Book Name & Publisher: The Girl Who Lost Her YES published by Harper Collins Children’s Imprint
Author: Aarti Khatwani Bhatia
Illustrator: Priya Kurian
Book Reviewer: Navyaa Mathur

What if, one day, you suddenly start saying ‘no’ to everything – even to the things you like, like candies, toys, and ice cream? That’s exactly what happened to little Mia!

The Girl Who Lost Her ‘YES’ is a wonderful book that inspires us to say “yes” more often and let go of the habit of saying “no” to everything. Saying no to simple things like homemade food or sharing with others can make people feel sad and hurt. Usually, at the age of 5 to 10, children develop a habit of saying no to many things. This is partly due to their desire for independence and their reluctance to do things they don’t want to do. It’s also the age when they begin to move out of their pampered phase, and parents start shaping important qualities in them, like sharing and being open to trying new foods. This is also the time when kids need to learn to be independent. It’s natural for them to retreat to their comfort zones and resist unfamiliar experiences. This book explores that stage and teaches kids to be open, friendly, and not to reject things just because they’re unfamiliar or unsure.

This is an excellent book for a young child who has just started reading. The colorful, attractive illustrations and poetic yet easy-to-understand language make it both engaging and interactive for young readers. It’s also a great way to show children that saying no to everything isn’t a good habit. Simply telling them not to say no repeatedly might make them want to do the opposite. This book helps them realize, all on their own, that saying no all the time isn’t the best choice. While this is a book meant for the younger kids like me, it has a universal appeal due to its song-like narrative and relevance. So, share this book with a child like Mia right away and help them say YES! 

You can get your copy of the book here.