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!

This quiet little gem absolutely sings. One Can Be is such a beautiful tribute to introverts, book lovers, and anyone who’s ever found comfort in solitude—or connection in community.

What makes this one stand out is how much it gets the rhythm of a reader’s heart. With just a few carefully chosen words and soft, inviting illustrations, it captures that sweet balance between needing space and wanting to belong. It reminds us that ideas can start quietly—with just one person—and still ripple outward to make real change.

This would be a perfect read-aloud in library lessons about leadership, kindness, or the power of books to bring people together. And the nod to Little Free Libraries? Adorable. Whether you’re an introvert yourself or just want to help kids understand the power of quieter voices, this one belongs on your shelf.

Perfect for morning meetings, bookish bulletin boards, or any day that needs a little more heart.

One Can Be is such a sweet, calming read that really celebrates quiet kids who lead with creativity and kindness. It follows a thoughtful girl who loves spending time alone to imagine, build, and create—but she always shares her ideas with others, inspiring her whole community. The writing is gentle and encouraging, and the illustrations are beautifully colorful yet warm and glowing, showing both the quiet and the connection. This is a perfect book for any kid who’s more of a quiet thinker, showing that even soft voices can make a big impact. A lovely pick for classrooms or cozy storytimes.

One Can Be is beautifully illustrated with gorgeous color choices. It is a sweet book for young kids showing them that they can do lots of different things on their own and with their friends as well. Such a precious story and design!

One Can Be is a radiant picture book that beautifully celebrates the power of quiet leadership, creativity, and community spirit.
The story follows a thoughtful young girl who cherishes moments alone to explore, imagine, and build. Whether she’s sketching inventions, designing colorful patterns, or piecing together new ideas, she finds joy and strength in her peaceful solitude. Yet she doesn’t keep her discoveries to herself—each time she emerges from her creative space, she shares her ideas with her neighbors and friends, teaching them new skills and inspiring the whole community.
Pat Zietlow Miller’s gentle text honors children who lead not with loud voices, but with thoughtful action and kindness. Annie Cron’s luminous illustrations glow with warmth, capturing both the hush of private moments and the vibrant togetherness when the community gathers around her projects.
This book is a wonderful testament to the quiet leaders among us—the dreamers, artists, and thinkers whose ideas can bring people together. One Can Be encourages young readers to embrace time alone, value their creativity, and recognize how even the softest voices can light up the world.
Perfect for reading aloud or for reflective moments, this is a picture book that belongs in every classroom and library.

What a great book about friendship, community, and trust as a girl who likes to be alone and realizes it’s okay. When you’re alone you can think about anything you want, and you can do so much. If you want to connect with others about books and libraries you can and it will be alright.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC of this book, All opinions are my own.

Looking for a beautiful picture book that would double as a baby shower gift I think One Can Be is the perfect option. With its simple and elegant prose and soft yet colorful illustrations, this book tells the story of a young girl who shows you that you can be creative alone or with others. At first the story felt like more of a poetry book but there was a story woven through that helps show the young girl growing confidence to create a community around her. I would buy this book for a home library for preschool ages and younger. Thank you Broadleaf Books & Beaming Books for my advanced reading copy. Add this book to your wishlist, it comes out September 2nd.

I received a copy of this eBook from netGalley for a honest review.

A beautiful look at what one can do by themselves and when they join others.

This book was such a cute story sharing the idea that one doesn’t have to be alone and that independence is importance and can be something you grow into! Such a great read, I would definitely read this to my students!