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One Red Thread: A Story of Connection
A beautifully illustrated picture book about community, kindness, and the invisible threads that connect us to the people around us, even the ones we haven't met yet
Follow a single red thread as it winds its way through a neighborhood, linking people who know each other and people who don't, from a call to play to a family welcome to a feel-better-soon wish to a quiet good night. With each turn of the page, the thread connects one small act of kindness to the next, gently showing young readers something they can feel but don't always have the words that no one moves through this world alone.
In many cultures around the world, a red thread represents connection, destiny, protection, and strength. One Red Thread brings that tradition to life through stunning mixed-media illustrations where readers will love spotting the string on every page. At a time when it's easy for kids and grown-ups alike to feel disconnected or lost, this heartfelt story reminds us that we are all here together, even if we live in different places, come from different backgrounds, or have never crossed paths. This is a book about noticing the people around you, treating them with kindness, and understanding that every small act of care sends a thread out into the world that reaches further than you'll ever know.
Key
a powerful message about human connection: helps children see that we are all linked to the people around us through everyday moments of kindness, care, and community stunning mixed-media illustrations with a hidden thread to find: readers will love searching for the red string on every page, adding an interactive layer that keeps kids engaged and looking closely culturally rich and globally resonant: draws on the red thread tradition found in many cultures worldwide, representing connection, destiny, luck, protection, and strength encourages empathy and kindness: shows children how small, simple acts of caring can ripple outward and touch people they may never meet includes activities and conversation starters: back matter provides related activities for families and classrooms to explore empathy, kindness, and the power of relationships trusted publisher: from Magination Press, the children’s imprint of the American Psychological Association, dedicated to emotional well-being and healthy development
Follow a single red thread as it winds its way through a neighborhood, linking people who know each other and people who don't, from a call to play to a family welcome to a feel-better-soon wish to a quiet good night. With each turn of the page, the thread connects one small act of kindness to the next, gently showing young readers something they can feel but don't always have the words that no one moves through this world alone.
In many cultures around the world, a red thread represents connection, destiny, protection, and strength. One Red Thread brings that tradition to life through stunning mixed-media illustrations where readers will love spotting the string on every page. At a time when it's easy for kids and grown-ups alike to feel disconnected or lost, this heartfelt story reminds us that we are all here together, even if we live in different places, come from different backgrounds, or have never crossed paths. This is a book about noticing the people around you, treating them with kindness, and understanding that every small act of care sends a thread out into the world that reaches further than you'll ever know.
Key
a powerful message about human connection: helps children see that we are all linked to the people around us through everyday moments of kindness, care, and community stunning mixed-media illustrations with a hidden thread to find: readers will love searching for the red string on every page, adding an interactive layer that keeps kids engaged and looking closely culturally rich and globally resonant: draws on the red thread tradition found in many cultures worldwide, representing connection, destiny, luck, protection, and strength encourages empathy and kindness: shows children how small, simple acts of caring can ripple outward and touch people they may never meet includes activities and conversation starters: back matter provides related activities for families and classrooms to explore empathy, kindness, and the power of relationships trusted publisher: from Magination Press, the children’s imprint of the American Psychological Association, dedicated to emotional well-being and healthy development
- GenresPicture BooksChildrens
32 pages, Hardcover
Published September 1, 2026
About the author
Lindsay Ward
54 books243 followersLindsay Ward has a BFA in Illustration from Syracuse University. Her most recent books include It’s Show and Tell, Dexter! and Don’t Forget Dexter!, books 1 and 2 in the Dexter T. Rexter Series with Two Lions. She is also the author and illustrator of Brobarians (Two Lions, 2017), The Importance of Being 3 (Dial 2016), Rosco vs. the Baby (S&S, 2016), Henry Finds His Word (Dial, 2015), a Choose to Read Ohio Book, When Blue Met Egg (Dial, 2012), and Please Bring Balloons (Dial, 2013), which was produced into a play by the New York City Children’s Theater in 2017. Her work has been reviewed in Kirkus Reviews, Publisher’s Weekly, and the New York Times. Lindsay is currently working on a new board book series, I Go!, with HarperCollins, due Summer 2019 and This Book Is Gray, a new picture book with Two Lions. She is the founder of Critter Lit (www.critterlit.com), a free picture book manuscript and illustration critique service for up-and-coming authors and illustrators. Lindsay lives in Peninsula, Ohio with her husband, two sons, and dog. Visit her online at www.lindsaymward.com or follow her on Twitter @lindsaymward.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book about the power of social connection relies on an extended metaphor. One red thread travels through the illustrations, connecting different people through acts of kindness or moments of shared celebration. I like the idea of this book, and the illustrations are nice, but it fell flat for me. The writing is super repetitive, since every sentence starts with "one red thread," and the book focuses way too much on the metaphor itself, instead of exploring what acts of love and connection really mean to people.
