There's Only One You

by Kathryn Heling, Deborah Hembrook, Rosie Butcher

Celebrate your individuality with this picture book that honors all the wonderful things that make you . . . you.
 “A picture-book celebration of individuality and diversity. . . . Affirming and welcome.” — Kirkus

“In all the world over, this much is
You’re somebody special. There’s only one YOU.” 

This feel-good book reassures kids that, whoever and whatever they are, it’s awesome being YOU! Expertly written to include all kinds of children and families, it embraces the beauty in a range of physical types, personalities, and abilities. Kids will love discovering and recognizing themselves in these pages—and they’ll feel proud to see their special qualities acknowledged. Adorable illustrations by Rosie Butcher show a diverse community that many will find similar to their own.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Family, Realistic Fiction, Self Esteem, School

32 pages, Hardcover

Published May 7, 2019

Reviews

[LaDonna]

Who doesn’t love a book that uses the word splendiferous? I truly enjoyed reading this book. I cannot wait to share it with my students!

Kathryn Heling and Deborah Hembrook, along with the Rosie Butcher’s illustrations, have created a book filled with celebrations of uniqueness. On the surface, the authors make references to skin color, hair type and body image. They talk about how such things make you unique and should be embraced. The two authors also discuss families and friendships and how they shape how and what children learn.

I think many will enjoy this book, as well. Take a chance on it.

[Allie]

This is a really sweet rhyming picture book about being you. I like that it is really explicit about things like disability, as many picture books aren't. There's a wheelchair user that is a main character throughout and not just on a single page. They touch on a lot of different things including sign language, neurodiversity, queer parents, gender expression — all kinds of things that make a kid unique. And it's by a Wisconsin author and a Wisconsin illustrator.

[Kristin]

Each spread features an unnamed cast of children of different races, hair textures, and abilities and talks about how everyone is different and these differences are good and make you unique. The last few pages also talk about different types of families. Could be useful for talking about differences related to race, hair texture, ability, family dynamics, introversion, speaking style, etc.

[Bookishrealm]

I loved that this picture book had a rhyming scheme to it. It focuses on teaching children that being different and unique is something that is really special. This is one that I would love to read to my child. It will be extremely important to the development of her self-esteem.

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance]

What's unique about you? This little picture book explores all the ways people can be different from each other and celebrates the delights of being unique. Every page is a bright, colorful collage of all the fun of being an individual.

[ReadingWench]

I love this book. Love it. The illustrations are awesome. Lots of things are happening in the pictures of this book. There is a wide range of diversity. I think every kid in my school will see themselves in this book. The rhyming words are always a favorite with kids. What am I saying, adults too. This will be a fantastic read a loud to classes.

[Wardah]

A sweet book about being you, being unique. I enjoy the rhythmic prose and the beautiful illustrations.

[Maiss Lukyana]

“There’s Only One You ” is a book centered on an audience of children who are in kindergarten to first grade. It is a fiction book that shows how unique each person is, their self-esteem, and family. These are some things kids in those grades will enjoy and help them stay interested in the material.

It is especially inspiring to young girls. This is a beautiful story that reassures kids to be themselves. In the book, it shows all kinds of families and children. Throughout the book, it shows all the children with different physical traits they have, different personalities that each kid can have, and all the different abilities each and everyone has. It also talks about how different each kid is making them unique, and you should be proud of who you are. The book is also great due to its representation of young children.

I would choose this book for my classroom library since representation matters and to normalize enjoying who you are. I think this book is worth sharing in the classroom library since it is a positive story showing how awesome it is to be yourself. This book also gives many different messages, but the ones I truly love are to love yourself, self-acceptance, and always be confident in who you are.

[Janet Squires]

THERE’S ONLY ONE YOU by Kathryn Heling and Deborah Hembrook with illustrations by Rose Butcher is a celebration of diversity and the special qualities that make each of us one-of-a-kind!

Are you outgoing or introvert? Boisterous or quiet? The simple but charming rhyming text speaks directly to the reader as it explores the many ways in which YOU are unique and assures the audience that being you is wonderful! The text pays attention to the obvious – differences in appearance – but gives equal consideration to other more subtle qualities:
Do your feelings spill out?
Do they lay low and hide?

