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One Can Be
An ode to introverts and quiet leaders.
Sometimes you need to be alone--to think and breathe. Other times you need to be with friends--those you know and those you've only just met. And sometimes everyone works together to create something wonderful.
What can one person do all alone? Quite a lot, actually. Even so, there are times it helps to work with others. With spare, lyrical text, bestselling author Pat Zietlow Miller celebrates the power of being alone--and of coming together with others--centered on the love of reading and creating community around books. This is a book about trusting yourself and your ideas, seeing a need, and connecting with others to meet it.
Perfect for introverts, quiet leaders, and anyone who loves books and little libraries.
Sometimes you need to be alone--to think and breathe. Other times you need to be with friends--those you know and those you've only just met. And sometimes everyone works together to create something wonderful.
What can one person do all alone? Quite a lot, actually. Even so, there are times it helps to work with others. With spare, lyrical text, bestselling author Pat Zietlow Miller celebrates the power of being alone--and of coming together with others--centered on the love of reading and creating community around books. This is a book about trusting yourself and your ideas, seeing a need, and connecting with others to meet it.
Perfect for introverts, quiet leaders, and anyone who loves books and little libraries.
40 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 2, 2025
33 people want to read
About the author
Pat Zietlow Miller
30 books251 followersPat Zietlow Miller knew she wanted to be a writer ever since her seventh-grade English teacher read her paper about square-dancing skirts out loud in class and said: “This is the first time anything a student has written has given me chills.” (Thanks, Mrs. Mueller! You rock!)
Pat started out as a newspaper reporter and wrote about everything from dartball and deer-hunting to diets and decoupage. Then, she joined an insurance company and edited its newsletter and magazine.
Now, she writes insurance information by day and children’s books by night. She has 11 picture books available and 12 more that will be coming out in the next few years.
Her books in print are: SOPHIE’S SQUASH, WHEREVER YOU GO, SHARING THE BREAD, THE QUICKEST KID IN CLARKSVILLE, SOPHIE'S SQUASH GO TO SCHOOL, WIDE-AWAKE BEAR, LORETTA'S GIFT, BE KIND, REMARKABLY YOU, MY BROTHER THE DUCK and WHEN YOU ARE BRAVE.
Pat has one wonderful husband, two delightful daughters and two pampered cats. She doesn’t watch much TV, but she does love "Chopped." Pat lives in Madison, Wisconsin.
Pat started out as a newspaper reporter and wrote about everything from dartball and deer-hunting to diets and decoupage. Then, she joined an insurance company and edited its newsletter and magazine.
Now, she writes insurance information by day and children’s books by night. She has 11 picture books available and 12 more that will be coming out in the next few years.
Her books in print are: SOPHIE’S SQUASH, WHEREVER YOU GO, SHARING THE BREAD, THE QUICKEST KID IN CLARKSVILLE, SOPHIE'S SQUASH GO TO SCHOOL, WIDE-AWAKE BEAR, LORETTA'S GIFT, BE KIND, REMARKABLY YOU, MY BROTHER THE DUCK and WHEN YOU ARE BRAVE.
Pat has one wonderful husband, two delightful daughters and two pampered cats. She doesn’t watch much TV, but she does love "Chopped." Pat lives in Madison, Wisconsin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 1, 2025
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
One Can Be is a beautifully illustrated poetic picture book for children showing that time alone can be very normal and very much needed at times. The book shows a little girl who often enjoys time alone to learn new things and new skills and practice her hobbies. Then, at times, she misses the companionship she gets from time with her friends and, on other occasions, how she enjoys sharing her new learned skills/knowledge and hobbies with others too.
The wording is very sparse, which helps bring the power of imagination out from the beautiful illustrations.
One Can Be is a beautifully illustrated poetic picture book for children showing that time alone can be very normal and very much needed at times. The book shows a little girl who often enjoys time alone to learn new things and new skills and practice her hobbies. Then, at times, she misses the companionship she gets from time with her friends and, on other occasions, how she enjoys sharing her new learned skills/knowledge and hobbies with others too.
