One by Kathryn Otoshi

One by Kathryn Otoshi. Published 2008. 34 unnumbered pages. 360L R.L. 3.4  IL K-3.  The message in One is clear, it takes one person to stand up and stop bullying.

Booklist starred (November 15, 2008 (Vol. 105, No. 6))

Preschool-Grade 1. There are many stories about bullies, but few have looked at the subject in such an attractive, original way. Using round splashes of watercolors as their personas, Otoshi introduces a group of colors. Quiet Blue likes looking at the sky. The other colors have their own characteristics: Orange is outgoing; Green is bright; Purple is regal. Red, though, is a hothead and likes to tease: “Red is hot. Blue is not.” Blue feels bad, and though the other colors comfort him, they’re afraid of Red. In a dramatic and effective spread, Red, feeling mean, grows into a bigger, ever-angrier ball. Enter One. The sturdy numeral wins over the other colors with laughter, making Red even madder, but when he tries his bullying ways on One, One stands up to him. The other colors follow, turning Red into a small ball. He is rolling away when Blue gracefully offers him a chance to be counted. The use of colors and numbers gives the story a much-needed universality, and there is a visceral power in the “strength-in-numbers” gambit (although it should be noted that it can work for ill as well as good). Otoshi cleverly offers a way to talk to very young children about the subject of bullying, even as she helps put their imaginations to work on solutions.

Although One, a simple book, is directed to the primary level, it works with all students.  Not only does it work, but it works well. I find that it is the perfect book to share with students at the beginning of the year as well as when teaching character traits.  As I share it with students, I often ask them to make a mental note of questions they have or things they notice.  When we discuss it, I love how students make connections to their own lives as well as feel empowered to stand with students who are not being treated kindly out at recess.  

~Posted by Kellie Hale