Customer Reviews

One of Each

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!

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.

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.

This is a wonderful book with captivating pictures and excellent text. The rhymes are intelligent, making it a pleasure to read out loud. The words roll of the page. My children, 2 and 3 years old, love the pictures of Oliver Tolliver and his house. I will definitaly purchase other books by Mary Ann Hoberman. A Delight!

I really love this sweet and charming story-- with 3 children that love books, I have become both a fan and avid collector of children's literature. My 5 year old son is particularly drawn to a rhyming story, and loves to listen to this one. We have read it so often in the last few weeks that he can recite many of the lines along with me. There is a particularly catchy cadence to the verse, and the story itself, promoting sharing and companionship, is priceless. I highly recommend this book to anyone with small children, and it would make a great Christmas gift for any child in your life.

I hope you are fortunate enough to come across this book. It is one in a million. It has everything a child's book should have and much more. Bravo! Mary Ann Hoberman! A job well done!

A class of rambuncous students were captivated by the illustrations and the marvelous story. We all need friends- and the children learn what it means to be a friend. OUTSTANDING!!!!!!!

This is a great book for children. It teaches sharing and how to make friends. I like this book becuase Oliver learns about how to treat others. He doesn't know what life is like, becuase he has always lived by himself and never talks to any of the people in his town. He has one of everything in his house. He doesn't know that his house was only made for one person until he makes a friend and invites her to his home. Peggoty Small tells Oliver that his home was made for one person and she couldn't live with him.
My favorite character was Peggoty Small. I like her becuase she told Oliver Toliver what she tought. She wasn't afriad to tell him about her feelings, she just told him flat out what she thought. Even though she hurt Oliver's feelings, she old him anyways because she thought he should know the truth. This book teaches kids how to make friends, and how to share what you have with others.

I got this book from the library for my 2 year old and he absolutely adores it. He asks me to read it all of the time! I have to force him to pick a different book to read (for my sanity). The illustrations are very colorful and just grab his attention. There is a nice rhyme to the story that makes is pleasant to read aloud. This is one that we will definitely be purchasing!

The illustrations are what really sold me on this book and the story is wonderful too. It is one of those rare kids books (much like Maria Kalmans) that combines beautiful art with a sweet story. It is quirky and dear.