I Am One
Susan Verde, Author
Peter H. Reynolds, Illustrator
Abrams, Fiction, Sep. 15, 2020
Suitable for ages: 4-8
Themes: Making a difference, Change, Purpose, Mindfulness
Opening: “How do I make a difference? It seems like a tall order for one so small. But beautiful things start with just One.”
Book Jacket Synopsis:
One seed to start a garden, one note to start a melody, one brick to start breaking down walls: Every movement and moment of change starts with purpose, with intention, with one. With me. With you.
From the #1 New York Times bestselling team behind I Am Yoga, I Am Peace, I Am Human, and I Am Love comes a powerful call to action, encouraging each reader to raise their voice, extend a hand, and take that one first step to start something beautiful and move toward a better world.
Why I like this book:
Susan Verde and Peter H. Reynolds have collaborated on one of my favorite book themes for young readers: children making a difference in their schools, communities and world. But HOW do kids begin? With One step to start a journey…to break down walls…to to start a friendship…to take action…to build a brick pathway that will make a difference and lead to change. Just one small act of kindness can move mountains for someone. Verde’s straightforward prose is a call to action and kids will really “GET” the message in this book. I Am One is timely book for the important times we live in. Teachers will welcome this treasure in their classrooms because it will lead to many positive discussions and opportunities to create change.
Reynolds’s signature illustrations are lively, playful and joyful in this special call to youth activists. He dedicated I Am One to Greta Thunberg, who showed the world the power of ONE young person. Follow Verde and Reynolds online at their websites.
Resources: There is an Author’s Note in the back of the book. Verde includes a mindfulness meditation and self-reflection activity to help readers get started, She says that when “we feel something isn’t okay in our world, we need to be present and access the problem-solving, creative, compassionate parts of our brains.” It helps us to respond with kindness, rather than react with anger. Then ask yourself questions about what you may feel needs changing. What will be your first step?
Susan Verde is the bestselling author of I Am Yoga, I Am Peace, I Am Human, I Am Love, and The Museum, all illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds, as well as Rock ‘n’ Roll Soul, illustrated by Matthew Cordell. She teaches yoga and mindfulness to children and lives with her three children in East Hampton, New York.
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.
*Reviewed from a library copy.
This is one of my favorite new books, Pat! I absolutely love it – so beautifully written and such a perfect sentiment!
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Mine too. It is a book that empowers kids to make a difference with one small action.
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I love books by Susan Verde and have given many as gifts. This one looks amazing and is so timely. Kids need to know they can make a difference.
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Yes, it is a favorite for me too because it carries my favorite theme. I love the entire I Am series.
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Love this book!
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Me too. Thanks for commenting and sharing!
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This one is at the top of my to be purchased list! Such a timely message from this creative duo.
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Know you will love it. Never too early to help kids see that they can make a difference through a simple act of kindness, etc.
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So timely and important for all of us!
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Well stated! We all need to think more about helping others in any way we can!
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Our newest generation has a real gem here. Thanks for featuring it today.
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Yes, it is a gem for a special generation of kids who are already sensitive.
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Such a strong newcomer; thank YOU for being the ONE for so many!
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Thank you. You are sweet! But we both know that we have a job to help the coming generations be kind, compassionate and helpful to others. That’s why it’s so much fun to be part of the children’s literature community right now.
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I love this book! Thanks for sharing.
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I’m so happy you love the book. It’s a winner!
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This would pair well with No Voice Too Small, I’m thinking.
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Yes, I agree. And, am eager to read that book too. My favorite theme is books.
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Patricia, I’m so very glad to learn of this author. All her books sound very special with important messages. Perfect for World Kindness Day. Thank you!
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I am happy to introduce Susan Verde to you. She has a series called the I AM .. series. You’ll love the books.
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I love all of Susan Verde and Peter H. Reynolds’ books. This one is equally amazing. It is the perfect book for our children and our country right now. Thanks for highlighting it, Patricia.
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I agree with you, Maria. These books are perfect books for our kids and nation right now. I love the books being published now. That’s why it’s so much fun to be part of the children’s literature community right now.
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This looks absolutely gorgous, Patricia. I wish I was still in the classroom. I’d love to share wit with young children.
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It would be such a fun book to read and discuss in a classroom! I love their entire I AM series.
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They do look wonderful.
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This series has found an important place in classrooms and families libraries.
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Yes, I believe and hope so.
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