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The Not Even Once Club
Tyler is the new kid on the block.
His friends from church have invited him to their clubhouse.
But Tyler must pass the test before he can become a member of their club.
He must choose for himself to keep the commandment and church values and to never break them... NOT EVEN ONCE!
His friends from church have invited him to their clubhouse.
But Tyler must pass the test before he can become a member of their club.
He must choose for himself to keep the commandment and church values and to never break them... NOT EVEN ONCE!
32 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2013
57 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
September 4, 2013
Mormon mother with a 7 year old son. Read this in the store. Cannot read it to my son. Specifically mentions viewing pornography on tv, the internet, a cell phone, billboards, magazines, and movies. I get that the author is trying to encourage children to make a choice early on to not break the commandments, but it is inevitable that they will and then what? are they are booted out of the not even once club? And pornography on billboards? Whats a poor child to do if they see a "pornographic" billboard on accident? And how to even identify these troublesome billboards to my son so he knows to watch out for them? Drive down the road identifying them? "Not pornography, not pornography, not pornography...PORNOGRAPHY!! DON'T LOOK! DID YOU LOOK? DONT LOOK!" She could have added a few more pages and covered the Atonement. The club could have at least let Tyler in on that. Such a hopeless message. Its just...bad. Zero stars.
September 3, 2013
This book carries a damaging message, teaching kids they can go through life without making any mistakes is probably the worst message to teach children. WE ALL MAKE MISTAKES. We grow from our mistakes. For a church that has Jesus Christ in the name, this book has nothing to do with Jesus and his atonement. Sounds more like Satan's plan in the pre-existance. If you want to teach your kids false teachings - buy this book! I gave it one star because I couldn't give it 0 stars.
September 9, 2013
I read this as an advanced copy and immediately felt icky. This felt like it went against the Atonement I have come to know and love. The whole reason for the Atonement was the war in Heaven when Lucifer wanted to coerce souls back to Heaven but Christ wanted us to have agency...to choose for ourselves through his sacrifice we can make mistakes and overcome them.l. I'm not advocating sin but I am advocating humanity and the human condition. This felt like spiritual manipulation and abuse. Utah is the 9th in the nation for youth suicide. We put such a high value on perfection with no room for error instead of Christ-like love. This book won't help and Sister Nelson will have blood on her hands.
September 5, 2013
This book contains a very damaging message for child and adults. The idea that you can never make a mistake is an unattainable goal for anyone! We all make mistakes. That is why Jesus atoned for our sins. Of course, we seek to become like the Savior, but in the process, we are continually repenting and trying, through His grace, to become more like Him. This book is the antithesis of the story of the Prodigal Son, who loved his faltering son unconditionally just as God loves us. The message of God's perfect, infinite, unconditional love is found throughout the Scriptures. We must teach this message to our children.
September 16, 2013
This bears no resemblance to the Christian gospel I'm trying to teach my children. Everyone makes mistakes. Let's not give kids complexes by twisting the gospel into a you-can't-even-sin-once-or-you'll-be-kicked-out-of-the-clubhouse fear appeal.
October 28, 2015
This entire premise is just absolutely horrific. I wish I could give it negative stars because it deserves them. Teaching this concept to children is religious and psychological abuse.
September 8, 2013
NOTE: I have seen many reviews of this book that are negative because the authors think that the story leaves out any room for mistakes. Here is my take on that topic.
I understand where the other reviews are coming from. After all, all people make mistakes, but does that mean we shouldn't try to keep God's commandments as well as we can? Yes, the Atonement is there because we need it and the forgiveness and sanctification that it offers. But the Atonement also helps us keep the covenants we make at baptism and other times, helping us seek to keep the commandments. How is the promise these kids make any different than the covenants made at baptism and in the temple? Are these kids likely to reject each other completely if one of them messes up? I don't think so. Such promises/covenants help us to remember what God has commanded us to do. These are commandments, not requests, and the Lord doesn't include exceptions. He doesn't say, keep the commandments except when you can't. Instead He makes a way for us to try again, to 'pass the test' the next time, to change through the Atonement with the Savior's help. As for nobody being able to do any of the mentioned things 'not even once' do we want to teach our children that it's okay to do any of those things mentioned in the book, 'just once?' I don't think so, those things generally have negative consequences and our children will be better off if they avoid them.
