Title: Yes, Jesus
Author: Ann Chapman
Publisher: Xlibris
ISBN: 9781796037623
Pages: 36
Genre: Picture Book
Reviewed by: Tiffany Ezuma

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Yes, Jesus by Ann Chapman and illustrated by Ayin Visitacion is a delightful picture book that introduces kids to a very special 12-year-old named Jesus. Chapman’s book is clever for placing Jesus back in school, a setting we don’t typically think of him in. In each chapter, his teacher asks the students different problem solving questions pertaining to the subject at hand. For example, in the math chapter the teacher asks, “If your mom has five loaves of bread and two fish and wants to invite people for dinner, how many would be good for her to invite?” All of the other students give reasonable, well-thought out answers but Jesus answers by saying, “I think I could feed five thousand men and their wives and children.” His answer is seen by the teacher and other students as outlandish. This setup repeats itself a few times, and Jesus always gives an answer that stands out from his classmates.

What an older reader will instantly pick up on, is that the teacher’s scenarios are miracles Jesus would perform later as an adult. Instead of shooting down his answers or making him feel like he got it wrong, the teacher always responds with, “Okay, Jesus.” And that’s where the book’s lesson lies: it’s okay to be different and to think outside of the box. Rather than making those who are different to conform, it’s much better if they are given space to be who they are. We never know who someone will grow up to be or what they will go on to do, and that’s what makes the book’s ending so poignant and inspiring. The writing pairs perfectly with the illustrations and brings the story to life. Yes, Jesus is uplifting and shares an important lesson with kids of all ages.