The Only One Club
Written by Jane Naliboff
Illustrated by Jeff Hopkins Flashlight Press, 2004
ISBN: 0-972-92253-9
Genre: Children's Picture Story Books
Reviewed by Anna Dogole - November 13, 2006
When Jennifer Jacobs's class begins to make Christmas decorations, she discovers that she is the only Jewish student in her class. Instead of feeling isolated or 'weird' she decides to bask in her uniqueness by forming the Only One Club. However, as she soon discovers, each member of her class is unique in their own way, and only one of something. One by one, she begins to accept new members into her club - until the entire class is a member of the Only One Club.
The Only One Club is a children's picture story book that was written by Jane Naliboff. The story is accented with intriguing, warmhearted illustrations by Jeff Hopkins. Tolerance is a trait that can be both hard to learn, and even harder to teach. In a few short pages, Naliboff manages to convey that being different can actually be an asset, and that everyone is unique in their own way. More important, Naliboff manages to present a clear and understandable lesson that teaches the importance of being accepting of other people's differences.
Written for children ages 4-8, The Only One Club is both entertaining and educational. Best of all, this is a great read aloud book, and an ideal book for new readers. In the story, Jennifer is the only one in her class that was Jewish. For myself, I'm the only one in my family with one blue eye and one brown. What are you the only one of?
Please note: Although not marketed as a large print book, The Only One Club, is printed in a clear, dark, and approximately 18-point font, making it fall well within the parameters of a large print book. Not only does this large font size make it easier for new readers to enjoy the book, it will also prove a boon to anyone needing, or desirous, of large print material to read aloud to little ones who cannot yet read on their own.
Related Reviews:
Carla's Sandwich, by Debbie Herman.
In this picture story book, we meet Carla, a young girl who likes to be different. One of the ways that she shows her uniqueness is by bringing unusual sandwiches to school for her lunch. Despite the teasing and the looks of her schoolmates, Carla keeps her head up and tries to get her classmates to try one of her sandwiches, but she gets no takers until the class picnic...
Wishes for One More Day
, by Melanie Joy Pastor.
When Poppy dies, Anna and Joey must come to terms with their Grandfather's death, which they do by creating a book of wishes. A picture story book that will help children, and adults, deal with the death of a loved one.
