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  • Published: 4 June 2015
  • ISBN: 9781448187959
  • Imprint: Andersen Digital
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 32

The Yes



Nominated for the Kate Greenaway Medal 2015 - an empowering story about self-belief and overcoming fears illustrated by the award-winning Satoshi Kitamura.

In a soft comfy nest in a safe warm place there snoozed a great big orange thing called the Yes. He was snug, but the Yes had a Where to go to. So he left his nest and went trundling out. But the Where was an endless place of Nos. They teemed and seethed. They picked and nipped, and snipped and snicked. The Yes yessed in all his goodness and bigness and yesness. But was he strong enough to overcome them?

  • Published: 4 June 2015
  • ISBN: 9781448187959
  • Imprint: Andersen Digital
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 32

About the authors

Satoshi Kitamura

Satoshi Kitamura was born in Tokyo and worked in advertising there before moving to London in 1980. He won the Mother Goose Award for Angry Arthur and he is now one of the most distinguished illustrators in Britain.

Sarah Bee

Sarah Bee was born by the Thames and lives in east London with a big dog and an even bigger eucalyptus. She mostly writes at night, mostly. The Yes is her debut picture book.

Praise for The Yes

Will encourage readers of any age to feel intrepid

Nicolette Jones, Sunday Times, Book of the Week

This book is for everyone who has ever felt discouraged... A brilliant, simple book of affirmation

Kate Kellaway, Observer

A perfect marriage of image, words, design and layout... A joyful book

Joy Court, Reading Zone

Sumptuous and gorgeous illustrations make it completely entrancing. Yes indeed!

Read It, Daddy!

The Yes is an important book. The Yes is a beautiful book. The Yes is a book that deserves to be talked about... I can’t recommend this highly enough. Buy or borrow The Yes as soon as you can, you won’t be disappointed.

Child-Led Chaos

Picture books are extraordinary. And I think that The Yes stands proud up there with the best of them . . . a book about being brave and strong and confident.

Did you ever stop to think (LH Johnson)

I would highly recommend it as a book to keep returning to over the years, especially when you’re in need of a bit of a boost in confidence. Inspirational, motivating and generally just FAB!

Story Seekers

A book about yesness is just what we need if we want a generation of confident, positive-thinking young people.

Wendy Cooling

I'm not sure any review can do this picture book justice. This is probably one of the most unusual, quirkiest picture books I have ever read. It is also now one of my favourites.

Jessica Littlefair, Askews & Holts Library Service

An astonishing picture book

The Book Sniffer

Wonderful . . . Great for reading aloud to children. The concept and the characterization of yes and no are perfect for discussion.

Rhino Reads

A powerful story . . . I really can't recommend it enough!

Fiction Fascination

A true exploration of our place in a world that we are constantly trying to make sense of. Definitely a must for the bookshelf of every thinker in the world of yes and no.

Sara Stanley, author of Why Think?: Philosophical Play from 3-11

Encourages a positive mental attitude

EYE

Stunning illustrations complement this quirky story to encourage reluctant adventurers to overcome their anxieties and grasp life with both hands.

Booktrust

The Yes is a picture book filled with energy, warmth and such a feel good factor that'll have you punching the air as you reach the end. I promise.

My Book Corner

The Yes is a picture book filled with energy, warmth and such a feel good factor that'll have you punching the air as you reach the end. I promise.

My Book Corner

Delightful debut picture book… will encourage diffident and negative toddlers to have a go

Sonia Benster, Guardian

This book deserves a place in every school library

The School Librarian

Marvellously well-done...This picturebook imaginatively conveys the injunction to say 'Yes!' to life.

Books for Keeps

Wonderful use of language.

Blackbird

Brimming with positivity, intended to empower children to overcome their fears and banish negativity.

Prima Baby Magazine

Wonderfully empowering story... unique and uplifting that sends a positive message. Would also make an important contribution to a local library or classroom.

Sara Eastler Blog

The storyline is wonderfully enhanced but the dazzling and dramatic colours of Satoshi Kitamura's illustrations.

Robert Dunbar, Irish Times

Bold, stylish illustrations and big ideas perfectly framed for young minds, The Yes is a wonderfully fresh story of self-belief and empowerment.

Pregnancy & Parenting Magazine

Wise, empowering and uniquely illustrated, The Yes will have both adult and child shouting joyful, positive affirmations throughout the book.

Huffington Post, Hannah Beckerman

Striking, unusual illustration and an empowering message of self-belief and overcoming your fears.

The Bookseller, Fiona Noble

Clever and insightful reinforcement of self-belief, challenging inner doubt and fear head-on.

Picture Books Blogger, Sarah Yewman

Comforting and full of encouragement, this may be just the selection for adults or children struggling with fear and self-doubt.

Kirkus Reviews

The story is about declaring independence and conquering doubt, and Bee’s writing itself provides a rich sense of invention and liberation.

Publishers Weekly online

Can-do attitude. Playfully conveyed by the bold illustrations.

Teach Primary Magazine