Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book. A simple picture book that examines the importance of balancing and celebrating time alone and together. It lets children know that it's okay to sometimes want solitude, and I think that's great. The pictures are stunning, and paired with the poetry of Miller's words, this makes for a beautiful picture book, and a welcome addition to any collection.

The art style was very sweet and I really enjoyed the illustrations,. The story was very repetitive and simple without a wider plot, which is totally fine for a picture book but I've read more interesting picture books.

Nowadays it was starting to show that maybe my son would be an introvert. He liked to be alone and did something alone. He was easily playing by himself even when other kids around. I don't want to self diagnose my son, but through this book I could tell him that it's ok to like being alone and doing something by yourself. But when you need help it's ok too to ask for help.

The illustrations were so good and vibrant with soft colors. The soft colors delivered the calm so well.

The lyrical and poetic words were actually good too, but since my son was only 4 years old, I needed to changed the words to entirely different words so he could understand. I made up the story that still fit the illustrations and the original messages of the book.

Thank you to Pat Zietlow Miller and Annie Cron, Broadleaf Books, Beaming Books, and NetGalley for the ARC.

A simple, gentle picture book with delicate, detail-filled illustrations: especially in the city park scenes that invite you to linger and talk about what you see.
It feels a bit “girly” in tone, but the emotions are universal. In just a few short phrases, it captures what it’s like to experience loneliness — whether it’s brief and accidental or something longer.
Here, a child spends half an hour alone, sometimes enjoying the quiet, sometimes feeling lost and unsure what to do. Some people thrive in solitude; others find it hard to be without friends.

See that child all alone? Then let her be – for if she's like the girl on these pages she has a need to be alone, but every chance to be with others. She will take that chance, and the chance to do something wonderful with them that will impact many. I really appreciated this quiet, poetic text, that shows one girl not suffering from being alone, but knowing when it's the best option and when friends are the best instead. And of course I love what she combines with her new friends to make. I'm not sure the art was completely my style, but it won't take one star away from this – this is still a strong four, for the reminder of how solitude can be the greatest choice. People say "still waters run deep" in such a negative way about the quiet and still person – this proves that's not the attitude to have.

First and foremost, this book is beautifully illustrated. I adored the art style and how cozy it made the characters and setting. When it came to the text itself, I found it a little lacking. I think it was going for whimsy, but it didn't quite land for me. But I still think it's a beautiful story and time well spent.

One Can Be is an important book so all people can understand how we can seek to be alone but not necessarily be lonely. And for those who are lonely, there's no need to be alone when ready to engage with others. It's important to respect others need to retreat into one's own little world. But we also have to teach people how to come together and respect one another. The illustrations were so sweet and inviting. Don't just turn the page, look at all of the details, and discuss how the main character lives in such a sunny place despite spending time by herself.
Thank you to the author, illustrator, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

"One Can Be" by Pat Zietlow Miller and Annie Cron explores the idea that each individual possesses the potential to make a positive impact in the world. Through simple yet profound messages, the book encourages readers to embrace their unique qualities and act with kindness, compassion, and creativity in their everyday lives. The illustrations in the book beautifully complement the narrative by bringing the text to life with vibrant colors. Each page depicts diverse characters engaging in acts of kindness and creativity, reinforcing the message that everyone can contribute positively. Visual storytelling adds depth, making the book engaging and inspiring for young readers.

"One. Alone. No one else nearby."

"One can breathe. And grow."

"One can think. And know."

"One can search. And find."

"One can stretch their mind."

"One can create."

"One. Misses friends. Now and then."

"One learns. Teaches. Shares."

"One. To another."

"Until everyone comes together. Exactly as one hoped."

"Seperate. But still, very much together."

"Face to Face."

"Hand to Hand."

"One."

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

One Can Be is a beautifully illustrated poetic picture book for children showing that time alone can be very normal and very much needed at times. The book shows a little girl who often enjoys time alone to learn new things and new skills and practice her hobbies. Then, at times, she misses the companionship she gets from time with her friends and, on other occasions, how she enjoys sharing her new learned skills/knowledge and hobbies with others too.
The wording is very sparse, which helps bring the power of imagination out from the beautiful illustrations.

This lovely picture book takes a close look at a child who prefers to spend much of her time alone where she can breathe, think, grow and know.

She happily moves through her day keeping herself engaged in a variety of solo activities such as sketching, writing, reading, painting and problem-solving her way through projects.

But she also acknowledges that she loves to spend some time with caring and sharing friends, which is exactly what she does.

I love that this little person is comfortable in her own skin and happy with her own company. You don't come across many books where the importance of alone time is celebrated.

As we all know, friends are essential too and this balance is clearly defined and valued.

I highly recommend this sweet book for preschoolers to possibly Grade 3.

P.S. My blog post will go live August 11
https://www.gradeonederful.com/one-can-be-book-review-pat-zietlow-miller/

Thank you, net galley, Pat Zietlow and Beaming Books for sending me this book to review!

I absolutely loved this book. I first read it on my own, and then again with some students — and we loved it. The colour palette is beautiful: earthy yet full of life, and soft and it immediately drew the children in.

What I loved the most was the heart of the story — a child discovering a hobby, practicing it, and then sharing it with her peers. It’s not just about a skill — it’s about connection, confidence, and the joy of inspiring others.

Whether in the classroom, on the playground, or around the neighbourhood, to me this story shows how something small can grow into something meaningful when it’s shared.

Beautiful illustrations and a lovely read. I will definitely purchase for my library. I especially like that the girl is content on her own and happy to connect with other people. Most books for kids seem to portray the lone girl as lonely, which doesn't have to be the case. (I do secretly wish it had ended with her back to being alone and still happy, though.)

"One.
Alone.
No one else nearby.

One.
Needs peace.
Sometimes."

One can be.
A gentle, calm, and enjoyable read. An ode to introverts, to readers, who enjoy spending time alone. Creating, studying, researching, painting, reading—there's so much we can do alone. But sometimes we miss our friends, and it's just as well to go and catch up with them until our social battery dies again, ready to be recharged in the introvert's active cocoon.

""One learns.
Teaches.
Shares.

One unites
One cares."

It read a bit like a poem. I wanted to take so many quotes from it, but I would have picked the whole text. I saw myself in the little girl. She's me, I'm her. Plus she's a reader. Such a nice read. I loved the book.

"One can stretch their mind.
One can sketch.
And write.

And hope.
Single-handedly.
Whole-heartedly."

#OneCanBe #Netgalley

C'était vraiment cute et adorable. Je me suis retrouvée dans le personnage principal. C'était touchant. Une vraie ôde aux lecteurs et aux introvertis qui ont besoin d'avoir leur propre espace personnel pour se retrouver, se recharger et surtout : être, tout simplement.

Thank you to netgalley and publishers for this ARC!

I liked this story, and thought it was sweet, but I don't think it's the most accessible story and I don't think it would make a good readaloud. The storytelling style is not conducive to being engaging, and I don't know how easy it will actually be for littles to understand. I liked the illustration style and what the story was celebrating though, and I do think this will make a good addition to pretty bookshelves and will work for older kids who can comprehend what is actually happening.

This books speaks to my introverted heart! The use of simple language is very effective. The illustrations are calming and quiet lovely. I love how relatable they are. As a special education teacher I would use this book in my classroom to help others understand that some people just like to be alone, and that's okay. I really enjoyed this children's book.

Than you to the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me review this book.

I received an electronic ARC from Broadleaf Books through NetGalley.
Readers met a young girl who is content being with only herself. Zietlow Miller takes readers through all the ways she is happy to explore, grow, and enjoy her own company. We also see her reach out when she wants to spend time with friends. Her quiet leadership helps them create a little library for all to share. I appreciate the message that some prefer to enjoy time on their own to regroup or to simply be. The book affirms this is a gift for many.

This is a story that makes me feel seen!

This story may need explaining to some younger audiences. It’s a good representation of needing time alone to breathe and centre yourself but also needing time and connections with others.

The illustrations in this books are absolutely gorgeous. Such lovely artwork for a lovely story.

This was a beautifully illustrated, charming and sweet book that is useful for starting a conversation with children about how it’s important to have both time alone and time with other people, and how both can help us and help the world. It was simple and poetic and not too childish. I would definitely use this and read this in my library.

Oh my, this was adorable! Beautiful illustrations, which manage to be both calming and engaging at the same time. Truly, a love letter to those relishing time alone, empowering them to do it, letting them know they’re always welcome to join the wider world when they’re ready. I truly enjoyed it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Broadleaf Books for the ebook ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I received an ARC of this children's book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a wonderful book. The pictures are adorable and so is the story!