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Maybe Yes, Maybe No, Maybe Maybe
When her hardworking mother decides to move, eight-year-old PK uses her imagination and storytelling to help her older and younger sisters adjust
- GenresChildrensMiddle Grade
87 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 1993
1 person is currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Susan Patron
25 books49 followersSusan Patron specialized in Children's Services for 35 years at the Los Angeles Public Library before retiring in 2007, the same year her novel The Higher Power of Lucky was awarded the John Newbery Medal. As the library's Juvenile Materials Collection Development Manager, she trained and mentored children's librarians in 72 branches. Patron has served on many book award committees, including the Caldecott and Laura Ingalls Wilder Committees of the American Library Association. She is currently a member of the Advisory Board of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.
Patron's previous books for children include the Billy Que trilogy of picture books; Dark Cloud Strong Breeze; and a chapter book, Maybe Yes, Maybe No, Maybe Maybe. All earned starred reviews, and the latter was named an ALA Notable book. The Listening Library audio edition of The Higher Power of Lucky is an ALA Notable Recording; the book will be translated into twelve foreign languages and has been optioned for a motion picture.
Patron's previous books for children include the Billy Que trilogy of picture books; Dark Cloud Strong Breeze; and a chapter book, Maybe Yes, Maybe No, Maybe Maybe. All earned starred reviews, and the latter was named an ALA Notable book. The Listening Library audio edition of The Higher Power of Lucky is an ALA Notable Recording; the book will be translated into twelve foreign languages and has been optioned for a motion picture.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
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January 14, 2025HOLY CRAP. I have been looking for this book for YEARS now!!!!! I vaguely remembered a book from years & years ago with a built in laundry basket & uterus shaped pancakes?? I asked ChatGPT (something I am usually VERY against), asked my mom to post on her facebook book pages— EVERYTHING. & I finally randomly remembered the title a few minutes ago. HOORAY!!
Time to read it again & see if it was worth all that trouble lol
EDIT: I mean I’m not the target audience anymore FOR SURE but omg I remembered ALL of this yay!! (How did I ever forget??)
Time to read it again & see if it was worth all that trouble lol
EDIT: I mean I’m not the target audience anymore FOR SURE but omg I remembered ALL of this yay!! (How did I ever forget??)
November 8, 2018
"Real life seemed just out of PK's reach. Whenever she thought she finally understood it, everything changed and she had to start figuring it out all over again."
—Maybe Yes, Maybe No, Maybe Maybe, P. 1
Life in Los Angeles isn't as glamorous for eight-year-old PK, living with her two sisters and mother in a small apartment, as it is for the big stars of movie and television. Her younger sister, Rabbit, is basically the same person she has always been, a girl who loves to take a bath even if only to hear the inventive stories that PK tells her when she's in the tub, stories that PK claims to get from the old-fashioned metal hamper in the bathroom wall. Rabbit (and yes, she is human) doesn't question where PK gets her ideas; all she knows is that her sister's stories are the best, so there must be more magic in that old hamper than is obvious to the untrained eye.
PK's older sister, Megan, who also used to sit in the bathroom when it was time for Rabbit to take a bath and listen with her youngest sister to PK's story, is changing as she nears adolescence. An intellectually gifted student, Megan doesn't see much of her ordinary life as being very interesting or exciting, and these days she lumps in PK's hamper stories with all the rest of the drabness that she perceives around herself. PK doesn't know if she'll ever be able to understand the person that Megan is becoming, but her resolve is strong to not ever act that way when she, herself, approaches her teenage years, though she knows that it may happen anyway.
When PK's mother decides that it's time for them all to move into a different apartment, PK tries to find a way to accept the big waves of change that are about to roll into her life. Their apartment and its furniture, especially the story hamper, are important parts of the life they have lived together as a family. To leave all that behind would be to sever ties with a part of their past that is very real and meaningful to them. Even Megan seems unsure about the move, and balks at the prospect of leaving behind treasured pieces of furniture like the soft blue chair that the three sisters throw themselves into all the time. They've come to depend on that soft old chair to be there to break their fall, and now they're going to lose it.
For once, PK has to take the initiative in setting an example for both of her sisters, accepting the reality of change because there's no way out of it, and trying to make the transition as easy as possible for her mother. Even if that requires her to leave the secret of the story hamper to whatever lucky family takes the apartment next, PK is willing to go along with the move peacefully. But is this the end of her bathtime stories with Rabbit? Or might the magic of the hamper be a little bit stronger than PK thought?
As in her more well-known Hard Pan trilogy, Susan Patron tells a faultlessly realistic story with no quick solutions and an ending that follows suit, leading us to ponder what might have happened next in the story and how the characters would have adjusted to the changes in their life. Maybe Yes, Maybe No, Maybe Maybe is a short, very simple story, but is written thoughtfully and gives more than a small hint at the excellence that the author would later attain in her Newbery Medal winner, The Higher Power of Lucky. I could see possibly giving this book two and a half stars, and I'm pleased to say it was a good story that I enjoyed reading.