The narrative explores interests, abilities, manner of speaking, even the various ways in which learning takes place. This joyful and uplifting story concludes by focusing on how we relate to one another --
Families are families,
but soon you will find
That each can be different –
A “best-for-them” kind.

Butchers’ thoughtfully detailed illustrations create a richly diverse neighborhood that invites children to find themselves and their families within the pages.
Recommended for home and school libraries.

[Tina Fazenbaker]

This book is all about Uniqueness. Each page is a description of characteristics that make a person unique. It talks about skin color, disabilities, personalities, families, etc. Each page has an illustration referring to what they speak on in the page. This book tells children that what makes them different, is awesome.

I absolutely loved this book. I love that it covers a very large multitude of subjects, like single moms and children that are more emotional than others. The illustrations in the book are beautiful. I think it does a really good job of teaching that differences are good and that we should accept them all.

I would use this book to teach self-confidence. I hope that I would be able to convince students that no matter what they look like, they are beautiful. I would also use this to teach them the acceptance of others. Just because they do not look or act the same does not make one better than the other. I'd teach them that comparison is useless.

[Lannie]

My kids and I loved this book. The illustrations are darling and the message is simple and real, honest and loving. The characters illustrated include varying skin color, hair color, family groups, body types, and abilities. But there are other books that do this too. I was happy though to see not only a child in a wheelchair being depicted but also a child with hearing aids. What really makes this book special is it goes beyond all that and includes differences in how we talk, how we express feelings (or don’t), and other ways we are different but all still right, just the way we are. This book not only normalizes our differences and diversity, it celebrates it. And there’s a cute story unfolding among the kids in the pictures that isn’t addressed by the words in the book, so be sure to take a closer look at each one. :) The more we read the book the more we found within its bright pages. This book is a treasure. Highly recommend.

[J.L. Slipak]

MY THOUGHTS:

I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is a sweet picture book about self-esteem and teaching to value your importance in the world. This illustrations are done well and compliment the story, pushing the plot forward to its satisfying conclusion.

There is a good unfolding of the point the authors are making, steady paced and lots to see as you turn the pages. Bright and colorful, filled with lots to take in. This book teaches the young reader that each and every person is special, and that there is no wrong way to be just because you may like something different when compared to what someone else likes. Every difference is valuable, unique and yours.

I love the message, and the writing and illustrations that convey this message creatively and beautifully.

[Niharika]

There's Only One of you is a story shares how each one of us is special and unique in our own ways. We might have knobby knees and ears might stick out. We might be tall or short, thin or stout, whatever it is, this is what makes us special. We might like to spill out our feelings or keep them under wraps i.e. tears close to ourselves. Your skin color is a beautiful sight, it might be dark as night or light as moon. Your hair might be dark as cascade or open and flowy, making us fabulously unique. You might be moving in a wheelchair or putting on a hearing aid as it helps to listen better. You dig on learning something new or are quite slow in learning, that's how your brain grows. Your families are different but being you makes your family complete.

P.S. It's about embracing yourself completely as that what makes you unique and special

[Sabra Israel]

There’s Only One You is a vibrant celebration of individuality and diversity. Through simple, affirming language, the authors remind readers that everyone is unique — from skin tones and families to interests and abilities. The book encourages children to celebrate what makes them special while appreciating the differences that make the world beautiful.

Rosie Butcher’s colorful illustrations fill every page with energy and inclusivity. As an educator, I appreciate how this story naturally opens conversations about self-acceptance and respect for others. It’s a joyful way to reinforce the message that we all belong, just as we are.

This is an excellent book for classroom discussions about identity, friendship, and inclusion. It teaches children that their uniqueness is something to celebrate, not compare.

[Lilith Day]

We are all different from one another. Some differences are seen while others are hidden. Instead of pointing out the differences, this book shows children from all races, backgrounds, and abilities doing what many children do and love. From going to school to visiting a zoo, everyone is the same.