The wording is very sparse, which helps bring the power of imagination out from the beautiful illustrations.
June 20, 2025
This is a really cute and meaningful book! Initially, I didn't know where this book was going, and I just thought that it would be a poetic and more "philosophical" book, but I was wrong, and I was happily surprised! This book ended up being a full-on story, just in a different kind of way. I was right when I thought that it was going to be poetic, but it also had a structured plot, which I appreciated. In short, this is a story about learning, friendship, and community; being one piece of a larger whole. I think that this is a great message to spread to a young audience, and I give a lot of credit to the author for choosing to write a book like this. Lastly, I really liked that the writing was more on the minimal side, and about 75% of the story was told through the beautiful illustrations. I applaud the illustrator for having such a good eye for detail and making sure the story was easily understood, from a visual standpoint. Bravo!!
August 11, 2025
Thank you, net galley, Pat Zietlow and Beaming Books for sending me this book to review!
I absolutely loved this book. I first read it on my own, and then again with some students and WE LOVED IT. The colour palette is beautiful: earthy yet full of life, and soft and it immediately drew the children (and me) in.
What I loved the most was that the story a child discovering a hobby, practicing it, and then sharing it with her peers.
It’s not just about a skill it’s about connection, confidence, and the joy of inspiring others. ☀️✨🌟💐
Whether in the classroom, on the playground, or around the neighbourhood, to me this story shows how something small can grow into something meaningful when it’s shared.☀️✨🩷
I absolutely loved this book. I first read it on my own, and then again with some students and WE LOVED IT. The colour palette is beautiful: earthy yet full of life, and soft and it immediately drew the children (and me) in.
What I loved the most was that the story a child discovering a hobby, practicing it, and then sharing it with her peers.
It’s not just about a skill it’s about connection, confidence, and the joy of inspiring others. ☀️✨🌟💐
Whether in the classroom, on the playground, or around the neighbourhood, to me this story shows how something small can grow into something meaningful when it’s shared.☀️✨🩷
August 27, 2025
Nowadays it was starting to show that maybe my son would be an introvert. He liked to be alone and did something alone. He was easily playing by himself even when other kids around. I don't want to self diagnose my son, but through this book I could tell him that it's ok to like being alone and doing something by yourself. But when you need help it's ok too to ask for help.
The illustrations were so good and vibrant with soft colors. The soft colors delivered the calm so well.
The lyrical and poetic words were actually good too, but since my son was only 4 years old, I needed to changed the words to entirely different words so he could understand. I made up the story that still fit the illustrations and the original messages of the book.
Thank you to Pat Zietlow Miller and Annie Cron, Broadleaf Books, Beaming Books, and NetGalley for the ARC.
The illustrations were so good and vibrant with soft colors. The soft colors delivered the calm so well.
The lyrical and poetic words were actually good too, but since my son was only 4 years old, I needed to changed the words to entirely different words so he could understand. I made up the story that still fit the illustrations and the original messages of the book.
Thank you to Pat Zietlow Miller and Annie Cron, Broadleaf Books, Beaming Books, and NetGalley for the ARC.
August 6, 2025
This is a charmingly multi-layered approach to a child who finds comfort and joy in being alone with her books and other creative outlets, her dog, plants, etc. She recognizes, though, that there can be fun and purpose in joining forces with others. In her case she is neighbors with a vibrant outdoor park, and she notes the fun being had. She also notes the lack of books. Joining in community shouldn't require leaving behind the things you love while on your own, right?
In several spreads she channels her creativity to design and attempt to build a little free library. ideas and effort abound, but this "one" realizes that friendships can offer company, and collaboration. The design and building process she instigates reminded me, to a degree, of Miller's A GIRL CAN BUILD ANYTHING (great to pair these titles). As the park folks interact with "one", other things build as well, on all fronts: friendships, love of reading, pet connections.
