When my copy came in the mail I laid it on the kitchen table with the rest of the letters and packages. Several days later I asked if anyone knew where the book went. “Oh!” replied Truffle, “I’ll get it. We’ve been reading it.” Perfect! To help with my review I asked three of my daughters to tell me about The Not Even Once Club.
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| Fudge’s favorite illustration |
Fudge (10): “My favorite part of the story was how the kids kept their promise to keep the Word of Wisdom, dress modestly, not watch bad tv or read bad books. I like how if someone asked them to do drugs or drink alcohol the kids knew to answer, “Not even once!”
Cookie (8): “I like the whole book because it teaches us to not even once lie, cheat, steal, break the Word of Wisdom, or bully others. I learned if someone asks me to do something bad I can respond with ‘Not even once!’ and walk away.”
Truffle (12): “In the book Tyler is tested when a menu is passed around. He picks the lemonade over the alcohol, coffee, and tea that is offered before he hears any of the other kids answer ‘Not even once!’ When Tyler was riding his bike he also found a package of cigarettes and threw them in the trash. He was alone and could have made a different choice but even then he chose to ‘not even once’ try the cigarettes.”
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| Truffle likes this picture the best. |
Tyler is new and anxious to make friends so he is excited when the kids from his church class ask him to be a member of their club. He does pass the test and signs his name to the Not Even Once pledge:
Not only does this book teach children about keeping high moral standards, it also teaches that you don’t have to be alone in keeping the commandments. When you surround yourself with good friends you help one another stay true to your commitment.
I really appreciate the suggestions for parents in the back of the book on how to discuss some of the harder topics of pornography and modesty especially with children 3-7 years of age. For questions to discuss with older children you can find links at the product description of The Not Even Once Club as well as more suggested reading to help them learn more about the topics covered in the N.E.O. pledge.
I’ve printed off the N.E.O. poster for my own children who want to start their own Not Even Once Club. It will be a great way to kick off our school year this week!
About the Author
Wendy Watson Nelson holds a Ph.D. in family therapy and gerontology. Prior to her marriage to Elder Russell M. Nelson, she was a professor of marriage and family therapy for twenty-five years. Sister Nelson has served as a stake Relief Society president, stake Primary president, and chaired the BYUWomen’s Conference. Currently, she is an institute instructor and visiting teacher. Sister Nelson was born in Raymond, Alberta, Canada, to Leonard David and Laura Byrde McLean Watson.
Illustrator
Brandon Dorman is the illustrator of the #1 New York Times bestseller The Wizard. He graduated from Brigham Young University-Idaho, where he studied fine art and illustration. He and his wife, Emily, have three children and live in Washington, where he enjoys working as a freelance illustrator. His work has appeared in children’s books and on numerous covers, including Pingo, The Candy Shop War, and the Fablehaven series.
Disclaimer: I was given free copy of The Not Even Once Club by Deseret Book to review. All opinions are my own.
You might enjoy this article. I read it recently on a FB post and it has been in the back of my mind ever since.
http://www.the-exponent.com/un-sexymodest-or-what-a-pope-can-teach-us-about-modesty/
See, I read it thinking it would be good for Toby (age 5) and thought it was too old for him. I think it’s great for kids around age 8, but earlier than that might be just too early. Or maybe that’s just because my child is a little weird 🙂
I just ordered it thanks to your review. I look forward to it. 🙂
Thank you for your review of this book,I am however concerned with the perception of perfection implied, as well as the treats/games offered as rewards for the good behavior of the children. Christ is not exclusive in his offering of the Atonement, He does not have an exclusive club for only perfect people. It is unrealistic to expect perfection from our little or big children. The children in this book obey based on peer pressure and temporal incentives instead of having a desire to be obedient based on love for their Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ. The book also gives limited time to the concept of repentance, only one small reference in the discussion questions.
Thankfully (hopefully) parents lead a discussion based on what is read and don’t rely solely on the book to do the teaching. As we just discussed with our children this past week in going over Lehi’s dream, partaking of the fruit is partaking of the Atonement and the attendant blessings it provides for each of us.
I, personally, don’t see a problem with the treats/games offered as rewards. The Lord offers blessings (i.e. rewards) based on the way we act or behave as well, “And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.” (D&C 130:21) and “For all who will have a blessing at my hands shall abide the law which was appointed for that blessing, and the conditions thereof, as were instituted from before the foundation of the world.” (D&C 132:5) are just a couple of examples. And in order to receive a temple recommend and enter the temple one must live a life very similar to the NEO pledge. We teach our children to prepare themselves to enter the temple now.
As the mother of a child with special needs who often does things that are considered “different” by others, I’m concerned about the message this gives kids. Is my son to be rejected because he doesn’t fit in with others. Perhaps he may tell what seems like a lie but isn’t because he always answers yes to every question if he doesn’t understand it because he figures yes is the answer most likely to be correct. My son already struggles to be accepted in the Church. This book may make it harder for him.