—Maybe Yes, Maybe No, Maybe Maybe, P. 1
Life in Los Angeles isn't as glamorous for eight-year-old PK, living with her two sisters and mother in a small apartment, as it is for the big stars of movie and television. Her younger sister, Rabbit, is basically the same person she has always been, a girl who loves to take a bath even if only to hear the inventive stories that PK tells her when she's in the tub, stories that PK claims to get from the old-fashioned metal hamper in the bathroom wall. Rabbit (and yes, she is human) doesn't question where PK gets her ideas; all she knows is that her sister's stories are the best, so there must be more magic in that old hamper than is obvious to the untrained eye.
PK's older sister, Megan, who also used to sit in the bathroom when it was time for Rabbit to take a bath and listen with her youngest sister to PK's story, is changing as she nears adolescence. An intellectually gifted student, Megan doesn't see much of her ordinary life as being very interesting or exciting, and these days she lumps in PK's hamper stories with all the rest of the drabness that she perceives around herself. PK doesn't know if she'll ever be able to understand the person that Megan is becoming, but her resolve is strong to not ever act that way when she, herself, approaches her teenage years, though she knows that it may happen anyway.
When PK's mother decides that it's time for them all to move into a different apartment, PK tries to find a way to accept the big waves of change that are about to roll into her life. Their apartment and its furniture, especially the story hamper, are important parts of the life they have lived together as a family. To leave all that behind would be to sever ties with a part of their past that is very real and meaningful to them. Even Megan seems unsure about the move, and balks at the prospect of leaving behind treasured pieces of furniture like the soft blue chair that the three sisters throw themselves into all the time. They've come to depend on that soft old chair to be there to break their fall, and now they're going to lose it.
For once, PK has to take the initiative in setting an example for both of her sisters, accepting the reality of change because there's no way out of it, and trying to make the transition as easy as possible for her mother. Even if that requires her to leave the secret of the story hamper to whatever lucky family takes the apartment next, PK is willing to go along with the move peacefully. But is this the end of her bathtime stories with Rabbit? Or might the magic of the hamper be a little bit stronger than PK thought?
As in her more well-known Hard Pan trilogy, Susan Patron tells a faultlessly realistic story with no quick solutions and an ending that follows suit, leading us to ponder what might have happened next in the story and how the characters would have adjusted to the changes in their life. Maybe Yes, Maybe No, Maybe Maybe is a short, very simple story, but is written thoughtfully and gives more than a small hint at the excellence that the author would later attain in her Newbery Medal winner, The Higher Power of Lucky. I could see possibly giving this book two and a half stars, and I'm pleased to say it was a good story that I enjoyed reading.
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April 8, 2009Life as the middle sister can be tough, especially when your big sister is pretty and very very smart. It’s even tougher when your Mom is a waitress and you have to teach everything you know to your little sister – even the things you don’t know.
PK is the middle sister, between Megan and Rabbit. Even though Megan is now “almost-a-teenager” and Rabbit is starting Kindergarten, everything seems to be going fine – until their Mom decides that they need to move into a bigger apartment. Suddenly everything PK knows and relies on is going to be left behind. The Big Blue Chair that they loved as if it were a family pet is too big to fit into the new apartment with the new sleeper sofa, and the built in hamper where all of PK’s magical stories come from – can’t come with them either. How can a new wicker basket hold all of the stories? It’s full of holes and all the stories would fall out!
“Maybe Yes, Maybe No, Maybe Maybe” is a sweet story about three little girls having to move and make what they consider a major life change. Told through the eyes of PK, we see how the girls learn not only to accept change, but also to learn how each of them is special in their own way. Though the voice of the story is young and the tale is geared toward 9-11 year olds, there are some large words that may require a lot of sounding out and some parental help defining. I don’t know of many young children who know what “repast” is. Even though they may have some difficulty with some of the words, I believe that most children will be able to identify with the characters and enjoy the book. This book will appeal mainly to girls, though if they are able to look past the three sisters as the main characters, boys may enjoy it as well since PK is a bit of a tomboy.
There is some talk of hormones and mention of a uterus as a female body part and it’s having to do with “becoming a woman” – though it is not fully explained. If you are against your child reading about that then you have been warned. There is nothing explicit nor will your child come away with any additional knowledge on that topic, but it may illicit questions that you will want to have answers for before they get to that point.
This is a sweet book that many kids can identify with and will enjoy reading.
