Yes, Please! No, Thank You!

Designed to tickle the funny bone and teach manners at the same time, Wheeler's debut concept book models a "game" for young readers to play. The narrator explains, "I'll ask you what you'd like to do./ You'll say 'Yes, please!' or 'No, thank you!' " The book sets up pairs of silly scenes with plenty of absurd, slapstick action: "Would you like to visit the fair and go on rides? ("Yes, please!") "Would you like to throw up on the lady beside you?" ("No, thank you!") Dibley's (The Stupendous Dodgeball Fiasco ) skinny-legged, multi-cultural children look appropriately cheery or downcast, depending on the activity depicted. Some parents may object to the frequent mention of work being something to avoid. The children say "Yes, please!" to getting "everything [they] want at the toy store" or "[having] a big party with all of [their] friends," but "No, thank you!" to carrying all their toys home alone or cleaning up post-fête. Nonetheless, the book encourages reader interaction and brims with good humor. The ending of the book sends the reader right back to the beginning—"Would you like to play 'Yes, please! No, thank you!' some more?" ("Yes, please!")—and insures that the book will be read and reread. Ages 4-7. (Apr.)