The note at the end of the book shares the message behind the story, and this note includes specific suggestions for how parents, educators, and therapists can cultivate connection in children's lives. This is all very nice and well-intentioned, but I don't think the story does much to convey the intended message.
I agree that it is important for kids to feel a sense of connection, belonging, and shared responsibility in their communities, but I don't think that endless repetitions of "one red thread..." will do much to accomplish that goal. This book is fine, but it's forgettable and overly abstract.
I received a temporary digital copy from NetGalley, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The note at the end of the book shares the message behind the story, and this note includes specific suggestions for how parents, educators, and therapists can cultivate connection in children's lives. This is all very nice and well-intentioned, but I don't think the story does much to convey the intended message.
I agree that it is important for kids to feel a sense of connection, belonging, and shared responsibility in their communities, but I don't think that endless repetitions of "one red thread..." will do much to accomplish that goal. This book is fine, but it's forgettable and overly abstract.
I received a temporary digital copy from NetGalley, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you so much to Magination Press and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.
This story is mostly illustration based which is beautiful, we see a child’s red thread and follow it as it shares all the ways connection is found through one simple thread how far it can travel, and all the places it touches, the people that it can help and how it comes right back to you at the end.
It’s a very beautiful story, it helps guide children into connections with each other and seeing what is connected and how things are connected, that one simple action can be yet another wonderful connection to make. I really enjoyed the physical symbolism through this book to help showcase it to readers, children can follow the thread as it passes through each page in many different loops and different ways, it’s very creative and very effective.
The book also has some extra additional information at the end to help adults guide children to understanding the topic further and physical ways they can find things to make a connection too. I really enjoyed the illustrations the we saw throughout the book seeing everything everyone was doing to form these connections.
This story is mostly illustration based which is beautiful, we see a child’s red thread and follow it as it shares all the ways connection is found through one simple thread how far it can travel, and all the places it touches, the people that it can help and how it comes right back to you at the end.
It’s a very beautiful story, it helps guide children into connections with each other and seeing what is connected and how things are connected, that one simple action can be yet another wonderful connection to make. I really enjoyed the physical symbolism through this book to help showcase it to readers, children can follow the thread as it passes through each page in many different loops and different ways, it’s very creative and very effective.
The book also has some extra additional information at the end to help adults guide children to understanding the topic further and physical ways they can find things to make a connection too. I really enjoyed the illustrations the we saw throughout the book seeing everything everyone was doing to form these connections.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A simple, heartfelt story about the small ways we build connection. A baseball game, a birthday party, a get well soon card -- all of these things are ways that we're connected with others. As shown by one red thread that weaves people together throughout this book, the love and community we find in each other remains a steady and crucial part of our well-being.