Please keep in mind that I'm not trying to offend anyone here. But I hate to see a good book so thoroughly condemned. The book could make for some great conversations between parents and children about obedience and consequences and repentance.
I understand where the other reviews are coming from. After all, all people make mistakes, but does that mean we shouldn't try to keep God's commandments as well as we can? Yes, the Atonement is there because we need it and the forgiveness and sanctification that it offers. But the Atonement also helps us keep the covenants we make at baptism and other times, helping us seek to keep the commandments. How is the promise these kids make any different than the covenants made at baptism and in the temple? Are these kids likely to reject each other completely if one of them messes up? I don't think so. Such promises/covenants help us to remember what God has commanded us to do. These are commandments, not requests, and the Lord doesn't include exceptions. He doesn't say, keep the commandments except when you can't. Instead He makes a way for us to try again, to 'pass the test' the next time, to change through the Atonement with the Savior's help. As for nobody being able to do any of the mentioned things 'not even once' do we want to teach our children that it's okay to do any of those things mentioned in the book, 'just once?' I don't think so, those things generally have negative consequences and our children will be better off if they avoid them.
Please keep in mind that I'm not trying to offend anyone here. But I hate to see a good book so thoroughly condemned. The book could make for some great conversations between parents and children about obedience and consequences and repentance.
July 19, 2018
A new boy in the class seeks to join a tree house club but first needs to promise never to break certain commandments in this book by President Nelson’s wife. There is also a brief discussion of repentance when the “once” happens.
I read this with my 10-year-old daughter just before going to California for a vacation, and she mentioned every time we walked past a coffee shop or a store with a beer sign in the window the phrase “not even once,” so it struck a nerve with her. It was a great book for teaching kids the power of positive peer pressure.
I read this with my 10-year-old daughter just before going to California for a vacation, and she mentioned every time we walked past a coffee shop or a store with a beer sign in the window the phrase “not even once,” so it struck a nerve with her. It was a great book for teaching kids the power of positive peer pressure.
September 13, 2013
(3.5 stars) I'm mixed on this book and have so many different thoughts that I hope what I say will make sense. I liked the overall message in this book but there were a couple of things that concerned me. I read this to my children, who are 12 and 9, to see what they thought about this book and they liked it as well. The kids in the book pledge to not smoke, drink alcohol, lie, cheat, steal, do drugs, bully, dress immodestly, etc. These are all things I've been teaching my children since they were young and I try to live this way myself. This led to a discussion of "So, what would happen if you took this pledge and then broke it?" We then were able to discuss repentance and forgiveness and getting back on track right away. We all make mistakes and I think it's great to aspire each day to be a little bit better than you were the day before. Knowing what you're striving for helps to accomplish that.
I had great friends growing up and know that the friends my children choose will have a huge impact on how they turn out. I am grateful that they also have great friends. Not all their friends believe the same things we do, either, but they are still great kids.
In thinking of a real life application of this club, I would be concerned that a club like the one in this book can be exclusive. I have a brother-in-law that was raised in Utah and he wasn't LDS. One day, he saw some kids jumping on an old rubber tire and having fun. He asked to join them and they said he couldn't because he wasn't a Mormon. That cut him pretty deep. He is now a member of the church but that is still a hurtful memory. I wouldn't want my children to do that to anyone else because they weren't part of their club.
I also would worry about how my children would feel if they made a mistake. Would they feel like they were the worst person in the world and not worthy to be friends with the other kids anymore? I would hope not but kids' understanding is different than mine as an adult, and I can actually see my daughter feeling this way. Also, would they feel comfortable talking to me about it or would they keep it inside because they wouldn't want me to be disappointed in them? I would love to see a second book written that deals with someone making a mistake and how that person deals with it and how the rest of the group deals with it as well.