Nothing is compromised or sacrificed or challenged. This ONE title, with its ONE central character, its ONE park, and its ONE idea allowed to blossom with many petals, is a remarkable accomplishment of text (fewer than 100 words, perfectly selected and paced) with subtle and gentle art that allows for added storytelling through detail, page placement, and design.
ONE CAN BE deserves more than one reading!
In several spreads she channels her creativity to design and attempt to build a little free library. ideas and effort abound, but this "one" realizes that friendships can offer company, and collaboration. The design and building process she instigates reminded me, to a degree, of Miller's A GIRL CAN BUILD ANYTHING (great to pair these titles). As the park folks interact with "one", other things build as well, on all fronts: friendships, love of reading, pet connections.
Nothing is compromised or sacrificed or challenged. This ONE title, with its ONE central character, its ONE park, and its ONE idea allowed to blossom with many petals, is a remarkable accomplishment of text (fewer than 100 words, perfectly selected and paced) with subtle and gentle art that allows for added storytelling through detail, page placement, and design.
ONE CAN BE deserves more than one reading!
October 12, 2025
One Can Be is a radiant picture book that beautifully celebrates the power of quiet leadership, creativity, and community spirit.
The story follows a thoughtful young girl who cherishes moments alone to explore, imagine, and build. Whether she’s sketching inventions, designing colorful patterns, or piecing together new ideas, she finds joy and strength in her peaceful solitude. Yet she doesn’t keep her discoveries to herself—each time she emerges from her creative space, she shares her ideas with her neighbors and friends, teaching them new skills and inspiring the whole community.
Pat Zietlow Miller’s gentle text honors children who lead not with loud voices, but with thoughtful action and kindness. Annie Cron’s luminous illustrations glow with warmth, capturing both the hush of private moments and the vibrant togetherness when the community gathers around her projects.
This book is a wonderful testament to the quiet leaders among us—the dreamers, artists, and thinkers whose ideas can bring people together. One Can Be encourages young readers to embrace time alone, value their creativity, and recognize how even the softest voices can light up the world.
Perfect for reading aloud or for reflective moments, this is a picture book that belongs in every classroom and library.
The story follows a thoughtful young girl who cherishes moments alone to explore, imagine, and build. Whether she’s sketching inventions, designing colorful patterns, or piecing together new ideas, she finds joy and strength in her peaceful solitude. Yet she doesn’t keep her discoveries to herself—each time she emerges from her creative space, she shares her ideas with her neighbors and friends, teaching them new skills and inspiring the whole community.
Pat Zietlow Miller’s gentle text honors children who lead not with loud voices, but with thoughtful action and kindness. Annie Cron’s luminous illustrations glow with warmth, capturing both the hush of private moments and the vibrant togetherness when the community gathers around her projects.
This book is a wonderful testament to the quiet leaders among us—the dreamers, artists, and thinkers whose ideas can bring people together. One Can Be encourages young readers to embrace time alone, value their creativity, and recognize how even the softest voices can light up the world.
Perfect for reading aloud or for reflective moments, this is a picture book that belongs in every classroom and library.
July 22, 2025
One can Be - 3,75-4/5 - lecture en anglais.
C'était vraiment cute et adorable. Je me suis retrouvée dans le personnage principal. C'était touchant. Une vraie ôde aux lecteurs et aux introvertis qui ont besoin d'avoir leur propre espace personnel pour se retrouver, se recharger et surtout : être, tout simplement.
"One.
Alone.
No one else nearby.
One.
Needs peace.
Sometimes."
One can be.
A gentle, calm, and enjoyable read. An ode to introverts, to readers, who enjoy spending time alone. Creating, studying, researching, painting, reading—there's so much we can do alone. But sometimes we miss our friends, and it's just as well to go and catch up with them until our social battery dies again, ready to be recharged in the introvert's active cocoon.
""One learns.
Teaches.
Shares.
One unites
One cares."
It read a bit like a poem. I wanted to take so many quotes from it, but I would have picked the whole text. I saw myself in the little girl. She's me, I'm her. Plus she's a reader. Such a nice read. I loved the book.
"One can stretch their mind.
