One Light

by Christie Matheson, Anuska Allepuz (illustrator)

From Christie Matheson and Anuska Allepuz comes a radiant picture book with a powerful you’re never too small to make a difference. Featuring dreamy artwork, this makes for a beautiful gift for kids or graduates!

Mouse feels all alone one dark and dreary night. She wonders if anybody else feels lonely, too. She’s not sure if a single person can make a difference, but she decides to try.

Mouse lit one light…

And the result is magical. One by one, others in the neighborhood follow Mouse’s lead. With each new spark, the stormy night becomes less gloomy. This luminous story is a brilliant and tender call to action, encouraging readers to spread kindness and create change in the world – one light at a time.

Genres: Picture Books, Inspirational, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

Published September 24, 2024

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Writer. Illustrator.

Tap the Magic Tree
Touch the Brightest Star
Plant the Tiny Seed
Bird Watch
The Hidden Rainbow
Shelter

Reviews

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story seems to riff on the Bible verse from Matthew 5: 14-16: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds. . .” As the sages of the ages have shown humanity, small acts of service make the world go ‘round. Brooding illustrations make the lights gleam more brightly in the cityscape to uplift the whole neighborhood.

[Katie Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely little story about brightening dark spaces, creating a movement of hope and light. I loved the layered quality of the illustrations and the way Mouse's light inspired others to find a little bit of joy and light in the midst of a gloomy day. We all need a bit of hope right now in the world, I like that this book shows one quiet way you can impact and inspire others.

[Jared White · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful illustration of how one act of kindness (in this case demonstrated in lighting a lantern) can help light up the world! You never know what spirits you might uplift when you let your light shine.

I am very grateful for electricity and easily accessible light, but there is something especially beautiful about candle and lantern light.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

A child lights a lamp on a stormy day as a way to encourage others. Soon more lights are lit as others are inspired and the good deed is extended. The theme is great--one act of kindness can be passed along and multiply. I did not find the execution particularly successful. The illustrations were too fuzzy and blurry, and the lights were strange shapes. Not my favorite book on this topic.

[Victoria Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple and sweet - feeling lonely, a little girl sets a handmade lantern out in hopes that it will spread a little sunshine to others on the dark and rainy night. The gesture is passed along from one person in need to another til soon the city is light filled.

[Sarah Threlkeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story about ripples created by one small act.

[Stacy Natal · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story and illustrations were simple and well received by my students. They were able to verbalize the message behind the story, that simple acts can change the world.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this. Even one little light can make a difference. The message is simple but beautiful, and it was a beautiful reminder to me.

[Mahfer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great for a rainy day

[Ash · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like how one light in the darkness inspires more lights to shine