Yes, Dear

Jones, Diana Wynne

ISBN 10: 0688111955 ISBN 13: 9780688111953

Publisher: Greenwillow, 1992

Synopsis

Of all her family, only Grandmother understands, or even has time for, Kay's story of catching a magical golden leaf, the kind that makes sand pies--and dreams--real, because she had caught one too when she was young.

About this title

From School Library Journal:

PreSchool-Grade 1-- Jones, a popular writer of fantasy for older readers, has created a rather ordinary picture book. Kay, the youngest child in a large, busy family, feels left out. She watches as her siblings catch falling leaves and, after several unsuccessful tries, secures one of her own, which she is sure is magical. The leaf does amazing things, but no one will listen when she tries to share her stories. At last, the girl comes upon her grandmother, who not only understands but recalls that she, too, once had a magic leaf. In his bright and engaging illustrations, Philpot captures the delightful images that Kay conjures up and at the same time reflect the real world. That the child's fantasies take flight while the imaginative play of her older siblings remains firmly earthbound is no accident. The bright, gay colors reflect the autumn leaves, the giant flower, the bubble-encased kingdom, and the children's rooms in a well-crafted manner that invites youngsters to either pore over the details or sit back and savor the total landscape. The situation is one that youngsters will relate to, but the unremarkable telling is flat : and patronizing. It hardly seems natural that Kay's siblings would be kind in their rejection of her, and the repeated use of the word ``kindly'' implies a tacit approval of the situation. --Linda Greengrass, Bank Street College Library, NY
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Publishers Weekly:

This prettily creative work exudes a certain storybook charm. Philpot's lushly colored artwork blends folksy details, skewed perspectives, illuminated letters and fancifully bordered pages into a diverting potpourri. The story concerns young Kay, who, finding a bright and yellow and shiny autumn leaf, insists it has magical properties. Her wishes, in fact, come true, though her family members are too preoccupied with their various activities to believe her. Only her grandmother, in the end, supports the child's claims about her leaf--Because I caught one once. Unfortunately, the dramatic possibilities of master fantasy writer Jones's unassuming plot have not been fully explored here. Her sweet though somewhat predictable tale of youngsters' frustration with adult oblivousness to the magic of childhood seems somewhat attenuated. With talk of dragons, and ships, and towers, and faces children will wish to hear more about these potentially intriguing topics, and may be disappointed in this ultimately sedate offering. Ages 4-up.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Greenwillow
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 0688111955
• ISBN 13: 9780688111953
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 1
• Illustrator: Philpot Graham