Yes & No

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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Yes & No, by Caldecott winner Elisha Cooper (Big Cat, Little Cat), is a delightful picture book that shows how changing perspectives can help reframe a moment, making the day better and offering different personalities different ways to appreciate their day. Cat and dog siblings start and end their day differently, something early-rising readers can relate to as much as they can relate to not wanting to stop what they're doing and go to bed. The watercolor illustrations have a friendly feeling that matches the personalities of the dog and cat.
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What's the Story?
In YES & NO, cat and dog siblings face their day differently: The eager puppy is full of playful energy first thing in the morning, while the cat is slow to start and reluctant to scamper around. When they're sent outside to play, the two discover that just being together is so much fun and adventure that they don't want to come home and go to bed.
Is It Any Good?
Young readers (and their parents) can relate to the cat and dog's reactions to the day -- up early, a little grumpy, reluctant to go outside, and refusing to come back in because of all the fun. Yes & No is a retelling of most parents' days with young children, which makes it fun as a read-aloud story, and it's a day full of adventure that kids understand. The delightful images capture the eager puppy and the reluctant cat in simple perfection, and the word repetition helps the younger set learn sight words.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how they feel differently throughout the day, the way the dog and cat do in Yes & No. How do you feel when it's bedtime and you're in the middle of something fun?
Is there someone in your life who helps you feel better during the day, who gives you energy to play when you're feeling low?
What's fun about reading animal stories? What are some of your favorite books about animals?
Book Details
- Author: Elisha Cooper
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters, Cats, Dogs, and Mice, Friendship
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
- Publication date: April 13, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 2 - 6
- Number of pages: 40
- Available on: Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: April 28, 2021
Our Editors Recommend
For kids who love picture books and animal stories
Themes & Topics
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