The illustrations are amazing! The tree house is very cool and looks like a fun place to hang out. The illustrator, Brandon Dorman, has worked on several of our favorite books so that was fun to learn!
I would highly recommend reading this book with your children so you can have discussions with them. There is a guide at the end that lists some great resources and ideas to get discussions going.
I had great friends growing up and know that the friends my children choose will have a huge impact on how they turn out. I am grateful that they also have great friends. Not all their friends believe the same things we do, either, but they are still great kids.
In thinking of a real life application of this club, I would be concerned that a club like the one in this book can be exclusive. I have a brother-in-law that was raised in Utah and he wasn't LDS. One day, he saw some kids jumping on an old rubber tire and having fun. He asked to join them and they said he couldn't because he wasn't a Mormon. That cut him pretty deep. He is now a member of the church but that is still a hurtful memory. I wouldn't want my children to do that to anyone else because they weren't part of their club.
I also would worry about how my children would feel if they made a mistake. Would they feel like they were the worst person in the world and not worthy to be friends with the other kids anymore? I would hope not but kids' understanding is different than mine as an adult, and I can actually see my daughter feeling this way. Also, would they feel comfortable talking to me about it or would they keep it inside because they wouldn't want me to be disappointed in them? I would love to see a second book written that deals with someone making a mistake and how that person deals with it and how the rest of the group deals with it as well.
The illustrations are amazing! The tree house is very cool and looks like a fun place to hang out. The illustrator, Brandon Dorman, has worked on several of our favorite books so that was fun to learn!
I would highly recommend reading this book with your children so you can have discussions with them. There is a guide at the end that lists some great resources and ideas to get discussions going.
September 5, 2013
I loved the illustrator's work in this book but was pretty torn about the message that a child could not even once make a mistake. I agree with the idea to encourage a child to not even once break a commandment, but what if they do? This book almost makes it seem that they will be doomed.
I made the mistake of reading it WITH my 8 year old before I read it myself & my son was stunned & scared that he had broken a Christian belief because he has drank TEA already. That was just a little crazy to have tea & coffee on the list of things to not do NOT EVEN ONCE. I have never seen a commandment that said not to drink tea! I was shocked and angry that my son was made feel a sinner for drinking TEA.
I understand this could have been a great book, but it a little to hell fire & damnation for a child in my opinion. Jesus forgives & children should try to never break the commandments but they will not go straight to hell for drinking a glass of tea. This book was so beautifully illustrated that I really hate that it seemed overly judgmental for a child to be reading.
I was provided a complementary copy of this book for an honest review / opinion.
I made the mistake of reading it WITH my 8 year old before I read it myself & my son was stunned & scared that he had broken a Christian belief because he has drank TEA already. That was just a little crazy to have tea & coffee on the list of things to not do NOT EVEN ONCE. I have never seen a commandment that said not to drink tea! I was shocked and angry that my son was made feel a sinner for drinking TEA.
I understand this could have been a great book, but it a little to hell fire & damnation for a child in my opinion. Jesus forgives & children should try to never break the commandments but they will not go straight to hell for drinking a glass of tea. This book was so beautifully illustrated that I really hate that it seemed overly judgmental for a child to be reading.
I was provided a complementary copy of this book for an honest review / opinion.
October 2, 2013
My first thought after reading the preface to Wendy Watson Nelson's new book for LDS children, was immediate resistance, to the purpose of the book, which is to encourage children to make the commitment to never break God's commandments. What?
Let's face it, we all know that our children will not be successful in keeping every commandment, so what sense does it make to raise the bar, so high, when you know they are going to fail?
Because I've heard Nelson speak on a few occasions, I knew her to be a sound teacher of Christian values and doctrine. So keeping that in mind, I read the book to find out for myself if she was actually teaching exact obedience for children.
As I read the book, which takes about 20 minutes (remember this is a children's book, and written for children 4-7), my mind was constantly trying to figure out why 'what' she had written rang true to me, and yet I was still logically thinking that teaching this concept to small children, or anyone for that matter, didn't make sense. And then, it came to me...
