Only One

by Deborah Hopkinson, Chuck Groenink (Contributor)

This lyrical, environmentally focused picture book showcases the unique beauty of our one and only universe--its galaxies, stars, and planets--as well as our one and only Earth and the precious life it contains.


Join one girl as she leads her friends to a tree-planting ceremony. Along the way, she explains in simple language the value of the universe and Planet Earth. Readers will see the Big Bang, the Milky Way, all the planets in the solar system, as well as Earth's atmosphere, and the life within it: its oceans, trees, bugs, and seven billion human beings. Finally, the girl and her friends plant a tree--doing one small thing to help their one special planet.

Both informative and inspiring, here is a beautifully written and gorgeously illustrated science picture book about our universe that will encourage young readers and listeners to protect and preserve the environment.

Genres: Picture Books, Science, Nonfiction, Nature, Space, Childrens, Environment

40 pages, Library Binding

First published April 5, 2022

About the author

I write nonfiction and historical fiction, picture books, and Golden Books. I speak at school, libraries, and conferences. I also love to garden and offer manuscript critiques. (Deborahhopkinson@yahoo.com)

NEW books in 2024 include DETERMINED DREAMER: THE STORY OF MARIE CURIE, illus by Jen Hill, ON A SUMMER NIGHT, illus by Kenard Pak, TRIM HELPS OUT and TRIM SAILS the STORM, illus by Kristy Caldwell, EVIDENCE! illustrated by Nik Henderson, and a nonfiction work called THEY SAVED THE STALLIONS. I'm delighted to say that Trim Helps Out, Trim Sails the Storm, On a Summer Night and Evidence! are all Junior Library Guild selections.

I live and work in Oregon and travel all over to speak to young readers and writers.

Reviews

[Baby Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!

Hello, friends! Our book today is Only One by Deborah Hopkinson and Chuck Groenink, a scientific adventure through the universe and our one-of-a-kind place in it.

The blue-beanied and yellow-rainslickered child narrator greets the reader with the enigmatic phrase, “One. Only one. The story starts with one.” Convincing their sibling to turn off the television and join them and their friends on a forrest expedition (with a surprise destination), the child explains the makeup of the universe, from the Big Bang to the galaxies, stars, and down to our own solar system. Regaling fascinated friends with information on Earth’s atmosphere, continents, environments, fauna, and flora, the group eventually make their way to a tree-planting event, so that they can take part in protecting the Earth – their own planet, and the only one we’ve got.

Wonderful! Hopkinson’s incredibly informative text and Groenink’s charming illustrations work in perfect concert to tell a story of big things, and the impacts small actions can have on them. Hopkinson skillfully takes rather large scientific concepts like astrophysics, ecology, and biodiversity and manages to give readers a crash course in how they relate to both a larger universe and to human beings as individuals, both educating the reader on the subjects themselves and tying them into global responsibility. Groenink’s artwork, which does the heavy lifting narrative-wise, flawlessly tells a sweet story of a single child convincing others to appreciate and engage with nature, subtly reminding us that “only one” person can make a big difference as well. The illustrations also feature a nice diversity of skintones, hair types, and ages, as well as religious representation through head coverings. The length is perfect for an elementary storytime, and JJ really enjoyed this one. A great way to explore an important message, and empower young conservationists. We loved it; Baby Bookworm approved!

(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!

[Olga · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is a playful way to vividly tell kids about the universe and Planet Earth. Both informative and inspiring, this environmentally focused science book encourages us to protect and preserve the environment. I love all the details and makes it easier for kids to explore this topic. It is dreamy, captivating and full of beautiful emotions. Perfect for Earth Day!

[Erin Buhr · Rating 4 out of 5]

ONLY ONE walks children through the universe and our world. I love that the main character, a child, is your guide. It feels like you're having a conversation with an earnest space enthusiast. Part solar system non-fiction, part story about valuing and loving our one planet, this book is a great one to share on Earth Day. It is also a warm, beautiful story to celebrate our planet any day of the year. At a moment when teaching our children to love their planet and do better at protecting it than previous generations, this is a book that does just that.

[Tiina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tore raamat maailmast ja selles elamisest lastele. Õpetab ümbritsevat märkama ja loodusest hoolima. Ilusalt illustreeritud.

[The Silvan Reverie | Sarah Street · Rating 5 out of 5]

Explore and celebrate the origins of the universe with this beautifully illustrated and engaging narrative. This is a wonderful way to make sharing nonfiction information with children accessible and engaging to their level. I love the presentation and the wonder on every child's face throughout the book.

Children will learn new terms but not feel bogged down -- they'll love the way the children in the book are exploring what they are learning (e.g. by drawing out the continents with sticks in the dirt). I love that the narrative starts out BIG with the big bang and our solar system but by the end we're celebrating small creatures on Earth.

