Only One You [Hardcover]

Linda Kranz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 28, 2006 | Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

There's only one you in this great big world. Make it a better place. Adri's mama and papa share some of the wisdom they have gained through the years with their eager son. Their words, simple and powerful, are meant to comfort and guide him as he goes about exploring the world. This exquisitely illustrated book explodes with color and honest insights. Kranz's uniquely painted rockfish, set against vibrant blue seas, make an unforgettable and truly special impression. Only One You will inspire parents and children of all ages as they swim through the sea of life.

Editorial Reviews

Review

This book has a beautiful message, it’s beautiful to look at, and it’s great for all ages--children through adults.

(Lubeck, Sue )

The world would be a better place if this important book were in every child's library!

(Verboort, Camille )

About the Author

Linda Kranz and her husband, Klaus, shared with their children the things they found to be important in life—being in nature, finding solitude, time together. Now that their children are grown they have taken these lessons to heart and have found that they have a deeper appreciation of the world. Linda is the author of eight journals and a craft book, Let’s Rock: Rock Painting for Kids, which won an IRA Children’s Choices Award. Linda lives with her husband in northern Arizona. Together they enjoy discovering new landscapes in and around the Southwest and returning to their longtime favorite places, again and again.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Cooper Square Publishing Llc (July 28, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873589017
• ISBN-13: 978-0873589017
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 8.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,330 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #18 in Books > Children's Books > Social Situations > Values
  • #19 in Books > Children's Books > Social Situations > Family Life > Parents

More About the Author

" When our children were born I began to appreciate so many wonderful children's books. Oh, how books have changed since my childhood. Treasured books that I have on my bookshelf still have a special meaning to me although the art isn't anywhere near as vibrant as art in children's books today."

Linda was born in Georgia and moved many times when she was growing up. "I have always loved art and journaling. Being creative kept me grounded. As young child I would draw and color for hours. As a teen I painted on canvas or blank walls and I wrote.

"Since my husband and I have been married, we've spent a lot of time outdoors, hiking and enjoying the natural world. It seems to me that when you are an artist you notice opportunities to create. Years and years ago I came across a rock that was perfect for painting."

"My love for art and children's books is what inspires me to write and illustrate books. This is a great quote, "If there's a book you really want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it. ~ Toni Morrison. We all have stories inside us waiting to be released. It is a joy to bring a story to life. Set aside time to read your favorite book today or discover a new book. I know you will smile and be inspired."

Linda has written 11 books. Eight journals with guided prompts that are combined with various artists' illustrations, unique graphics or beautiful photography which encourages the writer to fill up the empty pages with their own life stories, Let's Rock: Rock Painting for Kids which won a Children's Choices award and Only One You which focuses on the love between parents and their child, Adri. Her latest book You Be You continues where Only One You left off and now Adri is discovering the world for himself. These books speak to readers of all ages.

Please visit my website www.lindakranz.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Most Creative Book of the Year!, August 10, 2006

By 

Jerry Flack (Denver, CO USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Only One You (Hardcover)

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

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It is uplifting!, August 25, 2006

By 

Armchair Interviews (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Only One You (Hardcover)

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.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply Perfect, August 31, 2008

By 

M. Goble (Kentucky) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Only One You (Hardcover)

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.