This review is part of Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Book series. Visit her site to see the other books recommended.
Title: One
Author & Illustrator: Kathryn Otoshi
Publisher: KO Kids Books, 2008
Suitable for: Ages 5-8
Themes: Bullying, Standing Up for Oneself
Opening Sentences:
Blue was a quiet color.
He enjoyed looking up at the sky, floating on the waves, and on days he felt daring … splashing in rain puddles.
Every once in a while he wished he could be more sunny like Yellow. Or bright like Green. More regal like Purple. Or outgoing like Orange. But overall he liked being Blue … except when he was with Red.
Synopsis:
This unique story uses color splotches to discuss the issue of bullying. Blue is a quiet, happy color unless hot head RED is around. The other colors Orange, Yellow, Green, and Purple see what is going on, but they don’t know how to stop the bullying. Until, One comes and shows them how to stand up to Red.
Activities: Here are links to some activities and discussion questions.
Why I Like This:
This book is wonderful on many different levels. Young kids will enjoy identifying the colors and numbers. Older kids will understand the bullying issue that is going on, and be able to relate to the colors’ emotions. I enjoyed the clever use of certain words which had double-meaning. For example the word ‘count’ in “Blue saw the colors change (into numbers). He wanted to count.”, means both Blue wanted to change into a number, and he wanted to have value.
If you would like to know more about inspiration for the book, check out this insightful interview at Character Counts. You will need to scroll down the page about halfway.
If you like this book also checkout her sequel called Zero. This book deals with the issue of self-esteem.
Would love to hear your thoughts on “One” book. Did your kids/students understand the book, were they able to relate?
Flowering Minds 