Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Zietlow Miller's short, poetic lines and Cron's citrus-hued illustrations spotlight reading as both solitary activity and one that draws people together. Anchored by repetition ("One can..."), staccato text initially centers on a single reader, portrayed with brown skin, who gets the idea to create something and then pursues the project "Single-handedly./ Whole-heartedly." While narration articulates the speaker's ambitions for community-building ("One learns./ Teaches./ Shares"), unlined artwork traces the construction of a little free library--from its original inception by the protagonist to its collaborative creation. The box's success bridging from one to many ("Separate./ But still, very much together") amplifies the story's lively vibe. Background characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 4--7. (Sept.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1--There are many things one can do alone, like reading, playing music, or painting. Sometimes there is a need for the peace that comes with solitude, and that's okay. Then, every so often, one might miss friends and the connections with them. One can do so much but coming together with others there is so much more to be accomplished. A simple picture book about the beauty of being alone and the power that comes from depending on others and working together, this has minimal text on each page. The fun illustrations are filled with delightful details like a unicorn hat, a cardboard castle, and a dragon shelf at the forefront, drawing readers into the many engaging scenes on the page. The book centers on a girl with brown skin, while the rest of the characters make up a diverse group with a variety of skin tones and hair textures, and they act as an excellent example of the diversity found in communities. VERDICT This simple picture book about the joy of being alone and the benefits of working together is a solid purchase for most collections.--Myiesha Speight
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Making a change for the better often starts with a single person. A brown-skinned child with hair in a bun enjoys spending time alone reading books, painting, and generally being solitary. ("One. / Alone. / No one else nearby. // One. / Needs peace. / Sometimes.") After recharging in the garden (a place where "one can breathe. / And grow"), the youngster is drawn to a group of diverse kids playing at the park across the street and hesitantly decides to forge new connections. The young people bond, and soon the child shares plans to build a Little Free Library in the neighborhood. The protagonist's solo efforts haven't panned out, but with a little elbow grease and teamwork, everyone works together to make their community a better place. Zietlow Miller has crafted a sensitive tale that depicts a young introvert striking a balance between finding time for solitude and reaching out to others. The use of short, staccato sentences gives readers an opportunity to slow down and sit with the words, which ably capture the protagonist's quiet yet determined voice. Cron's retro-style illustrations, with their bright, washed-out pinks and greens and some spreads set against stark white backgrounds, convey feelings of serenity and optimism. An empathetic tale that proves anyone can make a difference.(Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
