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One Can Be

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Pub Date Sep 02 2025 | Archive Date Not set
Broadleaf Books | Beaming Books

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Description

*Published by our sister imprint, Beaming Books 

An ode to introverts and quiet leaders.

Sometimes you need to be alone--to think and breathe. Other times you need to be with friends--those you know and those you've only just met. And sometimes everyone works together to create something wonderful.

What can one person do all alone? Quite a lot, actually. Even so, there are times it helps to work with others. With spare, lyrical text, bestselling author Pat Zietlow Miller celebrates the power of being alone--and of coming together with others--centered on the love of reading and creating community around books. This is a book about trusting yourself and your ideas, seeing a need, and connecting with others to meet it.

Perfect for introverts, quiet leaders, and anyone who loves books and little libraries.

*Published by our sister imprint, Beaming Books 

An ode to introverts and quiet leaders.

Sometimes you need to be alone--to think and breathe. Other times you need to be with friends--those you know...


Advance Praise

"An empathetic tale that proves anyone can make a difference."
Kirkus Reviews 

"A simple picture book about the beauty of being alone and the power that comes from depending on others and working together."
School Library Journal

"An empathetic tale that proves anyone can make a difference."
Kirkus Reviews 

"A simple picture book about the beauty of being alone and the power that comes from depending on others and working...


Marketing Plan

Review copies and publicity pitches to trade reviewers and children's media

Outreach to children's book influencers

Author appearances at greater Madison area bookstores and libraries

Illustrator appearances at Santa Monica bookstores and libraries

Award submissions

Review copies and publicity pitches to trade reviewers and children's media

Outreach to children's book influencers

Author appearances at greater Madison area bookstores and libraries

Illustrator...


Available Editions

EDITION Hardcover
ISBN 9781506499932
PRICE $18.99 (USD)
PAGES 32

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Average rating from 30 members


Featured Reviews

A little girl who appears to be very introverted finds friends to help her achieve her dream of having a Little Free Library for books in her community. Cute read aloud for shy and quiet kids who have big ideas and need inspiration!
ebook c/o Netgalley

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This is a really cute and meaningful book! Initially, I didn't know where this book was going, and I just thought that it would be a poetic and more "philosophical" book, but I was wrong, and I was happily surprised! This book ended up being a full-on story, just in a different kind of way. I was right when I thought that it was going to be poetic, but it also had a structured plot, which I appreciated. In short, this is a story about learning, friendship, and community; being one piece of a larger whole. I think that this is a great message to spread to a young audience, and I give a lot of credit to the author for choosing to write a book like this. Lastly, I really liked that the writing was more on the minimal side, and about 75% of the story was told through the beautiful illustrations. I applaud the illustrator for having such a good eye for detail and making sure the story was easily understood, from a visual standpoint. Bravo!!

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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.

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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.

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