One Can Be

Pat Zietlow Miller and Annie Cron’s “One Can Be” is a celebration of quiet leadership. With a measured use of words and parallel storytelling through illustrations, this book gently shows that time alone is normal and necessary.

While the kidlit world views the book as a tribute to introverts and quiet strength, I read it as an ode to the single child. Contrary to popular belief, “one” needs quiet too, but also misses friends now and then. “One” unites, cares, and brings people together.

This is the beauty of a good picture book – it is not hijacked by either the writer or the illustrator. It isn’t overly verbose. The illustrator doesn’t merely complement the text but expands it. Most importantly, the book remains open to multiple interpretations.

One of the best books about “one” that I’ve recently read!