Mister Yes

K-Gr 2—Mister Yes has a talent for many things. He is undefeated at checkers, can build skyscrapers using soda cans, and fire off tricky tongue twisters with ease. But when it comes to saying "no," Mr. Yes struggles. A series of ill-intentioned characters persuade Mr. Yes to participate in unfavorable activities and leave him increasingly frustrated with his inability to refuse—until one day, when a serendipitous encounter with a fly allows Mr. Yes to stutter out a "no." To his surprise, his refusal is accepted. Although the scenarios depicted are hyperbolic and sometimes without context, such as when he is offered "ice cream made of hummingbird poop and slug slime" from a stranger, the story provides excellent talking points. Most notably, Mr. Yes never actually says "yes" to the offers he receives. When he finally does say "no" he learns that it reinforces his ability to consent, only when he truly wants to, an empowering and valuable lesson for readers. Also striking is the anger Mr. Yes feels toward himself after each instance in which he does not decline. Although his sentiments are jarring ("I can't stand you," he says to himself in the mirror), it is a candid depiction of the effect the character's lack of assertiveness has on his self-esteem.