With lovely, rich illustrations, this is a wonderful way to introduce children to the ideas of community, compassion, and connection. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
With lovely, rich illustrations, this is a wonderful way to introduce children to the ideas of community, compassion, and connection. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 24, 2026
This is certainly a lovely book. The author's assemblage illustrations are eye-catching and fun. And, I like the theme of connections . . . I just hope kids will not be too distracted by the "red thread" and miss out on the ways we form connections. (I even found myself Googling "Red Thread Movement" in case there was some new trend I was not aware of.) This would make a good read-aloud, and there suggestions at the end of the book for discussion about the topic.
Connections. They're all around us. Take the time to notice . . .
Thanks to NetGalley and Magination Press for sharing.
Connections. They're all around us. Take the time to notice . . .
Thanks to NetGalley and Magination Press for sharing.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What a beautiful message and beautiful illustrations! I loved the textures of the pictures and even though I viewed only a digital copy of this I was so tempted to reach through my screen so I could touch the pages. I will definitely be recommending this to my library to purchase and will probably also purchase it for my daughter.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book provided by the publisher, American Psychological Association, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book provided by the publisher, American Psychological Association, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own
Review of advance copy received from Publishers Weekly
This is a sweet story of connection and community. One Red Thread represents the ways in which we are all connected, an idea that is most important during these times of division and disagreement, even within formerly close families.
I didn't know that a red thread represents connectivity and destiny in some cultures. How interesting.
The book's back matter contains wonderful ideas for working with children at home, in the classroom, and in therapy.
I didn't know that a red thread represents connectivity and destiny in some cultures. How interesting.
The book's back matter contains wonderful ideas for working with children at home, in the classroom, and in therapy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is super cute, super quick read that focuses on how we are all interconnected. The artwork is stunning and the actual writing itself is very approachable for a younger audience. If you want to incorporate this book into your classroom or into a therapy setting, there are some helpful activities suggested in the back to try out. A great read and an excellent addition to any library!
**This review is based on an e-ARC generously provided to me through Netgalley**
**This review is based on an e-ARC generously provided to me through Netgalley**
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley for our arc copy.
This book had beautiful illustrations, and we really enjoyed the simplicity of the one red string connecting everything together. A few bit went over my 3 years old head but she adored the cat and screamed cat when we got to that page. It was a little repetitive but I can understand why, it just happened to turn in to a bit of a tongue twister for me.
This book had beautiful illustrations, and we really enjoyed the simplicity of the one red string connecting everything together. A few bit went over my 3 years old head but she adored the cat and screamed cat when we got to that page. It was a little repetitive but I can understand why, it just happened to turn in to a bit of a tongue twister for me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This rhyming picture book uses thread as a symbol for connection, illustrating beautifully what we do as people that makes us more connected to the people around us. This book would be a great launch to talk with children about helping, playing with others, and being involved in a community. The illustrations are unique and textured and beautiful.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Gifted through NetGalley!! Thank you @netgalley @lindsaymward
One Red Thread by Lindsay Ward
Publication date 1/9/26 | Read 10/5/26 | Recommended age: 4-8
Really enjoyable, cute tale to read to my 6-year-old. It was easy to follow, and my daughter loved the pictures. I liked how well the story flowed, and it kept her engaged throughout.
#NetGalley #OneRedThread X
One Red Thread by Lindsay Ward
Publication date 1/9/26 | Read 10/5/26 | Recommended age: 4-8
Really enjoyable, cute tale to read to my 6-year-old. It was easy to follow, and my daughter loved the pictures. I liked how well the story flowed, and it kept her engaged throughout.
#NetGalley #OneRedThread X
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A fun reminder of what a small world it is and how we are all connected. Lovely and lively illustrations. Highly recommend.
I was blessed with an ARC. Thank you NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased. Enjoy!
I was blessed with an ARC. Thank you NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased. Enjoy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a lovely story of how everybody’s connected. It rhymes well and the illustrations are nice. Some people will find the back matter useful and to be honest I didn’t even read it. I went in for the story and illustrations and enjoyed them both.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews