Kathryn Otoshi

This is a beautifully illustrated book that uses colors, numbers, and even puns to tell the story about a bully (Red), his victims (Blue, Yellow, Green, Purple, and Orange), and the “One” who stood up to the bully. Throughout the story, Red makes the other colors feel smaller and smaller, and they are too afraid to stand up for themselves and the others, even when they know what Red is doing is wrong. However, when One stands up, the tables turn and all colors find their voice to make show more sure they “count”.

There are so many different topics you can cover from this moving story. A discussion could arise about how the colors were not able to stand up for themselves, and when One finally did it empowered the rest of the colors. There is also the possibility a discussion could be brought up about what would have happened if the other colors invited Red into their group. Since is it also a book about colors and numbers, it would be very easy to incorporate this book into a lesson plan over numbers and colors in the early elementary grades. Although the author uses very simple characters, the meaning of this book will have the children thinking and discussing. The end shows children it is important to not turn into the bully.

Reading Level: 2.2
Genre: Modern Fantasy show less

I liked this book for two reasons. First, the writing was very well done. I liked that the author incorporated several puns and plays on words. For example, after each color stands up to Red, they change into a number. Before Bule changes into the number one, he says "I, for One, stand up and say no." I also liked this book because of the characters and the growth that they show. Red, the bully in the story, eventually changes his attitude after talking to the other colors and he changes his show more ways. The other colors forgive him and befriend him. I liked the bravery that One showed by being the first to stand up to Red and being a role model for the other characters. The message of this book is that it only takes one person to stand up to a bully and make them change their behavior. show less

Drawing a line - maybe imaginary, maybe out of chalk, maybe out of string - is all entertainment, camaraderie, and delight, until the line gets tangled and one of the two kids playing with the line gets knocked down. Then a battle ensues, a vast chasm created by the once friendly line. With imagination and creativity, the two kids find a way to come back together. This wordless book is full of drama and excitement! The illustrations are simple, but beautifully executed. I loved that show more watercolor clouds form in different colors to express the emotions of this story. show less

This is a beautifully illustrated and thought-provoking children's book that explores the journey of self-worth, identity, and acceptance. The story follows the character Zero, who feels insignificant and incomplete compared to the numbers 1 through 9. Zero doesn’t have a value or place in the world, making it feel small and invisible. However, as the story progresses, Zero learns from the other numbers that everyone, no matter how small they may seem, has value and a unique place in the show more world. Through this journey, Zero discovers that it has the power to transform into something bigger and more meaningful, learning that it can stand tall and contribute in its own special way.

Kathryn Otoshi’s simple yet powerful storytelling, paired with her colorful and dynamic illustrations, conveys the importance of self-acceptance and finding one’s own value. The book offers a profound lesson in believing in oneself, no matter how small or overlooked one may feel. This book is suitable for children in Preschool to 2nd grade (ages 4-7). The themes of self-worth, identity, and transformation are easily understood by younger children but can also offer depth for slightly older children who are developing their sense of self. Zero is an excellent tool to foster discussions about self-esteem, individuality, and the importance of kindness. It could be used to help children understand that everyone has something valuable to contribute, regardless of how "small" they may feel. show less