Suddenly, as I was pondering this conflict, the account in Genesis of God's dealing with Adam and Eve came into my mind. And I finally understood that Wendy Watson is teaching an eternal pattern, that God Himself, the Parent of all parents, used to lay an important foundation, wherein our children would come to learn how to keep the commandments with exactness, and why they need the Savior, Jesus Christ - just as Adam and Eve eventually came to understand, and apply.
Let me share the pattern with you, and once I do, I think every Christian parent will be excited to read, The Not Even Once Club, to your children. Regardless of which Christian denomination you belong to, the principle taught within this book, will be of great value as you teach your children to keep the commandments.
Read my complete review, here:
New Book for LDS Children Teaches to Never Sin: Not Even Once?
Let's face it, we all know that our children will not be successful in keeping every commandment, so what sense does it make to raise the bar, so high, when you know they are going to fail?
Because I've heard Nelson speak on a few occasions, I knew her to be a sound teacher of Christian values and doctrine. So keeping that in mind, I read the book to find out for myself if she was actually teaching exact obedience for children.
As I read the book, which takes about 20 minutes (remember this is a children's book, and written for children 4-7), my mind was constantly trying to figure out why 'what' she had written rang true to me, and yet I was still logically thinking that teaching this concept to small children, or anyone for that matter, didn't make sense. And then, it came to me...
Suddenly, as I was pondering this conflict, the account in Genesis of God's dealing with Adam and Eve came into my mind. And I finally understood that Wendy Watson is teaching an eternal pattern, that God Himself, the Parent of all parents, used to lay an important foundation, wherein our children would come to learn how to keep the commandments with exactness, and why they need the Savior, Jesus Christ - just as Adam and Eve eventually came to understand, and apply.
Let me share the pattern with you, and once I do, I think every Christian parent will be excited to read, The Not Even Once Club, to your children. Regardless of which Christian denomination you belong to, the principle taught within this book, will be of great value as you teach your children to keep the commandments.
Read my complete review, here:
New Book for LDS Children Teaches to Never Sin: Not Even Once?
October 21, 2013
When I first picked up this book, it looked like a mainstream published book, and then I started reading it and read the words, "Church" and "Primary Class" So I instantly knew it was an LDS (aka Mormon) book published by LDS church owed Deseret Book!
As I quickly glanced and some of the reviews, I saw that it instantly became a LDS commentary from everything on the Health Code call the Word of Wisdom no coffee, tea, tobacco to talking about pornography and dressing modestly. People contend that this book tells kids that if you make mistakes just once, you are damned to hell. I don't get that from this book at all.
What I get, is a very simple for children counsel of "Not even once" just stay away from drugs, alcohol, coffee, pornography, and immodest dress. It only takes ONE time to slip and you can be forgiven on sins, but isn't it just easy to say "NOT EVEN ONCE"? I think people are taking this book WAY TOO SERIOUSLY!
I am a card carrying Mormon and I can say, I have even once, had a sip of wine and alcohol, and have enjoyed coffee here and there and other lasciviousness but would it have been better to have gone with the "not even once" rule.
Because the way I was raised, it is EASY to say no to coffee, tea, wine, immodesty because I have chosen to live that way.
I haven't tried drugs, but I think I would like them and I know they are harmful, addictive and deadly! NOT EVEN ONCE, not one puff of marijuana, not one hit of meth, not one snort of cocaine, not one sip of wine, not one sip of coffee, Just stay away...but to say it again...if you DO make a mistake, the atonement is there for you.
Perhaps the books could have touched on repentance a tad but over all a good book. I liked the pictures (actually loved them)
I give this a 3 1/2 star...Thought it had a good message but not making it into the all time favorite book!!
As I quickly glanced and some of the reviews, I saw that it instantly became a LDS commentary from everything on the Health Code call the Word of Wisdom no coffee, tea, tobacco to talking about pornography and dressing modestly. People contend that this book tells kids that if you make mistakes just once, you are damned to hell. I don't get that from this book at all.