It's all playful, appeals to the imagination, and rightly celebrates the grandeur and wonder of the universe while reminding us that we have a place in it and responsibility to care for it.

This would be a perfect Earth Day book!

***Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Blue Slip Media. Opinions are my own.

[Cindy Dobrez · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sure addition to Arbor Day and Earth Day displays and celebrations...and perfect for reading any day of the year for an introductory explanation of our world. Elementary school nonfiction collections need this book.

[Helin Puksand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me igaüks oleme üks ja eriline ning elame oma ainukesel planeedil, mida me peame hoidma. Raamat, mis paneb lapsi mõtlema keskkonnahoiu peale.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

One young girl takes readers from the beginning of the universe through the vast number of stars, planets, etc. involved. She brings the focus to our galaxy, solar system, and planet. A main focus is on caring for the Earth. Lovely illustrations capture the grandeur of space.

[Olivia]

See my full review here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/only-one/

ONLY ONE is an engaging story about the incredible planet we live on and what makes it so special. As they walk to a tree planting ceremony, a girl explains to her friends about the universe, our star, the solar system, and our planet, including its atmosphere, climates, and all the species who live here. At the end, she plants a tree, saying that the story ends where it began - with only one. Backmatter includes a list of sites that can help children learn how to help Earth.

What I loved: This is a great overview of the universe, solar system, and basic facts about our planet with the ultimate message of needing to take care of our home. While the main story is about the girl leading her friends to the tree planting, the words focus on the incredible nature of Earth and are supported by floating illustrations around the text, such as the planets and climates. The images are detailed and lush with a lot for children to enjoy and learn from. The messages around conservation really come at the end of the story with a light message about how we need to take care of this amazing planet.

Final verdict: With lush illustrations and educational information, ONLY ONE is an engaging read about the incredible planet we live on and the need to take care of it.

Please note that I received a review copy. All opinions are my own.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

With its illustrations created with acrylic paint, ink, and Photoshop, this picture book reminds me of Sophie Blackall's If You Come to Earth from last year in many respects since both are visual and textual tributes to the wonderful world around us. Blackall's book is more complex, of course, since it describes the many similarities and differences in the world and here the focus is on the natural world. Readers follow a youngster as she removes the remote control from her brother's hands and enthusiastically describes the big bang. She takes him outside for a walk and discusses galaxies, the Milky Way, the planets, and the atmosphere around Earth that makes life possible. As her audience of friends grows, she extolls the diversity and enormity of the planet's creatures, and finally joins a group of individuals planting trees. Clearly, her message that this is the only planet we have to live on is clear as is the responsibility that each of us, one by one, has to take care of our home. There is an earnest expression on this girl's face as though she takes quite seriously her own role as a steward of the environment. While I'd certainly share this picture book with students as a reminder of how they can make a difference, I don't know many youngsters who would listen so long to what she has to say--even if it is important--without interrupting her a time or two.

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young girl brings her friends along to a tree-planting ceremony and along the way explains the vastness of our universe. She explains the preciousness of our one galaxy, the Milky Way, our one sun, our one planet, Earth, and how important it is to take care of every bit of it.

Beginning with the vast universe and narrowing it down to our wonderful planet and all the variety of living creatures, bodies of water, land formations, and plant species kids will learn that each and every part is precious. But, don’t forget the seven billion humans on this planet that have unique bodies, brains, fingerprints, and feelings all over the world. Yet, we can all come together as one human family for one purpose, to care for, love, and preserve our planet by planting trees. Our story ends and begins with us.

Even though this is a picture book, its message is pretty focused on facts related to the importance of caring for our Earth. Humans are a part of the reason for concern and also the only ones who can make a change. The end of the book includes various resources if your child is interested in learning more about organizations that work to care for our planet. But, one step we could all take is to plant a tree.

[Carol V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only One is a perfect book to teach young children about our planet and how it fits into a larger universe. What is the basic meaning of only one? It references our Earth. We have only one planet to take care of. Author, Debora Hopinson, kindly describes our planet as home to many creatures. She defines the human inhabitants on Earth as unique and different – even our feelings, brains, and fingerprints are different. But we are all a part of one diverse, human family. Hopinson challenges us to work together to care for, love and preserve our planet. This is an excellent Earth Day celebration book.

The illustrations support Hopinson’s story about our world, galaxy, and planet. The pictures are rich in color and detail. This book belongs in the science section of every library. Children will enjoy talking about our role in caring for our planet.

