MONICA'S MOTHER SAID NO! Day, Shiriey. Illustrated by Shiriey Day. Windsor (Ont.), Black Moss Press, 1987. unpaged, paper, $5.95, ISBN 0-88753-158-X. Distributed by Firefly Books. Pre-school to Grade 3 Reviewed by Elizabeth Lockett Volume 16 Number 1 1988 January Monica's mother says "No" to many things connected with safety, such as swimming without a buddy. Monica's friend Jessie invites her to spend the night. Monica's mother says "No." Monica promises to be back to do the chores and her mother says "All right!" Jessie lives in a big old house and is a member of a large family. Her tiny bedroom at the top of the house has "a pointed roof like Rapunzel's tower." The girls spend the evening telling ghost stories and talk and giggle before falling asleep. In the middle of the night Monica is awakened by a bat in her room. Her screams wake the family, who arrive with bats and brooms. Monica opens the window and the bat escapes. Next morning Monica cycles homes to help with the chores. This picture book, illustrated by the author, shows today's children in everyday situations. Monica wears blue jeans and a pink T-shirt. The cat enjoys a saucer of milk while Monica dries the dishes. The girls appear to be about eight years old, which is a little old for (he picture book format. The story is pleasant, and Monica is an appealing heroine. Some people would question the emphasis on mother saying "No," since i! is not really an important element of the story. Elizabeth Lockett, Niagara Falls, Ont.