PK is the middle sister, between Megan and Rabbit. Even though Megan is now “almost-a-teenager” and Rabbit is starting Kindergarten, everything seems to be going fine – until their Mom decides that they need to move into a bigger apartment. Suddenly everything PK knows and relies on is going to be left behind. The Big Blue Chair that they loved as if it were a family pet is too big to fit into the new apartment with the new sleeper sofa, and the built in hamper where all of PK’s magical stories come from – can’t come with them either. How can a new wicker basket hold all of the stories? It’s full of holes and all the stories would fall out!
“Maybe Yes, Maybe No, Maybe Maybe” is a sweet story about three little girls having to move and make what they consider a major life change. Told through the eyes of PK, we see how the girls learn not only to accept change, but also to learn how each of them is special in their own way. Though the voice of the story is young and the tale is geared toward 9-11 year olds, there are some large words that may require a lot of sounding out and some parental help defining. I don’t know of many young children who know what “repast” is. Even though they may have some difficulty with some of the words, I believe that most children will be able to identify with the characters and enjoy the book. This book will appeal mainly to girls, though if they are able to look past the three sisters as the main characters, boys may enjoy it as well since PK is a bit of a tomboy.
There is some talk of hormones and mention of a uterus as a female body part and it’s having to do with “becoming a woman” – though it is not fully explained. If you are against your child reading about that then you have been warned. There is nothing explicit nor will your child come away with any additional knowledge on that topic, but it may illicit questions that you will want to have answers for before they get to that point.
This is a sweet book that many kids can identify with and will enjoy reading.
June 28, 2009
Adventurous,
"Maybe Yes, Maybe No, Maybe Maybe" written by Susan Patron was a good read. Although the main character PK is a girl, my mom said she wanted me to read the book because we both are middle children. My younger sister and I really liked the hamper stories.
If I have the chance, I'd read some other books written by this author.
Reviewed by: Marquis, 9 years old
5th grade
"Maybe Yes, Maybe No, Maybe Maybe" written by Susan Patron was a good read. Although the main character PK is a girl, my mom said she wanted me to read the book because we both are middle children. My younger sister and I really liked the hamper stories.
If I have the chance, I'd read some other books written by this author.
Reviewed by: Marquis, 9 years old
5th grade
July 31, 2012
This is a bittersweet tale about a single mom and her three girls. The middle child, PK, narrates the tale and discusses their daily routine and the frustrations of moving. I thought it was a very open, sincere story and I think our girls could relate to the characters. The illustrations are simple and complement the story nicely. We really enjoyed reading this book together.
July 24, 2020
this is a super cute kids’ book that i read from time to time. it’s really short, so i read it just to put a smile on my face. the characters and plot are relatable, hilarious, and fun! everyone should read it just to experience the magic of pk’s storytelling hamper. (if you’ve read it, you’ll know what i’m talking about!)
August 15, 2019
I really enjoyed the way this story was written - it was funny and cute, and had a sweet feel to it.
July 29, 2020
Read as part of the Judy Moody Book Quiz Whiz challenge!
May 11, 2010
This is a cute, light story about a girl named PK, who is squished between two sisters like jam. She is also dealing with change, and doesn't understand why things can't just stay the same.
I wouldn't call this story extraordinary - there's nothing original here, and the exploration of the characters is a bit shallow. But it's cute, and I can see girls PK's age, especially middle children, enjoying and relating to this.
If you're looking for deeper, heavier stuff about being the middle child, look elsewhere. :)
I wouldn't call this story extraordinary - there's nothing original here, and the exploration of the characters is a bit shallow. But it's cute, and I can see girls PK's age, especially middle children, enjoying and relating to this.
If you're looking for deeper, heavier stuff about being the middle child, look elsewhere. :)
July 15, 2013
This was mentioned in the book "The Introvert Advantage" by Marti Laney so I wanted to check it out. It would probably be rated higher by someone around age 9 ...
The idea was that it is a book to help one understand 'that the world is not black and white--it's shades of grey.' Marti Laney was talking about developing more flexible parameters by expanding our assumptions. Introverts sometimes say "no" too often and sometimes say "yes" too often when what we need to do is give ourselves time to think before deciding.
The idea was that it is a book to help one understand 'that the world is not black and white--it's shades of grey.' Marti Laney was talking about developing more flexible parameters by expanding our assumptions. Introverts sometimes say "no" too often and sometimes say "yes" too often when what we need to do is give ourselves time to think before deciding.
April 19, 2009
A cute little growing up story.
November 28, 2009
Sweet and funny! I particularly enjoyed the interview at the end of the story.
March 10, 2010
I thought it was funny and mild so lade back
December 12, 2010
IT! WAS! THE! BEST! BOOK! EVER!
BEST! BOOK! EVER!
BEST! BOOK! EVER!
April 6, 2010
i learned that you can get stories from anything and anywhere.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews