Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Picco Puppy Says Yes: A fun rhyming story where Picco learns why it is better to say yes instead of no to Mommy and Daddy is a picture book for children written by Michael Wong and illustrated by Arkhan Studio. Picco Puppy loves watching TV -- even if it’s a show that he’s seen before. He’s not all that enthusiastic about cleaning up his toys, however, and tells his mommy “no” when she notices what a mess he’s created and asks him to clean up. His mommy is taken aback by his refusal, but she still allows him to continue watching TV. She explains that saying “yes” or “no” is a two-way street. She will say “no” to him when he asks for things. His Daddy says the same thing. Later that day, Picco learns what they meant, and he begins to understand how simple it is to get a treat. If he says “yes” when his parents ask him to clean his room, then they’ll gladly say “yes” back to him.

Michael Wong’s Picco Puppy Says Yes offers kids and their parents advice on how cooperation makes for a harmonious family dynamic. I liked seeing how Picco’s parents were not reactive over Picco’s defiance and didn’t display anger or annoyance with their son’s refusal to obey. Their strategy works quite well as Picco learns the significance of his option to obey or not. By making the correct decisions, he makes his parents happy and gets his treats and TV time. Wong also includes a number-related item-search page at the end of the book. Arkhan Studio’s illustrations are marvelous and make Picco and his parents come alive. Picco Puppy Says Yes is highly recommended.