Do you know Trudy Ludwig’s books? I’ve written before about Sorry! and The Invisible Boy. Those books have been two of our favorites for a while in our house, and both made it onto a variety of Family Focus Trait booklists this year. In other words, they’re wonderfully done and very powerful. So, when Trudy Ludwig reached out to me to see if my family would like her newest book, The Power of One: Every Act of Kindness Counts, you can bet I jumped on that offer! Read on to see a little about this new gem of a book.
*** Affiliate links used. As an affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for considering making a purchase through my links! To read my full disclosure CLICK HERE. A big thank you to Trudy Ludwig for sharing this book with our family in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions of this book are my own.
With an opening spread reminiscent of I Walk With Vanessa, before the title page even comes, we experience a young boy yelling something unknown at a girl, with a second girl (one in the middle of a crowd) watching in shock. Though we don’t know exactly what she says, we watch the second girl cautiously approach the first and offer words of love (represented by a heart). And we read:
“Sometimes One can feel like a small and lonely number.
The Power of One: Every Act of Kindness Counts by Trudy Ludwig, illustrated by Mike Curato
But don’t let this little number food you.
One is a lot bigger and more powerful than you think.”
From there, Ludwig and Curato take us on a journey, but literally and metaphorically, through various ways that One can make an impact. From one drop of rain starting a puddle, one flower blooming in a trashed, run-down park, and one apology to heal past hurts, we see both a beautiful park and a close-knit community grow. As the story closes with the community coming together for a feast in the bountiful garden, gathered around a table (conveniently) shaped like the number “1,” Ludwig reminds us that “acts and words of kindness do count… And it all starts with One.”
While Ludwigs words are impactful, Curato’s illustrations add deeper levels of meaning, reminding us of the various ways that One, be it a person, a plant, an idea, or a community, can positively impact the world around it. He’s also illustrated the community to be inclusive and diverse. Parents and teachers, be sure to read Ludwig’s note of “Planting Seeds of Kindness in Your Community” and share it with your children. Too often, we think we have to do something extraordinary to make a difference, but Ludwig reminds us that we all have the power to effect change. Ludwig also includes a list of recommended picture books and websites to help foster kindness, service, and love in children.
If you liked The Power of One, you might also like:
Speak Up by Miranda Paul — You can read my mini review here.
The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade by Justin Roberts — You can read my mini review here.
Ordinary Mary’s Extraordinary Deed by Emily Pearson — You can read my full review here.
Good People Everywhere by Lynea Gillen — You can read my Instagram review here.
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