What I get, is a very simple for children counsel of "Not even once" just stay away from drugs, alcohol, coffee, pornography, and immodest dress. It only takes ONE time to slip and you can be forgiven on sins, but isn't it just easy to say "NOT EVEN ONCE"? I think people are taking this book WAY TOO SERIOUSLY!
I am a card carrying Mormon and I can say, I have even once, had a sip of wine and alcohol, and have enjoyed coffee here and there and other lasciviousness but would it have been better to have gone with the "not even once" rule.
Because the way I was raised, it is EASY to say no to coffee, tea, wine, immodesty because I have chosen to live that way.
I haven't tried drugs, but I think I would like them and I know they are harmful, addictive and deadly! NOT EVEN ONCE, not one puff of marijuana, not one hit of meth, not one snort of cocaine, not one sip of wine, not one sip of coffee, Just stay away...but to say it again...if you DO make a mistake, the atonement is there for you.
Perhaps the books could have touched on repentance a tad but over all a good book. I liked the pictures (actually loved them)
I give this a 3 1/2 star...Thought it had a good message but not making it into the all time favorite book!!
September 5, 2013
First of all, I truly enjoy and appreciate the premise behind this book. If we can teach kids from the beginning to say no and not give in to peer pressure concerning harmful and wrong things, we may be able to keep them from wreaking havoc on their precious lives. The emphasis is that it is not all right to participate in these things even once.
What I would have liked to have seen is more of a reason as to why one should not participate in these things. I realize it is but a children's book, but sometimes teaching a kid to "just say no" is not enough. I suppose that is where the parents come in. I also realize this is an LDS book, but even so, the principles taught can be applied to all children.
The illustrations in this book almost supersede the story! It is well worth yours and your children's time to check out this book. Perhaps it will spark a very important discussion amongst you. I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
What I would have liked to have seen is more of a reason as to why one should not participate in these things. I realize it is but a children's book, but sometimes teaching a kid to "just say no" is not enough. I suppose that is where the parents come in. I also realize this is an LDS book, but even so, the principles taught can be applied to all children.
The illustrations in this book almost supersede the story! It is well worth yours and your children's time to check out this book. Perhaps it will spark a very important discussion amongst you. I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
September 1, 2013
This was a fun book to read to my 7 year old daughter. She was the perfect age to get what this book was trying to teach.
The Not Even Once Club is a picture book aimed at and written for LDS primary aged children. The children in the N.E.O. club pledge to never cheat, bully, steal, smoke, take drugs, drink alcohol, etc.
As a child I heard a story of an adult who had never smoked, never drank and never done drugs. I set a goal to be able to say the same thing when I was an adult. As a result I can proudly say I have never tasted alcohol, never taken illegal drugs and never smoked… not even once. So obviously I agree completely with the message and aim of this book.
I had a fun discussion with my daughter after reading this book. The only thing she was disappointed in was not getting to see the kids play all the fun games and eat all the treats that were present in their club house.
The Not Even Once Club is a picture book aimed at and written for LDS primary aged children. The children in the N.E.O. club pledge to never cheat, bully, steal, smoke, take drugs, drink alcohol, etc.
As a child I heard a story of an adult who had never smoked, never drank and never done drugs. I set a goal to be able to say the same thing when I was an adult. As a result I can proudly say I have never tasted alcohol, never taken illegal drugs and never smoked… not even once. So obviously I agree completely with the message and aim of this book.
I had a fun discussion with my daughter after reading this book. The only thing she was disappointed in was not getting to see the kids play all the fun games and eat all the treats that were present in their club house.
September 24, 2013
It's about a little boy who moves to a new town and is invited to a neighborhood treehouse. He climbs up and the kids tell him about their club and, if he passes a test, they'll give him membership in the club. The test is about the Word of Wisdom and making decisions about what you will or won't take into your body even if people are pressuring you. Then he's given a scroll with other promises of things he won't do "Not even once."
