Only One You

The illustrations are cute, but this book bores my 2 year old daughter. The 'wisdom' is not very inspiring, a bit canned, and the storyline of a young fish named Adri seems disconnected from the bulk of the message. Anytime I offer to read this to my daughter she's not interested.

Buying this for several of my kids graduating kindergarten this year. I initially bought my first Only One You for my daughter who is timid and sensitive. I read this to her many times and it taught her many things I wouldn't have with words through a wonderful story and illustration. This is my goto book for any children who has hard to just being themselves.

My grandson liked this book (he's 6) and it was fun looking at all the colorful fish on each page. I think he will enjoy it a bit more as he gets older so I'm sure I will (and his Mom) will be reading this for a long time to come. The book encourages the adult reader to talk about the wisdom and message of the book with the child and for that I applaud Ms. Kranz. This is one book to keep on the bookshelf and it will be a book to go back to as time passes.

This book is so precious and has such a wonderful message. I want my children to be true to themselves and comfortable in their own skin. I'm sure every parent does. This book does a great job of expressing that sentiment. The illustrations are very vibrant.

I loved the story but I got this book for a Children's Literature class to explain the new interactive books to my class. It doesn't work on the Ipad. There are many blank pages with just green circles and the text doesn't line up on all the pages. It is misconceiving that books with Audio/Video only work on Ipad or Iphone and this does not. I will be asking for a refund... it is unreadable and definately couldn't be shared with a child in it's current state on my device.

The story is wonderful. I love the use of mixed media in the illustrations. I would suggest this book for older children as well as preschool and kindergarten.

This is just a wonderful book and my now 5 year old son still chooses to read this before bed at least 2-3 times a week. I've also read this book to his classmates at school and everyone really enjoys its message.

I love this sweet and fun book! Be sure to look for the fish finger puppet that goes along with it. I bought both for my little nephew for his third birthday, because to me, there is no one quite like him! There is only one of that little angel in my life, and I hope that he always knows how special he is. This books finds ways to tell him!

This was perfect for her. The schools here are called; Primary, K-2cd., Elementary, 3-6. In primary she was a 'big fish in a small pond'. This year, 'small fish in big pond'. She had lots of friends. Now, she is not having the best time making new friends. Awkward, to say the least. I'm hoping maybe she will identify with these fish!

I got this book for my daughter with special needs. She's just getting to that age where she's realizing she's different and sometimes it makes her sad. She doesn't always like reading books so I wasn't sure this book would help, but I'm always willing to try anything for her! But she loves all the bright colors and it's now her favorite book! And I love sending her the message over and over that we should all celebrate our unique qualities.

This book is so beautiful. From the wording, to the illustrations, it is simply a fantastic book. I love the positive message conveyed and I think it hold for importance for children, teenagers and adults alike. I purchased this for my daughter. I will have every school teacher of hers write her a message at the end pf every school year, then when she graduates from high school I will present her with the book. I have been doing the same for my older son, and needed something similar for my daughter. This book fits her personality well. I look forward to book selection for y third child in a few years. Who knows, i may just choose a Linda Kranz creation!

Great book for kids.
I'd recommend the also similar ' the world is your oyster' which uses common turn of phrase with funny pictures.

http://www.the store.com/World-Your-Oyster-Tamara-James/dp/1897476221/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1442944663&sr=8-1-fkmr1&keywords=tamayra+the+world+is+your+oyster

I gave this to my 12 yr. Old grandson to encourage him to be special, unique, & his own person. He told me he understood why I gave him this book since he & I had been discussing bullying and how he needed to stand up for his beliefs. I adore this book. It would make a great graduation present!

this is a wonderful book for teaching so many lessons! my grandson knows that he is my one and only and it has taught him to start the process of learning same and different, not always easy in this book but very effective. we now go on walks and look at birds, flowers, etc and talk about same and different. this is an amazing learning tool!

I bought this book a year or so for my granddaughter and we have read it many times together when she visits. When she moved away a month ago, I told her I wanted to keep it with me for memories' sake. She insisted on taking it with her as she loved it so. So I ordered another one for myself. Now we each have one. She's 6 and I'm 73. It transcends age. Lovely book.

Very cute book. I bought it as some of the reviews were from teachers talking about how they read it to their class on the first day of school. It does let children know they can be themselves and will be valued for who they are. Cute rock art as well.

Love the story and enjoyed reading it to my son. Still read it once a week or so. The illustration could have been much better. I buy a ton of books for my son and this one just is lacking with rich illustration to match the cute story.

I will be using this book in my preschool classroom. I will use it at the beginning of the year to go along with my "Me Sacks" where the kids show and tell what they like and enjoy outside of school.

The book is very colorful and the printing quality is great. Makes you want to pick it up and read it right away. I like the size of the book, it's a little smaller than the usual large hardcovers you would expect, but just the perfect size to read in bed and for their little hands.

I ordered this book for our grown daughter and accidentally tried to print a review for an item I did not like and then saw that it was this book. I am sure it is a good book but I had to delete my mistake so this is the best way to do so.

After reading all the positive reviews, I thought this story might actually be interesting. Instead each page is a platitude, and does not make for a story at all. There is no story here, despite the effforts of the graphic designer.

The book is great but the seller put a permanent sticker right across the center of the cover. Why in the world would you do that? Now it either has to stay there or the cover will be ripped. Unfortunately the cover underneath isn’t illustrated so it will look even worse. Glad I didn’t buy this as a last minute gift.

I discovered "Only One You" while perusing in a airport shop in Albuquerque,N.M. I was enthralled by what I was seeing and reading. I held the book, as I almost danced around the store. Since that moment, I have ordered and given as gifts at least twenty copies of this book to new parents, loving friends, and remarkable educators.

She love everything about that book is so nice and everything can be so calm and beautiful. And in the world is so beautiful and my favorite color is purple a reverting in the world is so nice. I love everybody and jammajammajamm last pj.....

Love. Love. Love this book! What a great message. Each child is special. Each is different. It’s OK to be different and to go your own way. Or to even to go along with your friends if that is what you really want. The end papers are filled with loads of encouraging words which every parent and adult should be saying to their special little someones.

As so many others have done, I took the opportunity to turn this into an art project with my granddaughter. We made our own rockfish. Although we couldn’t find any smooth river stones, we found our own stones and made them into happy rockfish. And this is the point of the story; be who you are no matter where you start from. It’s OK to be different. Photo attached.

This book was unreadable (text is condensed and overlapping) on Kindle for my Mac and also on my phone. I returned the Kindle book for a refund. Hopefully they fix this soon. It should not even be available for purchase if it is flawed.

An adorable advice book for kids by Linda Kranz called Only One You. The illustration is little fish painted stones with photographed ocean backgrounds. A mom and dad fish share some simple words of wisdom with their child before he embarks into the big ocean world. Here are some of my favorite insights in the book ...

❤Look for beauty wherever you are, and keep the memory of it with you.

❤Know when to speak; know when to listen.

❤No matter how you look at it, there is so much to discover.

❤There's only one you in this great big world. Make it a better place.
Even the end-pages have fun quotes ?

A few years ago I was introduced to this book as the new owner of a toy store. I can honestly say that this book has changed my life and the world around me. It is simply the best gift that you can give to someone. I have witnessed people pick up this book and shed a tear while reading it. It touches you. People buy it for newborns, children graduating from kindergarten,grandchildren,highschool graduation,college graduation,you name it. The painted rock fish in this book inspire the reader to look at life around them and see the world through new inspired eyes. It encourages you to make this world a better place. The children at one of our local elementary schools have lined the front entry to their school with painted rock fish dedicated to Linda Kranz and her book. The words from this book are etched in metal for everyone to read as they enter the school. How many books inspire this in a community? Only One You is truely the best gift that you can give.

"Only One You" makes a perfect gift for a child who is graduating, moving away, or leaving home for the first time. It would also be a great gift for someone beginning a new venture in life. This is an inspiring little book for anyone at any age. Although, in my experience, very young children are initially drawn to the colorful artwork but they tend to lose interest in the story rather quickly. Never the less, "Only One You" can positively shape the path of any child old enough to comprehend the wonderful life messages presented in this book. In addition to the words of wisdom within the story, readers will find many more inspirational quotes printed on the book's end sheets.

This story begins with a little fish named Adri. His parents decide it is time to share their wisdom with him. They share twelve different messages of wisdom including . . .

"Blend in when you need to. Stand out when you have the chance."

"Set aside some quiet time to relax and reflect. Every day."

The overall message is twofold: There is only one you, and you can make a difference in this world.

Butterfly Kisses for Grandma and Grandpa

As a school counselor I feel that kids need to be built up, encouraged, and uplifted. This is a little book with a big heart. I even feel uplifted after I read it. I read this with a very soft and gentle voice and the kids become like little sponges. Only One You goes straight to the soul. Imagine if this was read daily to a child. Wow. Positive affirmations are so important. This is also a good book to use with a child who has been doing a lot of negative self-talk. When I hear a child put themselves down, I imagine they must being putting themselves down a 100 times more on the inside. Raise self-esteem by getting this book on your shelf.

This book is trite and useless. It is filled with platitudes like "be yourself." The very basic rule of any decent book for children would be to "show" rather than "tell." A story with an actual plot that helps a child learn to be themselves is great, but saying "be yourself" is a completely meaningless, shallow notion. Buy a better book that took thought and care to write.

Books are golden and what better treasure to share with those you love. Only One You is an excellent "first book" that provides the color of exploration, family structure, and simple words of wisdom on how to live a happy and gentle life all wrapped up in delightful, color happy (rock) fish and handpainted by the author, Linda Kranz. Only One You begs for a reading time with your child, especially the youngest ones as they delight in the fishy illustrations and as they hear the words of wisdom and guidance that a child seeks and wants to hear from those who love and nuture them. I couldn't wait to share Only One You with my lovely granddaughter, Kaitlyn. At 11 months of age, reading time has fast become her favorite pasttime, and Only One You entices her young mindset. Author, Kranz, has captured the essense of communication in her words that invites dialogue between both reader and listener...this to me is the true magic that reading to young people creates. An excellent bedtime book as it renews the love for a child by their parents/guardians...what better way to gently send a child off to dreamland.

There's not really any story to this book at all, just some illustrations of swimming fish with affirmations that I don't believe most children would completely grasp the concept of. I find myself explaining the meaning of each affirmation to my kids (ages 6/7) in a way they'll understand and be able to apply to themselves. It's different, just not really my taste.

It's time for Adri to learn and gain wisdom and mama and papa are there to share the knowledge they've learned over the years. And while the bits of wisdom are simple, they are powerful and will serve Adri well.

Some of mama and papa's advice:

-- Look for new friends, look for beauty and keep the memory.

-- Stay in the background when necessary and stand out when you have the chance.

-- You don't have to follow the crowd.

For the other insightful statements, read Only One You and rejoice. It's an absolutely wonderful, positive and uplifting book.

The illustrations of the rockfish are stunning! The brilliant colors will attract children and adults alike.

Armchair Interviews says: Only One You is a must-have book for your precious children.

I stumbled on this book in a lovely locally owned bookstore, and it's just the kind of treasure local bookstores are known to choose. The story and underlying message are perfect for teaching values to young children; the art is outstanding. It's like an even better Leo Lionni book, and I'm a huge fan of Leo Lionni!

This one goes to my young grandson, and I'm delighted to know he'll grow up having it read to him and, ultimately, learning to read himself using this book.

"Make a new friend," indeed. Ardi is a new friend! I hope we get to follow his adventures into the world.

Kranz, Linda. Only One You. Flagstaff, AZ: Rising Moon, 2006.

