The Power of One: Every Act of Kindness Counts
Trudy Ludwig, Author
Mike Curato, Illustrator
Alfred A. Knopf, Fictions, Aug. 25, 2020
Suitable for ages: 4-8
Themes: Kids making a difference, Kindness, Listening, Friendship, Community
Opening: “Sometimes One can feel like a small and lonely number. But don’t let this little number fool you.”
Book Jacket Synopsis:
Change begins with one person standing up for what is right. And one act of kindness can start a chain reaction: One shy smile can lead to a friendship. One good listener can make even the smallest voice heard. One thoughtful idea can bring a community together.
From the acclaimed author of The Invisible Boy comes a lyrical tale as simple — and simply inspiring — as the the golden rule, beautifully brought to life by Mike Curato’s bold multimedia artwork.
Why I like this book:
Trudy Ludwig and Mike Curato team up to create this beautiful picture book that will capture your heart! Ludwig’s fluid and sparse text and Curato’s spacious illustrations really SHOW this story. Several double-spreads pages have no text, but are brimming with feeling and meaning! Curato uses white space well to make his artwork pop with color! Gorgeous!
Children will recognize themselves in the young girl who is teased on the playground. A friendly bystander (one girl) steps away from her friends to reach out to the girl in loving kindness to let her know that she cares. This ONE act of kindness has a ripple effect at school and in the community and is a giant leap towards making the world a better place to live in.
This is a perfect book for teacher’s to read to their classrooms at the beginning of the school year! It is a treasure.
Resources: This book is a wonderful resource to get children sharing stories. Ask kids if they’ve seen someone sad or lonely; heard someone tease another student; or seen a child excluded from an activity. Have any of these things happened to them? Ludwig includes an Author’s Note and recommends many websites that teachers and parents may find helpful like the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation.
Trudy Ludwig is a nationally acclaimed speaker and an award-winning author of ten books, including The Invisible Boy and My Secret Bully. Through her work with the International Bullying Prevention Association, Sesame Street Workshop, Committee for Children, and ConnectSafely, Trudy is committed to helping kids connect with their peers in kinder, more inclusive ways. Visit her at her website or follow her on Twitter at @TrudyLudwig.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s website.
*Review copy provided by author in exchange for a review.
Great theme for a book and I love the opening line.
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I am with you — I love the opening line as well! One act of kindness can create change!
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What a sweet book with a tender theme. Yes, the read aloud possibilities make this a must for any primary classroom. Thanks for sharing this today.
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It is a perfect back to school read aloud. Captures my favorite theme!
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An act of kindness, no matter how small, has a way of making big changes. I’m looking forward to reading this book. Thanks for sharing this important picture book today.
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My favorite titles to share — children making a difference in their world. Kindness is the first step.
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Never underestimate your own power. A great message for our time. Thanks for sharing this beautiful book, Patricia!
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Yes, I think Ludwig’s message is timely and relevant for our time. This really is about children learning about their own inner power — thanks for that comment.
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What a wonderful concept to pass on to children; and a beautiful book! Thanks for sharing it.
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Ludwig’s picture book is special and perfect for today. Thank you for visiting.
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Thank you for your lovely review! I’m honored you recommend The Power of One!
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Kids learning about what they can do through kindness and actions to make a difference in the world, is one of my favorite themes to share! Thank you for writing The Power of One!
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I wondered if this might be your pick for today, Pat; perfect choice, especially for a time such as this. Isn’t it just so simply powerful?
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We know each other too well! You know it is one of my favorite themes to share! Yours as well!
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So glad you reviewed this book, Patricia. I love Mike’s work and I’ve wanted to see this one since the cover was announced. Now, I can’t wait to read it.
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You are welcome. And, I’ll look forward to reading your thoughts. Such a beautiful and timely story!
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What a fantastic concept! I am all aboard the power of one. A good idea has to start somewhere, and who knows how much it will catch on unless it is shared?
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Yes, you are right. I hope it gets shared. Children learning about how one kind word or doing something bigger than themselves, is one of my favorite themes
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Oo, another Mike illustrated boo. Great. Love they have many wordless pages. And what a powerful message.
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You will drool over his artwork. In the first few pages, the kids on the playground are a shaded in gray, with only the bystander in full color. Ludwig’s theme is one of my favorites to share.
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This is a perfect book for now. We need more people reaching out in kindness
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I am thrilled to see more books being written about kindness, love, compassion our connectiveness for upcoming generations of kids! They are our hope!
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This is a beauty. Thanks for the review.
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Glad you like it!
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Children of all ages need this book now, and the acts of kindness of one child, then another, and another as the ripples of kindness radiate out into the world. Great choice!
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And children will understand the ripple effect as it multiplies.
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I love books with themes like this, Patricia.
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Yes, I enjoy sharing the power of what one child can do.
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