One can sketch.
And write.
And hope.
Single-handedly.
Whole-heartedly."
#OneCanBe #Netgalley
C'était vraiment cute et adorable. Je me suis retrouvée dans le personnage principal. C'était touchant. Une vraie ôde aux lecteurs et aux introvertis qui ont besoin d'avoir leur propre espace personnel pour se retrouver, se recharger et surtout : être, tout simplement.
"One.
Alone.
No one else nearby.
One.
Needs peace.
Sometimes."
One can be.
A gentle, calm, and enjoyable read. An ode to introverts, to readers, who enjoy spending time alone. Creating, studying, researching, painting, reading—there's so much we can do alone. But sometimes we miss our friends, and it's just as well to go and catch up with them until our social battery dies again, ready to be recharged in the introvert's active cocoon.
""One learns.
Teaches.
Shares.
One unites
One cares."
It read a bit like a poem. I wanted to take so many quotes from it, but I would have picked the whole text. I saw myself in the little girl. She's me, I'm her. Plus she's a reader. Such a nice read. I loved the book.
"One can stretch their mind.
One can sketch.
And write.
And hope.
Single-handedly.
Whole-heartedly."
#OneCanBe #Netgalley
August 4, 2025
"One Can Be" by Pat Zietlow Miller and Annie Cron explores the idea that each individual possesses the potential to make a positive impact in the world. Through simple yet profound messages, the book encourages readers to embrace their unique qualities and act with kindness, compassion, and creativity in their everyday lives. The illustrations in the book beautifully complement the narrative by bringing the text to life with vibrant colors. Each page depicts diverse characters engaging in acts of kindness and creativity, reinforcing the message that everyone can contribute positively. Visual storytelling adds depth, making the book engaging and inspiring for young readers.
"One. Alone. No one else nearby."
"One can breathe. And grow."
"One can think. And know."
"One can search. And find."
"One can stretch their mind."
"One can create."
"One. Misses friends. Now and then."
"One learns. Teaches. Shares."
"One. To another."
"Until everyone comes together. Exactly as one hoped."
"Seperate. But still, very much together."
"Face to Face."
"Hand to Hand."
"One."
"One. Alone. No one else nearby."
"One can breathe. And grow."
"One can think. And know."
"One can search. And find."
"One can stretch their mind."
"One can create."
"One. Misses friends. Now and then."
"One learns. Teaches. Shares."
"One. To another."
"Until everyone comes together. Exactly as one hoped."
"Seperate. But still, very much together."
"Face to Face."
"Hand to Hand."
"One."
November 30, 2025
A book for solitary doers and dreamers; kids who prefer their own company but desire community too. How do introverts strike a balance between the two? In One Can Be, a young brown-skinned girl finds passion and purpose in dreaming and creating on her own. But her dream project, a Little Free Library, can only come to fruition with the help of the other children in her neighborhood. Zietlow Miller’s short, staccato sentences slow down the narrative and mimic the young girl’s quiet focus and determination: “One can sketch./And write. /And hope./Single-handedly./Whole-heartedly.” Using a pastel palette to depict friendly children' s faces, Cron’s illustrations establish a sense of calm and safety as the girl invites the others in on the plan. One Can Be is an excellent SEL read aloud to promote community and healing in a post-pandemic era. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
December 18, 2025
Even though humans are social animals, that doesn't mean that they need to be with someone or surrounded by friends all the time. There's a time for socializing, but there's also a time and a need for some alone time in order to reflect, process events, and simply recharge one's batteries. In this visually attractive picture book, the protagonist enjoys spending time alone, reading and watching others. When she feels inspired to create her own free little library, she first sketches out her plans and then tries to assemble the structure. Unable to finish it on her own, she reaches out for help, makes friends or renews acquaintances, and with their help, erects the small library, now filled with books. The last double-page spread showing her as various youngsters are reading and talking about books they've taken from the library demonstrates the power books have to help humans make connections.
