'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Sunday 5 May 2019

Review: It All Began When I Said Yes

A clever and amusing story about a young girl trying to do the right thing and her adventure with an excited gorilla named Gideon.

Told from the view of the young girl, the story starts when her parents ask that she try saying yes rather than no to their requests for tasks such as eating her broccoli and brushing her hair.

Imperfectly perfect timing occurs when a gorilla knocks on her door and a funny journey follows. From shopping to party planning and meeting a lot of Gideon’s friends, the young girl lands herself in a little more adventure than she can handle, all thanks to saying yes. Luckily her parents know just what to do.

It All Began When I Said Yes takes a humorous look at how we often assume context and that we should perhaps be more specific when we give instructions. I love how the wild and unrealistic adventure leaves me wondering if she dreamt it all up or if it really happened.

The playful and bright digital illustrations, with pops of texture suit the story wonderfully. I was smiling all the way through, especially when I arrived at a double page spread showing a big line of animals in quirky clothes at the young girl's door.

A fun and joy filled story, sure to make children laugh and help them understand the concept of context. The book is a lovely quality with thick matte finished pages and spot varnish on the cover.

Simon Philip is the author of other fun stories including You Must Bring a Hat and I Don’t Know What to Call My Cat.

Title: It All Began When I Said Yes
Author: Simon Philip
Illustrator: Annabel Tempest
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd, $24.99
Publication Date: 6 September 2018
Format:  Hardcover
ISBN:  9781471164583
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book