy who is always getting into some kind of trouble, hence the title. I think it always made me think of my daughter and how she was always being told no also, even though she was just being a baby and exploring her big world. I can still picture that little face whenever she was told no.
When the time came to clean out and donate a lot of her children books, this is one I couldn't let go of because in my mind this book will always be about her.
Read sometime between 2003-2006 and thereafter.
October 11, 2014
Great for storytime. Lots of opportunities for interaction with the repeating refrain of 'No David'. Kids love it, they think it is hysterical.
I use it to talk about rules and lead into talking about what is and isn't okay to do in the library.
I use it to talk about rules and lead into talking about what is and isn't okay to do in the library.
May 23, 2023
This book gave me nightmares because my friend drew on David's face and made him look very evil. Still phenonmal book
August 29, 2023
After reading this book multiple times on repeat, at least 15 times a day, for two whole months . . . I hope I never have to read this book again lol
March 13, 2024
2 stars
I read this with an elementary student that I tutor. It was a favorite of theirs but I didn't really find the appeal. The main character, David consistently faces critique when they misbehave or are energetic. Not the best message, but it seems to have become a common picture book among kids to read. I would love to see a similar book but with more positivity and encouragement for David to behave. I have ADHD so I resonated with a bit of misbehavior, but this went a bit far. At least the mom does affirm her love for Davey in the end.
Fast and quick. Only one line per page.
I tend to rate books for kiddos quite high, but this one is not something I would encourage y'all to pick up. I remember reading this in school and not liking it that much. There are stronger options.
I read this with an elementary student that I tutor. It was a favorite of theirs but I didn't really find the appeal. The main character, David consistently faces critique when they misbehave or are energetic. Not the best message, but it seems to have become a common picture book among kids to read. I would love to see a similar book but with more positivity and encouragement for David to behave. I have ADHD so I resonated with a bit of misbehavior, but this went a bit far. At least the mom does affirm her love for Davey in the end.
Fast and quick. Only one line per page.
I tend to rate books for kiddos quite high, but this one is not something I would encourage y'all to pick up. I remember reading this in school and not liking it that much. There are stronger options.
January 9, 2026
A books a book and a book with few words and lots of pictures sometimes speaks the most I said what I said
October 7, 2010
This is a story of a bald trouble-making boy named David. Babies to children aged 6 will be captivated by his bad decisions and countless misfortunes as David’s mother scolds him for his naughtiness page after page. Each vivid double-page illustration portrays a youthful childhood indiscretion that children will find hilarious. Readers will see David climbing up the counter to reach for the cookie jar, running naked down the street, and what happens when you play baseball in the house. Children will be quick to recite this book, as there are very few words or phases that they have not heard before. Phrases such as: “No, David!” "Come back here!" "Not in the house, David!" are echoed as you read this book to match with David’s poor choices.
I am a big fan of David Shannon’s work. I believe his books are ones that captivate children to want to read at a young age because they are spot on to problems that an everyday child might have. His books are a great way to teach children how to make good decisions and choices. Shannon’s illustrations are not only appealing, but often help children identify why we should not do the things David does creating children to problem solve on their own!
I am a big fan of David Shannon’s work. I believe his books are ones that captivate children to want to read at a young age because they are spot on to problems that an everyday child might have. His books are a great way to teach children how to make good decisions and choices. Shannon’s illustrations are not only appealing, but often help children identify why we should not do the things David does creating children to problem solve on their own!
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