One Step, Two...

by Charlotte Zolotow, Cindy Wheeler (Illustrator)

While out for a walk on a spring morning, a little girl shows her mother things grown-ups sometimes miss.

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1955

About the author

Charlotte Zolotow was a distinguished American writer, editor, and publisher who made a lasting mark on children's literature. Over her career, she authored around 70 picture book texts and edited works by prominent writers including Paul Zindel, Robert Lipsyte, and Francesca Lia Block. Born in Norfolk, Virginia, she studied writing at the University of Wisconsin Madison and later joined Harper & Bros in New York, where she worked her way up from secretary to publisher. Her own books were published by over 20 houses, and she became known for her poetic and emotionally insightful texts. Zolotow’s most celebrated works include When the Wind Stops, William’s Doll, and River Winding. Her story "Enemies" was featured in The Big Book for Peace alongside other notable authors. She lived for many years in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. Her legacy endures not only through her own writing but also through the Charlotte Zolotow Award, established in 1998 to honor outstanding picture book texts. Her contributions helped shape modern children's literature with sensitivity, elegance, and enduring relevance.

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have preferred the original Duvoisin illustrations. Wheeler's are too simple & workmanlike. The story is sweet, but over the head, perhaps, of children the age of the little girl (she's very young, as evidenced by calling a school bus 'truck' and other clues). Maybe it's more for older siblings, or for parents... reminding us what insightful joy that tots can bring to our lives.

Btw, it's not a counting book. No objects are counted, and some of the could-be-cumulative numbered episodes are 'missing.'

[Christy Whitaker · Rating 1 out of 5]

One Step, Two uses items in one's own environment to learn to count to twelve. The counting rebuilds each page (ex. Red geraniums.. One, two, three... And one step, two steps, three steps, four...). This book could reinforce counting to twelve, as well as provide opportunity to discuss advanced vocabulary (gleamed, crocus, prowling..). However, if one is introducing this book in a class to teach preschoolers to start counting, the vocabulary may be too advanced.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This seems to be some type of counting book. A little girl goes for a walk with her mother and she notices all sorts of things.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my favorite books to be read as a very young child. The images are forever printed in my mind and bring me so much comfort now to flip through. It's so gentle and repetitive, it was a perfect bed-time story when I was little.

[Tina Hoggatt · Rating 2 out of 5]

For some reason I had no patience for this cumulative counting book.