Yes, No, Maybe (Ursula Dubosarsky, illus Andrew Joyner, Little Book Press)

Children are inquisitive – they wonder, observe and ask questions. In Yes, No, Maybe, acclaimed collaborators Ursula Dubosarsky and Andrew Joyner (The Terrible Plop, Too Many Elephants in This House) return with an interactive picture book that captures and nurtures this curiosity. The story follows Guinea Pig, a small thinker with big questions who asks ‘how, what, why and when’ and needs someone to help her discover the answers. She finds affable Tree, who seems to know everything. Following a repetitive structure, in this book, Guinea Pig asks a question and Tree always gives readers time to respond by replying, ‘What do you think? Yes, no – or maybe?’ There are fascinating questions about counting cows, robot hunger, cloud density and more. The setting is a prettily imagined field coloured in fresh blues and greens. It is a benign space where the child, through the character Guinea Pig, can feel safe to ask questions. Vignettes of animals and other creatures in the background add interest and become visual cues to predict what will happen next, while the dialogue in speech bubbles maintains focus on the characters’ interactions. With an ending that suggests a sequel may be coming, Yes, No, Maybe emanates exuberant warmth and is a great way for children to learn about the world.  

Books+Publishing reviewer: Joy Lawn has worked for independent bookshops and blogs at Paperbark Words. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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