I read this book with my five year old and she didn't really get it. She liked the pictures a lot, though, and once I explained to her what some of the promises meant, she could see what they were saying (as much as a five year old can, anyway.) My ten year old got more out of it, and the discussion questions in the back were helpful. It's more like a story I'd use in Family Home Evening as a visual aid than a bedtime story I'd read over and over. Great artwork and an overall good teaching concept for sure.
I read this book with my five year old and she didn't really get it. She liked the pictures a lot, though, and once I explained to her what some of the promises meant, she could see what they were saying (as much as a five year old can, anyway.) My ten year old got more out of it, and the discussion questions in the back were helpful. It's more like a story I'd use in Family Home Evening as a visual aid than a bedtime story I'd read over and over. Great artwork and an overall good teaching concept for sure.
June 4, 2014
reading some of the comments left by others made me smile. I found this book refreshing. we have been counseled by the prophets that if we make the decision to say no before hand when those choices come before us it will be easier to say no because we already made the decision. (I remember being taught this in primary as a child and I'm now in my 30's so this isn't news to me). This book makes a good discussion book that could even work for fhe. I would recommend it for kids 8+, but that is your own decision. the back of the book has a guide for children with questions and confidence talks for deeper discussions - including repentance. I believe it is time to take our heads out of the sand and prepare our children for the temptations that WILL come their way. we are past the point of hoping our kids won't have to deal with these situations.
October 15, 2013
I liked this book I've read a lot of the other negative reviews and I see where they are coming from but I love the way this book opens up a very good way of starting conversations with our children. I know it doesn't cover repentance but I love the message and at a young age it is a great way to start helping young children make decisions and opens up a lot of topics. I like the resources at the end of the book!
September 6, 2013
This book would be good at teaching kids that when it comes to bad things they don't need to try it- not even once!
October 30, 2013
The artwork was great, but the text was just okay. Maybe kids would like it, but I felt I was being hit over the head with the message.
April 10, 2014
Delightful story about the power of good friends, strong principles, and commitment to staying true at all times to what you believe in! We all loved it.
April 2, 2018
Corporate Mormon Jesus approves of teaching young children about pornography and forced obedience. New Testament Jesus does not.
August 5, 2017
Considering all the controversy swirling around this book (the proverbial tempest in a teapot), it's actually a quite good children's book! The artwork is beautiful--illustrator Brandon Dorman is a master of perspective and captures children's facial expressions perfectly. And Wendy Nelson's story is compelling and convicting.
Had I not read of the outraged (jack) Mormon moms petitioning Deseret to drop this title, I would never have caught a whiff of the controversy while reading it. This book boasts an admirable message--avoid sin; in this case, narrowed to a focus on the Word of Wisdom and sexual immorality. It's a deceptively simple story of a young boy invited to join the club of the title; however, to join he has to vow never to break the rules, "not even once." What's the problem there? Is it okay to drink alcohol once, to look at pornography once? I appreciated the sharp line drawn by author Wendy Nelson. The book asks readers to make up their minds not to sin. As the Scriptures say, "Choose this day whom you will serve," and having done so, look neither to the right nor to the left, but set your face like a flint and press ahead in Christ.
I read the book to my five-year-old son and he liked it, repeating the refrain "Not. Even. Once!" with his finger held up like Tyler, the book's main character. We'll read it again and again and I hope to make "not even once!" a catchphrase between us. There is a helpful page in the back that provides further information and discussion questions. We haven't taken advantage of that feature yet, but may someday when my son is a little older. That page elevated the book from being an enjoyable bedtime book with a good message to an effective teaching tool.
Okay, I will admit I was a little taken aback to see the word "pornographic" in a children's picture book (and glad my son didn't ask for a definition!). And it was jarring to see alcohol on the clubhouse menu, not that the kids had any to serve, of course. Once I got past my "this never happened in a Dr. Seuss book" disorientation, I admired Nelson for bringing the real world into her fictional world. These are sobering, sinful, and more sophisticated times, and alcohol, tobacco, and pornography are evils young kids are encountering in their lives. Even Christian kids. Not content with iced coffees, Evangelical Christians are embracing booze in unprecedented numbers and some of my own acquaintance see no shame in enjoying and raving about such sordid and dark-themed TV series as Game of Thrones and The Walking Dead are. Such things ought not to be.