I am very impressed with this book. It is a cute book that all children can relate to. It is very simple yet gets the point of inclusion across very nicely.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine and were in no way influenced by outside sources. I am a professional blogger at Little Lady Plays

[Anisa Woods]

Cute book with a really cute message! It highlights our differences and tells us that those differences make us unique and beautiful. This is probably the most important lesson we can teach children. As they get older, it's hard to understand this concept. When I was growing up, I used to try so hard to be like the other girls. The way I dressed, spoke, did my hair, etc. It took me so long to realize that I am different and that's okay! You don't want to be like everyone else when you are special in your own way.

[Jana]

Young children that are beginning to notice the world around them need to recognize themselves, their families, and their communities in the books that they read. This lovely picture book mixes welcoming and engaging digital artwork with bouncy rhyming text to celebrate the magnificent uniqueness of everyone. This would be a terrific book to read aloud to groups of young children anytime, but might be especially helpful at the beginning of the school year.

[N.]

A wonderful picture book about everyone being different, whether of features, languages, or degree of mobility. Great for anyone who feels like they don’t quite fit in because they’re shy, speak with an accent or have an unusual skin color for their area, use a wheelchair, etc. I love books about being accepting of differences and this one has illustrations that keep the eye moving with lots of different-looking people, including families with two moms or dads.

[Terry]

It is hard to say what I love most. The rhyme is spot on, both in tone and cadence. The illustrations are fabulous and allow everyone to see themselves in the images. Inclusion goes beyond race to incorporate physical attributes and challenges, like being wheelchair bound or deaf. Ultimately reminding readers that our individuality is something we all have in common!

[Dina]

"In all the world over, this much is true: You're somebody special. There's only one you." From this start, the book covers a lot of ground- from our physical characteristics to families, how many friends, activities you like, and more. I like the concept behind this book and the diverse characters illustrated throughout the book! I plan on using this book as a basis of a lesson for my youngest of learners! Two thumbs up!

[Laura Rooney]

Great book about how everyone is different but there is only one you and the world needs that one you in order to keep the world unique. Great book about including everyone and touching on how everyone is different but that is great and what makes them who they are. The illustrations were very detailed and colorful. Great read for readers of all ages and would be perfect for a class read aloud early in the school year.

[Lizzy Schaner]

This simple read for kids, uses many different examples of how people should be happy being different. This is a good introduction to affirmations and how important it is to care about yourself. There is limited white space in the book, allowing you to melt yourself into the pages. Small sentences spaced around each page, gives frequent breaks to new readers and allows them to read the pictures as well.

[Emily]

basically, the title of this book gives away what it is about! This is a book for younger kids, probably preschool to 2nd grade. It teaches them all about their individuality in a fun way. It is good to know from a young age that it is good to be yourself and that everyone is unique. I gave it 3 stars only because there are a lot of books exactly like it.

[Adrienne Perez]

I read this online but an actually purchasing this on Amazon! I really enjoyed the diversity it has from physical, personalities and abilities! The illustrations were wonderfully engaging and bright with the pastels with a color pop of fall tones. I would read this to elementary students kinder through fifith.

[Ashlyn Kelly]

I love this book as it reassures children to be uniquely them and to not compare themselves to others. In a world where you can be anything, they are encouraged to be themselves. Students will be able to see themselves in this book as many different cultures and backgrounds and lived experiences are represented.

[Lauren]

This book celebrates differences. It proclaims the virtues of being unique on every page. While I love the positive focus on children who are differently-abled, I would have preferred it didn’t include the ending focus on different family structures.

[Molly Cluff (Library!)]

A book that cheers on being unique in it's many forms: race, physical ability, family makeup, interests, personality, appearance etc. The illustrations are SO bright and detailed, with so many characters on each page.

[Iris Cardozo]

I really enjoyed this book. I loved how the author mentions all the different ways of being unique and it teaches children how to accept everyone and treat them as equal. But at the same time the author explains that no matter how you look there is only one you.

[Theresa]

There's Only One You (Hardcover)
by Kathryn Heling
the beautiful nature of social emotional learning teaching children that they are unique and that we are all different. That the world is better for the differences. A positive reader for second language learners.

[Kaila]

YAY diversity!