The first thing I said when I saw the title of this book is: “Don’t show The Bear!”. The Best Way to Get Your Way by Tanya Lloyd Kyi and Chanelle Nibbelink is a comprehensive guide to debating and creating logical, well formed arguments to convince our opposers.

The Bear is classic for always arguing his view, which is a great skill for adults but so very frustrating for parents! I know many of you have the same thing happening at home. The Best Way to Get Your Way is a great guide to debating. Not only the formal procedure of a debate contest but helping readers focus their arguments to convince. Look out all the families who have consistently said no to getting a pet. This book will to only give your reader a format to create their argument but also convince you that you just absolutely need that pet tortoise.

Through five chapters, Tanya Lloyd Kyi takes readers through arguments for and against things like chores, screen time, vegetables, bedtime and homework. What I really appreciate is she shows readers both sides of the argument, the affirmative and negative. Each chapter is formulated like an actual debate and readers get to read both sides of the argument throughout the whole chapter. She also provides great sidebars with important information that readers should know when formulating arguments. Props to the designer, Barb Kelly, for choosing a cue card design for the sidebars. There are also lots of framed text sections with current research relevant to the topic in each chapter so readers can see where the information from the arguments is coming from.

Of course, with any great non fiction title, there is a comprehensive sources section as well as further reading to help readers begin their own research to formulate their own arguments.

Chanelle Nibblink’s illustrations are graphic and fun. They add colour and whimsy to each page and keep the reading light and entertaining.