I highly recommend The Not Even Once Club as a wonderful work of art and fiction, but also for its message, which is as convicting to parents as much as to children (and in which inconvenient conviction certainly lays the controversy).
Had I not read of the outraged (jack) Mormon moms petitioning Deseret to drop this title, I would never have caught a whiff of the controversy while reading it. This book boasts an admirable message--avoid sin; in this case, narrowed to a focus on the Word of Wisdom and sexual immorality. It's a deceptively simple story of a young boy invited to join the club of the title; however, to join he has to vow never to break the rules, "not even once." What's the problem there? Is it okay to drink alcohol once, to look at pornography once? I appreciated the sharp line drawn by author Wendy Nelson. The book asks readers to make up their minds not to sin. As the Scriptures say, "Choose this day whom you will serve," and having done so, look neither to the right nor to the left, but set your face like a flint and press ahead in Christ.
I read the book to my five-year-old son and he liked it, repeating the refrain "Not. Even. Once!" with his finger held up like Tyler, the book's main character. We'll read it again and again and I hope to make "not even once!" a catchphrase between us. There is a helpful page in the back that provides further information and discussion questions. We haven't taken advantage of that feature yet, but may someday when my son is a little older. That page elevated the book from being an enjoyable bedtime book with a good message to an effective teaching tool.
Okay, I will admit I was a little taken aback to see the word "pornographic" in a children's picture book (and glad my son didn't ask for a definition!). And it was jarring to see alcohol on the clubhouse menu, not that the kids had any to serve, of course. Once I got past my "this never happened in a Dr. Seuss book" disorientation, I admired Nelson for bringing the real world into her fictional world. These are sobering, sinful, and more sophisticated times, and alcohol, tobacco, and pornography are evils young kids are encountering in their lives. Even Christian kids. Not content with iced coffees, Evangelical Christians are embracing booze in unprecedented numbers and some of my own acquaintance see no shame in enjoying and raving about such sordid and dark-themed TV series as Game of Thrones and The Walking Dead are. Such things ought not to be.
I highly recommend The Not Even Once Club as a wonderful work of art and fiction, but also for its message, which is as convicting to parents as much as to children (and in which inconvenient conviction certainly lays the controversy).
May 20, 2019
This book is being criticized for not being Christian, that it teaches Satan's plan because there's no room for forgiveness. It's impirtant to read the parent guide at the back! As a parent reading this book to your children, you will be the one who teaches the lesson in here. The point is not that there is an Atonement, the point is specifically to avoid getting hooked onto destructive habits by not taking the first dose. I wish a dear, loved one had had the mindset of "Not Even Once." He tried something once and now he's in jail for it.
November 3, 2018
If you never make a mistake, you will never need to be baptized. This is doctrinally incorrect and sets a person up for ultimate internal shaming. They'll never measure up. I most certainly will never read this to my kids.
May 19, 2021
This book had some pretty strong reviews. I agree with a lot of them, yes the book could have touched more on repentance. Is it a still a good book that will open up a lot of discussion, absolutely. This would be a good read for parents and their kids. I liked the artwork.
November 3, 2018
Do not give this book as a gift or let your children read it. The premise is harmful — the only thing that will come from it is shame.
September 3, 2013
I loved this children's book geared toward LDS children! The pictures are beautiful and vibrant and the message of the book is wonderful! Any LDS parent will want to read this to their children! It is short enough to keep their interest and it teaches a powerful message about the importance of obeying the commandments. I loved that Tyler was strong in his convictions while he was taking his 'test' to join the club and he already knew what his response would be to whether or not he would break the Word of Wisdom. I think that for children and even teenagers, it is a great idea to have them promise that they won't try drugs, alcohol, lie or cheat (and so on). Not even once! The poster that the club gave to Tyler so he could join is available for download on Deseret and it would make a great Family Home Evening activity! You could read the story and then give a poster to each of your children or have them all sign their names to one! A fabulous message in a world where it is getting harder to choose the right, The Not Even Once Club can boost your kids' confidence in their every day decisions in life!
