Zero

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 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 show more 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

This book shows the importance of the number 0 and how isolated she feels because she isn't like the other numbers that have value. It was fun how the number tried to bend and reshape herself to be like other numbers. It feels almost like this book is telling more than a story of numbers, it's telling a story about identity. It was cute, and could be used in other context besides math.

I think this book for be good for both primary and intermediate readers.

This book is about Zero, a number who feels empty inside. Zero doesn't feel like they have value or purpose when counting. Together, the numbers discover that Zero can add to all the numbers and work together to get bigger. Zero no longer feels empty, but feels full.

I think this book would be great for social-emotional lessons and discussion about identity.

This book is about Zero and how she wishes she looked like the other numbers. She believes those other numbers have value, and she does not. All she has is a huge hole in her center, nothing more. Throughout the entire books she compares herself to the other numbers and she tries to make herself like them. Pushing, pulling, flattening herself out, we go on a journey with Zero and how she figures out how valuable she really is… without having to change. WOW! I absolutely loved this book. I love how it brings up the topic of self-acceptance, low self-esteem, and developing social skills at a young age. So many young children, and adults, compare themselves to others and will spend hours picking themselves apart. This book is a wonderful show more way to start a discussion on what makes you a unique individual and how you can embrace those differences. Learning this at a young age is vital because it can introduce young children how to accept one another, and how none of us are alike and that we each bring something wonderful to the table of life. show less

I really liked the book, Zero by Kathryn Otoshi, because the author does an excellent job of making numbers relatable characters, as well as utilizing illustrations to further her message. I found it engaging to have Zero as the narrator. The main character, Zero, starts out the book by expressing feelings of being left out and unimportant – an applicable feeling for many children. Additionally, for other kids like me who struggle with math, this book gives the reader a friendlier approach to the way that the numbers interact and what their values are. The author was able to accomplish meshing together a modern fantasy and a lesson in math in a memorable manner. Through the visuals of the number zero jumping in between other numbers show more to create greater numbers, the reader is able to understand the main message of the book – the value of Zero. show less

A book about counting and confidence. The main character, zero, goes through a long journey of self-discovery as many kids do in middle school. This book is perfect for a math class as it dips down into exploring numbers and number combinations as well as showing kids all that matters is what is on the inside and that everyone counts. Despite the perfect alignment in a math class, this book is great for all classes because of the message it gives off.

Self-Esteem and self-worth is something we all struggle with. Zero uses personification of numbers to create a metaphor concerning the human condition. Its a thoughtful book that provides some semblance of strength to the reader. In a time where people are feeling less and less valuable due to the power of "socially integrated media" where people can be fake; Zero really gives value to the individual.