Book Review of I Don’t Think So!
The Children’s Book Review
What to Expect: First experiences, friendship, imagination, courage, emotional growth, and valuable life lessons.
Trying new things can feel scary, but with a little imagination and a good friend by your side, anything is possible. This charming debut encourages kids to embrace the magic of “yes.”
In I Don’t Think So!, debut author Kelli Joyner introduces young readers to Mia, a spirited and cautious kindergartener whose go-to phrase is—you guessed it—”I don’t think so!” From finger painting to monkey bars, Mia’s resistance to the unfamiliar is gently challenged by a classmate named Cody, whose playful curiosity opens the door to magical adventures. Classroom and playground activities are transformed into fantastical journeys: puddles become castle moats, monkey bars turn into majestic mountains, and books morph into tickets to faraway lands, such as the Great Wall of China and the Eiffel Tower. These imaginative leaps help Mia (and readers) reframe the unknown not as something to fear but as an opportunity to explore.
Written in simple yet effective prose, Kelli Joyner’s repetition of Mia’s trademark line (I don’t think so!) anchors the story’s rhythm and humor. Mia’s transformation is clear by the end, not just in what she says, but in what she believes. Her final “YES I DO!” feels earned, heartfelt, and celebratory. Asha Butler’s expressive, vibrant illustrations draw readers into the visually engaging story, capturing Mia’s wide-eyed apprehension and the playful energy of each scene.
With its empowering message, relatable narrative, and adorable artwork, I Don’t Think So! is a standout picture book for children navigating the jitters around school, socializing, and stretching comfort zones.
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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 kjoynerbooks.com.
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.
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