One is a Lot (Except When It’s Not)

Lyrical, minimal text and thought-provoking illustrations make this counting book unique as the reader is introduced to numbers from the philosophical angle of perspective and relativity.
“1 key is a lot” when it’s being held by the man opening the gate to the merry-go-round that a line-up of eager children is waiting to ride. “1 umbrella is a lot” when it’s pouring rain and both friends can fit beneath it, but “0 [umbrellas] is just right” when you and your friend would rather play outside. With the book only counting from 0-2, even young children will enjoy this window into a world where small things can influence the world in a big way.

The artwork is rendered in pencil and digitally in Photoshop. With plenty of other things to look at (and count!) on each page, the charming, nuanced illustrations offer wonderful extended reading playtime potential. The visual story-within-a-story follows a squirrel who climbs a mature oak tree to find an acorn. Shenanigans ensue (acorn gets dropped on dog’s head, dogs chases squirrel, another squirrel joins the fun and wants the acorn too) and the squirrel ends up losing its acorn in a puddle, which - through time - fosters the growth of a new, mature oak tree. The cover of the book shows the squirrel reaching for the appetizing acorn, ready to set off this quiet adventure in outlook and meaning. One Is A Lot (Except When It’s Not) is a delight for both children and the adults who will read with them