Customer Reviews

Only One You

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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

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 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.

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.

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.

I bought this book for my almost two year old grandson - beautiful, bright pictures, great text. But, as a teacher of high school seniors, I couldn't help but think of how perfect this would be as a graduation gift. Indeed, some of my teacher friends have ordered this for their soon-to-be graduates. Very thought-provoking; even conversation provoking. Sweet book.

I have used this book as a gift many times. The storyline is appropriate for people moving to new jobs, or a new level of their lives, or as a way to let someone know how much they have impacted or made a difference in someone's life. Not only is the storyline motivating... about finding your best qualities,but the artwork ( rocks painted to resemble fish) is inspirational, too!

Wonderful, Loved the illustrations. Bought two books for our twin girls 20th birthday. They loved the gift. A friend ordered a book after reading it. A graduation gift for her daughter. Thank you!

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.

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.