August 8, 2025
See that child all alone? Then let her be – for if she's like the girl on these pages she has a need to be alone, but every chance to be with others. She will take that chance, and the chance to do something wonderful with them that will impact many. I really appreciated this quiet, poetic text, that shows one girl not suffering from being alone, but knowing when it's the best option and when friends are the best instead. And of course I love what she combines with her new friends to make. I'm not sure the art was completely my style, but it won't take one star away from this – this is still a strong four, for the reminder of how solitude can be the greatest choice. People say "still waters run deep" in such a negative way about the quiet and still person – this proves that's not the attitude to have.
December 5, 2025
A lovely rhyming picture book about a young girl who enjoys her alone time of reading, painting, listening to music, playing with her dog, and more. However, she does look longingly at the kids playing in the nearby park. "One. Misses friends. Now and then." Looking at her overflowing bookcases, she gets the idea of making a little library. However, she just isn't able to make it on her own so she nervously approaches a couple of kids to share her idea. Soon she has a whole group of kids eager to help and the project gets down. An uplifting picture book with a great message about working together and not being afraid to reach out.
June 18, 2025
One Can Be is a sweet and necessary reflection on how it's okay to be alone and on your own at times, and then equally as okay to be social, make friends, and share ideas the next. There can sometimes be pressure to define yourself solely as introverted or extroverted -- but you're more than allowed to be a mixture of both!
This is a wonderful message with such bright and vibrant illustrations to match. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a wonderful message with such bright and vibrant illustrations to match. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 14, 2025
I received an electronic ARC from Broadleaf Books through NetGalley.
Readers met a young girl who is content being with only herself. Zietlow Miller takes readers through all the ways she is happy to explore, grow, and enjoy her own company. We also see her reach out when she wants to spend time with friends. Her quiet leadership helps them create a little library for all to share. I appreciate the message that some prefer to enjoy time on their own to regroup or to simply be. The book affirms this is a gift for many.
Readers met a young girl who is content being with only herself. Zietlow Miller takes readers through all the ways she is happy to explore, grow, and enjoy her own company. We also see her reach out when she wants to spend time with friends. Her quiet leadership helps them create a little library for all to share. I appreciate the message that some prefer to enjoy time on their own to regroup or to simply be. The book affirms this is a gift for many.
August 11, 2025
A simple, gentle picture book with delicate, detail-filled illustrations: especially in the city park scenes that invite you to linger and talk about what you see.
It feels a bit “girly” in tone, but the emotions are universal. In just a few short phrases, it captures what it’s like to experience loneliness — whether it’s brief and accidental or something longer.
Here, a child spends half an hour alone, sometimes enjoying the quiet, sometimes feeling lost and unsure what to do. Some people thrive in solitude; others find it hard to be without friends.
Thanks NetGalley for ATC.
It feels a bit “girly” in tone, but the emotions are universal. In just a few short phrases, it captures what it’s like to experience loneliness — whether it’s brief and accidental or something longer.
Here, a child spends half an hour alone, sometimes enjoying the quiet, sometimes feeling lost and unsure what to do. Some people thrive in solitude; others find it hard to be without friends.
Thanks NetGalley for ATC.
September 5, 2025
"One Can Be" is a picture book about the strength and calm of solitude, and what we can bring to one another and the world, when we are emotionally fed and ready collaborate socially. In this story, a child spends time at home, where there is ample space to think and breathe, sketch and create. When ready for connection, the child ventures out and makes friends. Together, they create something for their neighborhood that the child had difficulty doing alone. "One Can Be" is a lovely book, fresh in both storytelling style and art, which positively shows the beauty of a united community.
September 30, 2025
One Can Be by is a captivating, soft, and brilliant read! This book is the epitome of calm. I love that it normalizes alone time and the need to decompress by oneself. It showcases a quiet introvert with a big idea who finds the balance between doing things alone and collaborating with others to make a big impact. The way this book showcases the main character is simply stunning with an accuracy I rarely see. Children who are introverted don't always need to be pushed into the spotlight sometimes they just need to have a reason to decide to take the first step.
