Little One Step (Ala Notable Children's Books. Younger Readers (Awards)) (Hardcover)

~ (Author, Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-Three ducklings find themselves lost and alone in a wood. The youngest one is fearful of the distance home and overwhelmed by longing for his mama. His older siblings persuade him to try a game of "One Step" to encourage him to keep walking. Step by step, he continues, after a practice loop, to follow his brothers, who bestow the name "Little One Step" on him. When he gets discouraged, his brothers rally him with a reminder to continue the game. Soon the determined duckling passes his brothers and leads them straight across woods and fields to their relieved mama. Children will delight in-and identify with-the youngest duckling who watches his feet the whole time and chants "One step-one step-." Abundant white space surrounds the line drawings suffus-ed with buttery yellow and peach watercolor tones. The blending of the straightforward text with the simple drawings and color scheme keeps the focus directly on the ducklings and their plight. This satisfying tale about perseverance will find an eager audience at storytimes, on a parent's lap, and with independent readers.
Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha's Public Library, WI
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

PreS-Gr. 2. James complements his nicely simple text with ink-and-wash illustrations that seem to live and breathe and tell a story with tenderness and patience. His hero is the youngest of a group of three sibling ducks on their way to join their mother. When the youngest begins to tire, his sibs teach him a game for concentrating on walking. He succeeds so well at the game that, after a false start, a long trek, and a happy reunion with his mother, the little duck earns the title nickname. In a thoughtful, loving tone that avoids any hint of didacticism, Simon gently delivers a valuable lesson about concentration and determination that is embedded in common experience. His illustrations, if perhaps too similar in coloring, are as gentle as his words. Even very young children will be able to identify with Little One Step's pride in achievement; slighter older children will get a lesson in what being a good sibling actually means. Tim Arnold
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick; First Edition edition (March 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 076362070X
• ISBN-13: 978-0763620707
• Product Dimensions: 12.2 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,128,990 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A little duckling is lost and frightened, May 23, 2003

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

A little duckling is lost and frightened - but by putting one foot in front of the other he learns a new strength and finds in himself a new ability to undertake a frightening journey. Little One Step is a very simple book with large words, easy pictures, and encouragement to kids to take one step at a time when facing something frightening or new.

5.0 out of 5 stars Step by step the journey is completed, March 11, 2008

By	Linda Kissling (NJ) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Little One Step is far from home with his two older siblings. His legs are wobbly and he wants his home by the river and his mother. Big brother tells him to count his first step, "one", then his next as "step". With a few reminders from his brother, Little One Step completes his journey. This is a charming story. A gentle reminder that every journey, and the solution to a difficulty, begins with the first step, and is accomplished one step at a time. It is a simple tale of encouragement for any child who is facing a challenge. Soft watercolor and ink drawings are a beautiful compliment to the story.