I received a copy of this book for free. This is my honest review.
I received a copy of this book for free. This is my honest review.
September 24, 2013
The Not Even Once Club by Wendy Watson Nelson is the perfect story to help kids the understand the power of their choices, of peer pressure, and also the power of good friends. Illustrated by Brandon Dorman, this book has pictures that pop, appealing to children young and old.
After I read this book, I was so excited that I went to the website in the book and printed out posters for each of my kids. Then we read this book for our family night and had a great discussion about what "Not Even Once" means. My kids loved it! They began using Not Even Once as their password when they were playing games. Even my two-year-old could be heard chanting, "Not Even Once!"
This book isn't about perfection. It's about making a commitment to do the best you can. We all make mistakes, but if we don't start with a goal in mind, which is to be like the Savior, how can we expect to come anywhere close to that goal?
I was so impressed with this book that I took it to church and read it to my seven-year-old Sunday School class. Such a great lesson in an enjoyable book! I'd recommend this book to anyone with children or grandchildren!
After I read this book, I was so excited that I went to the website in the book and printed out posters for each of my kids. Then we read this book for our family night and had a great discussion about what "Not Even Once" means. My kids loved it! They began using Not Even Once as their password when they were playing games. Even my two-year-old could be heard chanting, "Not Even Once!"
This book isn't about perfection. It's about making a commitment to do the best you can. We all make mistakes, but if we don't start with a goal in mind, which is to be like the Savior, how can we expect to come anywhere close to that goal?
I was so impressed with this book that I took it to church and read it to my seven-year-old Sunday School class. Such a great lesson in an enjoyable book! I'd recommend this book to anyone with children or grandchildren!
September 6, 2013
This is a great and conceptually easy book for kids. My 8 year old son got a hold of it first so he told me about it. When I read it, I liked it. It is simple with beautiful illustrations.
The story is about a group of kids that start a club called "Not Even Once." They make a commitment to never break the Word of Wisdom. The reader is given easy to comprehend examples and the book ends with the main character carrying his commitment outside the clubhouse.
The story, itself is a good Family Home Evening on its own with small children. What I liked best about it, though, is the appendix that includes more resources and more teaching ideas. There are downloads for posters to print for children and ideas for teaching about repentance and incorporating the Atonement and Christ's mission.
This is one simple concept that can open a number of avenues for communication between parents and children.
The story is about a group of kids that start a club called "Not Even Once." They make a commitment to never break the Word of Wisdom. The reader is given easy to comprehend examples and the book ends with the main character carrying his commitment outside the clubhouse.
The story, itself is a good Family Home Evening on its own with small children. What I liked best about it, though, is the appendix that includes more resources and more teaching ideas. There are downloads for posters to print for children and ideas for teaching about repentance and incorporating the Atonement and Christ's mission.
This is one simple concept that can open a number of avenues for communication between parents and children.
September 19, 2013
It's a sweet story that I think young children will love and they'll want to join the club too. And the pictures are amazing! I love Brandon Dorman's illustrations! My daughters (who are both too young to read) have already looked through the book a few times and just looked at the pictures. It will be fun to be able to talk to them about it more as they grow older.
This is a great tool to start conversations with your children about things that we should and shouldn't do. From keeping the word of wisdom to not looking at pornography to dressing modestly and bullying - all are briefly mentioned. And Wendy Nelson even provides some teaching questions and resources to help your children better understand why we should keep the commandments.
I think young children could get excited about this! And the beautiful pictures will help get them thinking about it too. I think it's a great book and teaching tool!
This is a great tool to start conversations with your children about things that we should and shouldn't do. From keeping the word of wisdom to not looking at pornography to dressing modestly and bullying - all are briefly mentioned. And Wendy Nelson even provides some teaching questions and resources to help your children better understand why we should keep the commandments.
I think young children could get excited about this! And the beautiful pictures will help get them thinking about it too. I think it's a great book and teaching tool!
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