The Yes - Hardcover

Bee, Sarah

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0802854494 ISBN 13: 9780802854490

Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2015

Synopsis

A charming story about optimism and self-confidence

The Yes is a cheerful orange creature who sets off to explore the big wide Where. But the Where is home to the Nos, who travel in packs and discourage the Yes at every turn. They tell the Yes that the tree is too big to climb, the bridge is too rickety to cross, the woods are too scary to explore. But even just one Yes is stronger than countless Nos.

Fans of Dr. Seuss will fall in love with the bright illustrations and clever wordplay, and the heartwarming message about overcoming obstacles makes this book the perfect graduation gift.

About this title

About the Authors

Sarah Bee has been writing and editing professionally foralmost 15 years. She works as an author, journalist, editor,and online community manager in London. The Yes is her debut picture book. Visit her website at www.sarahbee.co.uk.

Satoshi Kitamura has illustrated over sixty children's books. One of his recent titles, Millie's Marvellous Hat (21st Century),was a 2010 Kate Greenaway Medal shortlist book. He currently lives in Japan.

Reviews

K-Gr 3—This allegorical tale succeeds in showing children that a positive outlook and perseverance help eliminate the negative forces that drag people down as they journey through life. The Yes, depicted as a bright orange blob with no distinctive characteristics—a cross between a dog and a horse—leaves his "soft comfy nest in a safe warm place" to go to the Where through "an endless place of Nos." As he travels, he comes across many challenges: climbing a tree for food, crossing a flimsy bridge, swimming across a river, making his way through a dark forest. Along the way, the Nos—small, dark, and ashen specks—swarm him, calling negative thoughts such as "No, too big" and "No, you couldn't" that fill him with doubts. The Yes lumbers on and as each task is overcome, the noise of the Nos becomes quieter until they are finally left behind in one final triumph as the Yes reaches the summit of the biggest hill. Bee combines short phrases with longer sentences and repetitive text, creating a comfortable pace that blends with the illustrations, inviting readers to predict what will happen next. This lyrical read-aloud is calmer and a little less celebratory than Dr. Seuss's Oh, the Places You'll Go (Random, 1990) but deserves a place on the same shelves. VERDICT This book's quiet strength will inspire self-assurance and confidence in readers of all ages.—Kristine M. Casper, Huntington Public Library, NY

Edition details

• Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 2015
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0802854494
• ISBN 13: 9780802854490
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Kitamura Satoshi
• Number of pages: 32