Linda Kranz has successfully enticed many thousands of young people (and adults) into the creative habit of journal keeping with her extremely successful and wide array of innovative journals that commenced with All About Me (Northland, 1996; Rising Moon, 2004). She has also created the ingenious arts and crafts book Let's Rock! Rock Painting for Kids (NorthWord Press, 2003). Now, Kranz has essentially fused these two seemingly dissimilar activities - journaling and rock painting -- into a particularly thoughtful and imaginative manner with Only One You. The book has many virtues, both verbal and visual, and is strikingly beautiful in both its concept and design. The neon-brightness of the richly colorful illustrations may well remind both children and adults of the wildly popular Walt Disney film of a few seasons past, Finding Nemo (2003).

Only One You brings together in one very special volume -- just made to perfectly fit into the small hands of children -- the provocative thinking Kranz invites young people to share via her wonderful journal prompts. It is illustrated handsomely with a veritable ocean of painted rock fish. The story is simple so that even very young children will be able to follow the hero, Adri, on his first solo voyage out into the vast watery blue ocean. Adri has been well educated and mentored by loving parents who have shared valuable, lifetime and life-sustaining lessons: "Always be on the lookout for a new friend," and "Appreciate art. It's all around you." These loving messages of hope and goodness offer gentle guidance on how to live a good, rewarding, and worthy life. They are simply stated, but that makes them no less profound as life guides.

Adri's journal, the account of his journey into adulthood and independence, is wonderfully illustrated with a myriad of gorgeous "rock" fish all sharing the great, deep blue seas of the world. The book is handsomely designed and Kranz's trademark "rock fish" have never been more exquisite. The juxtaposition of painstakingly painted rocks, an art form that surely must be as ancient as cave paintings and petroglyphs, combined with digitalized 21st century computer-generated oceanic backgrounds is simultaneously spectacular and stimulating.

The great joy of Only One You is that it speaks to readers of all ages. Both wise elders as well as first-time readers will all find that this small yet powerful volume speaks directly and lovingly to them in uniquely personal ways. Giving copies of Only One You to loved ones is itself an act of both love and wisdom. Readers of all ages will find their own special place in Adri's vast, blue world.

Jerry Flack

Not what expected. I was highly disappinted by the illustrations. Reading the text alone was just like reading a thought of the day for adults. There was no plot to any of the ideas alog. Just a series of aphorisms. Well return asap.

I am a teacher of 3rd and 4th graders and used this book to start the new school year. It is very simply stated, but leads into fanstastic conversations that the children lead. I was amazed at how in-depth they took the meaning of this book. I will used it every year.

Great book with a wonderful message!!! A colleague shared the book with me and I ordered copies for my two sons who are in their twenties. O.K. a little sappy, wish I'd found it in time for a high school graduation gift, or for my sons as they went into Jr. High School. The art work is vibrant, beautifully done. I will definitely purchase additional copies of this book for friends/family.

Only One You is spot on for easy wisdom for a young child: you are special; differences are okay; look for a new friend, etc. Illustrations of seemingly thousands of fish, each unique, are charming, and looking for differences becomes a visual puzzle endlessly interesting. Bright primary colors and excellent layout design. I've given it to several children, and each child has LOVED it.

I received this book when I was pregnant with my son and it is one of his all-time favorite books. Not to mention the wonderful life lessons weaved throughout the book. I'm ordering it now as a high school graduation gift for my best-friend's daughter. You won't be disappointed! Very artfully illustrated as well!

I found this book the year my son was graduating from high school. I saved it for the day we took him to college and even though the book was written for children, the message was perfect and fit well for sending our son out into the world. The best part was the end. It's perfect.

What an exciting book to read to my grandsons. Help this world stop or curtail bullying. If the child feels secure about him/herself they will do less or no bullying. Should be a book in every classroom in the country K-12.

This book is a wonderful children's book that is a simple read to enlighten them on the important things in life! Inside the front and back covers are little sayings that everyone should remember! I'm so glad I bought this for my children!