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One Red Thread: A Story of Connection
Not yet published
Expected 1 Sep 26- GenresPicture BooksChildrens
32 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication September 1, 2026
About the author
Lindsay Ward
50 books242 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 - 8 of 8 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.
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 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!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews