Only One

Reach for this book when your child is starting to explore how small parts create a bigger whole, or when they are feeling a bit small in a very large world. It is a gentle, meditative tool for children who are beginning to master counting but need help grasping the abstract concept of collections and categories. Through the nostalgic setting of a county fair, the book illustrates that while there are many seeds in a pumpkin or many horses on a carousel, each group constitutes 'one' singular thing. This book is particularly beautiful for children ages 3 to 7 who are developing their mathematical reasoning and a sense of belonging. It moves beyond simple 1 to 10 counting to foster a sense of wonder about the interconnectedness of the world. By highlighting that it takes many individual parts to make one special whole, it offers a subtle, comforting message about how every person is a necessary part of a community.