The end page has an excellent set of weblinks to study more about caring for, loving, and preserving our planet.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strengths:
Ages 4-8. This extraordinary picture book takes the most complex concepts about the universe (big bang, galaxies, Milky Way, planets, etc.) and connects and explains them in the simplest, most accessible and poetic ways for young readers. Ultimately, the message ends where it begins, that the love and care for our one planet depends on each ONE of us. The lovely earth-toned illustrations enhance, but never overwhelm the text. There is a multicultural cast of children included, but the “tour guide” is a young blond girl who it is easy to imagine resembles Greta Thunberg, to whom this lovely Ode to the Earth is dedicated.
Weaknesses:
There is not an Appendix or Works Cited. There are websites listed for further information. There is no”Extra Information” at the end of the book. This book is an excellent introduction to the universe and will inspire thoughts and questions that can be explored elsewhere.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

In ONLY ONE, an earnest, enthusiastic, big eyed child leads us on a walk through the woods as she shares both her love for, and her knowledge of the universe. She becomes a pied piper as she treks through the forest, spouting fact after amazing fact, her enthusiasm attracting a line of followers as she marches along.

The joyful, inviting illustrations, full of diverse characters, invite you into the story from page one. The children’s expressive faces enable you to understand how the kids are completely enthralled in the little girl’s stories. The muted, earthy colors add just the right tone to the story.

This is a book for your space lover, your planet lover or one to include in your Earth Day celebration. Your child will learn lots of facts, and will also be inspired to care for this place we call home.

Thank you to Blue Slip Media for sharing a copy of this book.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young girl gets dressed for an outing and gathers her brother and friends as she goes. Along the way she explains, very briefly, the history of the universe, the stars, galaxies, and so on, until she gets to the Earth. She continues to work her way on down as she talks about the atmosphere, the oceans, and the land. As she and her friends get closer to their destination, she begins to talk about the diversity of life on the planet. Finally, they arrive at a location where trees are being planted. The author includes a list of websites for kids to explore, but I would have appreciated additional back matter. Still, the book provides a basic introduction to what is currently believed about the history of our universe and planet, while highlighting the importance of taking care of it. I especially enjoyed the lovely, detailed illustrations.

[Read Ribbet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hopkinson's main character is a young child who takes the reader on a journey explaining the universe as she goes. Hopkinson has masterfully structured the book starting with the largest components gradually down to the smallest creatures. The theme of one is important as it shows how all is connected in one universe and everyone in the universe is unique and can contribute as well. It is a very accessible book to introduce these concepts and terms to new learners. Groenik's illustrations support and extend the information being share. Additional resources are mentioned in the end pages for further exploration.

[Alissa Tsaparikos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple yet descriptive text walks readers through a clever breakdown of our world and the larger universe we live in. The view of where we live starts big and then narrows slowly slowly back to the narrator. This would be an excellent choice for children eager to learn more about the world and space as well as the earth itself. Informative with detailed illustrations, this belongs on school, classroom, and public library shelves.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very conversational book about the Earth and its place in the universe. Far-ranging in topics, from the sun to microscopic creatures, we come right around to the bald fact that there is only one Earth. A nonfiction book packed with facts and with some additional resources, but because of the conversational framing it remains accessible. Adorable illustrations help the text along.

[Bethe · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars. A girl begins her day thinking about the number one, how it represents life, starting with one universe. She then breaks it down, by the numbers, as friends join her on a walk to an environmental friendly event. Great illustrations of places, inquisitive faces on the children. Add to your earth day lessons and storytimes. Last page includes a list of websites on climate.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t expect this book to spend so much time on astronomy concepts, but it’s an effective introduction to a lot of Earth-related topics, including the uniqueness of our planet and biological and human diversity.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Earth is our one and only planet to care for, love, and preserve.”

Starting with the Big Bang, moving through the solar system and ending on earth, this book explains for littles our universe and the world around us.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't think i have read anything thing written by Deborah Hopkinson that I didn't like. This is book was no exception. I love that this book explores the 1 and the infinite... it is just so cool!! I loved the illustration and the story.

[Karen Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this might work better for adults than kids, but it could get them thinking and questioning. Definitely awe-inspiring for adults.
Friendly artwork.
Starts and ends with one - with lots of other numbers in-between (nice wrap-around).

[Owen and Nathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Too old for Owen, let's revisit

[Thomas Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the author is trying to be deep. I think the author needs to keep practicing.

[Katie Reilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book for Earth Day (and every day!)

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Possible contender for the Mock Caldecott Awards in January 2023. A lovely book with sweet illustrations. A beginner's book about our universe and how important it is to treat it with care.

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

A look at the science of cosmology as a young girl takes the reader on a journey as she explains the universe and the Earth we live on.

[SamSamSam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was very interesting!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great picture book introduction to the Solar System and the Earth.