One of Each [Hardcover]

Mary Ann Hoberman (Author), Marjorie Priceman (Illustrator)

Book Description

Grade Level: P and up

Oliver Tolliver lives all alone and has one of everything in his little house -- "One plum and one apple, one pear and one peach. /Just one, only one, simply one, one of each". To him, it's perfect. But one day he realizes that his one-of-each house leaves no room for anyone else! Oliver soon discovers that two of each is even better, because sharing makes room for friends. This warmly humorous picture book carries a gentle message that speaks to every child's experience. Accompanied by Caldecott Honor winner Marjorie Priceman's bold, colorful illustrations, One of Each is sure to become a story time favorite.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2. Oliver Tolliver thinks that his "one-of-each" treasures are perfect until he realizes that something is missing?a friend. A singular picture book with a bouncy text and comical animal characters.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

An exuberant story in singsong about the pleasures of sharing with friends, from the author of The Seven Silly Eaters (p. 223). Oliver Tolliver, perhaps an Airedale terrier, thinks he has the perfect home, for he has one of everything he needs. He invites a small gray tabby cat, Peggoty Small, in to admire his accoutrements, but is dismayed that she finds his arrangements less than inviting. Oliver makes haste to equip his house more hospitably and is soon sharing his happy home not only with Peggoty but with a whole party of new friends as well. The simple story is borne along in lighthearted verse and busy, full-bleed paintings; children will enjoy touring Oliver's ``little old tumbledown house,'' with its riot of colors, jumble of patterns, curvaceous furniture, and dancing perspectives. Finding all the things Oliver adds to his house to make it fit for two is a pleasant challenge. (Picture book. 4-7) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; 1 edition (September 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316367311
• ISBN-13: 978-0316367318
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 0.4 x 10.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,058,218 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely one of my favorite books for children., August 13, 2000

By 

Lisa Ebeling "laa-laa" (smalltown, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: One of Each (Hardcover)

There's not a single syllable too many in the entire book, and if you've tried to write poetry yourself, you know how difficult this is to achieve. I love books written in rhyme, and this charming book flows beautifully and easily, telling the story of a dog named Oliver Tolliver and his little "one-of-each" house and lifestyle. Oliver reminds me of my confirmed-bachelor/hermit husband when he and I first met: living quietly alone in his own neatly-ordered space and discovering the empty spots in his heart and house that could be pleasantly filled by the companionship of others. At first Oliver is quite surprised to hear Peggoty's opinion of his 'bachelor-pad':

"A guest in your one-of-each house does not fit. It's made for one person and you, sir, are it! It's perfect for one, sir, if he's on his own, And so, sir, I'll go, sir, and leave you alone."

but then he realizes Peggoty's assessment is true, so he quickly outfits his house to accommodate guests. Then Peggoty sees the improvements:

"And when she arrived, she cavorted with glee And she said with delight, 'Why, you did this for ME!'"

Oliver becomes friends with an entire group of animals who come over to socialize, and he is quite happy to have learned that sharing is the key to happiness:

"And he found as he nibbled the peach, pear, and plum That they all tasted better when each one had some And that even though each person's piece might be small, Eating with friends was the best thing of all."

This book is filled cover-to-cover with incredibly bright (what I call "color-block") illustrations. This is a favorite book of mine--and of my children. It's a book that I enjoy reading aloud every time they ask for it, even when they want to hear it three times in a row.

My only disappointment with this book is that in our second copy of it (which I purchased through a school book club) the illustrations are not nearly as bright. I wonder if this is standard for paperbooks printed for mass-distribution.

Treat your kids to a fun book with cute illustrations, and treat yourself to a book that you'll love to re-read for years!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A pleasure both to look at and to read aloud, July 18, 2000

By 

Carol S. (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: One of Each (Hardcover)

In this terrific picture book, extrovert feline Peggoty Small teaches doggie loner Oliver Tolliver that everything is better when shared with a friend. The theme is simple and perfectly suited to the typical egocentric, "everything is mine" toddler. Best of all, the message is delivered in such a charming package. If you like the rhythm & rhyme of Dr. Seuss, you're bound to enjoy the clever verse and wordplay -- without the nonsense words that put some people off Seuss. If you like Matisse, you'll love the illustrations: lots of bright colors & patterns, slightly skewed perspective, and plenty of whimsy. A great book for any young child, particularly one who is having trouble sharing or who has just become a big brother or sister.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is an absolutely excellent children's book!!, April 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: One of Each (Hardcover)

After stumbling upon this book in the bookstore, I've found myself buying it for all the kids in my life. It is a fantastic, engaging story about sharing with vibrant illustrations. It is a MUST for all children. Kids ask to read it over and over again.