July 25, 2025
Beautiful illustrations and a lovely read. I will definitely purchase for my library. I especially like that the girl is content on her own and happy to connect with other people. Most books for kids seem to portray the lone girl as lonely, which doesn't have to be the case.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced readers copy.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced readers copy.
September 18, 2025
One Can Be is a book about possibilities! When One is alone, one can engage in all sorts of creative endeavors, and then share them to create friendships and community. Spare, lyrical text by Pat Zietlow Miller is accompanied by soft, colorful illustrations by Annie Crow to show readers that people need time alone and time together, and from both can come great things for all! As a librarian, I love the creation of a Little Free Library and children gathering together around books!
September 22, 2025
One-derful. This book celebrates the power of being alone. Working by yourself and being creative. It celebrates introverts and how their minds work. It also shows how, though we need alone time, we also love to get some together time as well. When we work alone, we can find our ideas. But when we work together, we can share those ideas with others. One Can Be is a beautifully illustrated celebration of introverts.
Mia’s 2nd Year of Books: Day 196
#FirstToCheckOut
Mia’s 2nd Year of Books: Day 196
#FirstToCheckOut
November 8, 2025
This book has a young girl who treasures her time alone with her thoughts, with nature, with books, with her dog, but when she needs community, she finds it as she shares her idea and finds others will help her make it come true!
The illustrations are soft and warm and simply wonderful. Kudos to both Pat Zietlow Miller, author, and Anni Cron, illustrator, for this sweet book that celebrates the value of time alone as much as time together with others.
The illustrations are soft and warm and simply wonderful. Kudos to both Pat Zietlow Miller, author, and Anni Cron, illustrator, for this sweet book that celebrates the value of time alone as much as time together with others.
July 1, 2025
What a great book about friendship, community, and trust as a girl who likes to be alone and realizes it’s okay. When you’re alone you can think about anything you want, and you can do so much. If you want to connect with others about books and libraries you can and it will be alright.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC of this book, All opinions are my own.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC of this book, All opinions are my own.
July 4, 2025
Oh my, this was adorable! Beautiful illustrations, which manage to be both calming and engaging at the same time. Truly, a love letter to those relishing time alone, empowering them to do it, letting them know they’re always welcome to join the wider world when they’re ready. I truly enjoyed it!
Thank you to NetGalley and Broadleaf Books for the ebook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Broadleaf Books for the ebook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 9, 2025
This is a story that makes me feel seen!
This story may need explaining to some younger audiences. It’s a good representation of needing time alone to breathe and centre yourself but also needing time and connections with others.
The illustrations in this books are absolutely gorgeous. Such lovely artwork for a lovely story.
This story may need explaining to some younger audiences. It’s a good representation of needing time alone to breathe and centre yourself but also needing time and connections with others.
The illustrations in this books are absolutely gorgeous. Such lovely artwork for a lovely story.
October 1, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Broadleaf Books | Beaming Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This was a really nice books for introverts and extroverts alike, showcasing that it's totally okay and acceptable to do things alone, but how things could also be fun when you do them together with others. Very nice read, the art was fine.
This was a really nice books for introverts and extroverts alike, showcasing that it's totally okay and acceptable to do things alone, but how things could also be fun when you do them together with others. Very nice read, the art was fine.
October 2, 2025
The possibilities of what a child can be with the freedom to become someone. An anthem for doing and trying out things and becoming good at something, creativity, friends, teaches and shares with others.
January 29, 2026
The illustrations are so lovely!!! Whimsical, dreamy, realistic ~ they wrap you up in such a warm way. The story is sweet and reaffirming for children who sometimes enjoy being alone but never removed from the people/world around them.
June 30, 2025
I received a copy of this eBook from netGalley for a honest review.
A beautiful look at what one can do by themselves and when they join others.
A beautiful look at what one can do by themselves and when they join others.
September 25, 2025
This was ok. I didn't really think it was anything special.
October 1, 2025
I loved this introvert-affirming book about the power of what one person can do!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews