What is your favorite story and why do you love it?

This is a discussion prompt for One & Everything by Sam Winston. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

Why do you think it's important to save old stories and languages?

This is a discussion prompt for One & Everything by Sam Winston. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

How do words help us understand the world and each other?

This is a discussion prompt for One & Everything by Sam Winston. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

If you could create any story, what would it be about?

This is a discussion prompt for One & Everything by Sam Winston. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

What does 'the power of stories' mean to you?

This is a discussion prompt for One & Everything by Sam Winston. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

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One & Everything

Name: One & Everything
ISBN: 9781536215663

by Sam Winston

From a celebrated fine artist, this book delves into the magic of stories and the importance of preserving written language. It's a contemplative journey for young readers.

About This Book

One and Everything, by acclaimed fine artist Sam Winston, is a unique and thought-provoking chapter book that celebrates the profound impact of stories and the written word. Co-created by the artist behind the New York Times best-selling A Child of Books, this work explores how language shapes our world and why its preservation is vital. It invites young readers and their families to consider the enduring legacy of human communication and the beauty found within every tale. Ideal for sparking conversations about creativity, history, and the power of narrative, it offers a rich experience for children aged 4-11.

"Fine artist Sam Winston, cocreator of the New York Times best-selling A Child of Books, celebrates the power of stories and written languages--and the imperative to preserve them."--Provided by publisher.

Concepts

Curiosity & Wonder Creativity & Imagination Resilience & Perseverance Joy & Gratitude Justice & Fairness Honesty & Integrity Growing Up Art & Creativity

Wonderlit Review

Sam Winston's 'One and Everything' is a beautifully crafted conceptual book that delves into the abstract yet profound importance of stories and written language. While presented as a chapter book, its 48 pages and artistic pedigree suggest a highly visual experience, akin to a sophisticated picture book for a broad age range. The narrative, though not a traditional plot, guides readers through an appreciation of how language forms the bedrock of human connection and knowledge, emphasizing the 'imperative to preserve' these invaluable cultural assets. The book handles its themes metaphorically and artistically, making complex ideas accessible without being didactic. There are no sensitive topics in the traditional sense; rather, it fosters a gentle, contemplative emotional arc that inspires wonder and gratitude for the world of words. It begins with a celebration and ends with a reinforced sense of the enduring power and beauty of stories. This book is specifically for children who are naturally curious about how things work, who love art, or who have a budding appreciation for books and language itself. It's an excellent choice for parents looking to move beyond simple narratives and engage in deeper, more philosophical discussions with their children. A parent might reach for this book when they want to instill a love for reading, discuss the history of communication, or simply share a visually stunning work of art. Parents should be prepared for a book that encourages discussion rather than simply telling a story. There are no scary scenes or difficult content to preview, but the abstract nature might require some guidance for younger readers. Children aged 4-6 will likely be drawn to the illustrations and the general idea that stories are special, while older children (7-11) can engage more deeply with the concepts of preservation, the evolution of language, and the role of creativity. Its unique artistic approach and focus on the *essence* of storytelling set it apart from more literal books about reading or writing.