Review: The One and Only
The One and Only
by Sarah Maddali, illustrated by Marcin Piwowarski
Hachai Publishing, 2024
Category: Picture Books
Reviewer: Doreen Klein Robinson
Buy at Hachai.com
This picture book reads like a psalm, with its beautiful rhyme, and feels like a balm, with its soothing message. The repeated Hebrew phrase, Ein Od Milvado - There is nothing besides Him - introduces the reader to the concept of the Oneness of Hashem (G-d). Each spread affirms the belief that Hashem is in control of everything – and that we should be thankful when things go our way and even when they don’t – a lesson that even adult readers would benefit from. Another important idea imparted in this beautiful book is that we are all unique and created for something important.
The Jewish (frum) family portrayed in this story looks Ashkenazi, with father, mother, son, and daughter characters. Some spreads show them doing secular things, such as hiking, picnicking in the rain, and swimming. Other spreads lean into their religious identity, showing them lighting candles for Hanukkah and mentioning the Torah and mitzvos (spelling as it appears in the book).
The illustrations use a colorful palette and add an element of sweetness to the story. I could see Hashem’s handiwork in the spread of the two children at the beach watching the sun rise (or set?) over the water.
The strong Jewish representation in both the text and the illustrations feels authentic to the Orthodox community. The overall message of G-d being in control of our life (even if you don’t agree with it) is something that secular Jews and non-Jewish readers can understand and relate to - as this idea is found in other religions, as well. Reading and rereading this picture book can help children when they are facing a challenge or going through a difficult situation – but more importantly, it can lay the foundation of a belief in a higher power, and that G-d has a plan and a purpose for everyone.
Reviewer Doreen Klein Robinson is a journalist and editor for community newspapers. As a first-generation American, she's proud of her Israeli heritage. Her feet are in South Florida but her heart is in Israel. She writes stories for children that spread Jewish joy. Am Yisrael Chai!
This picture book reads like a psalm, with its beautiful rhyme, and feels like a balm, with its soothing message. The repeated Hebrew phrase, Ein Od Milvado - There is nothing besides Him - introduces the reader to the concept of the Oneness of Hashem (G-d). Each spread affirms the belief that Hashem is in control of everything – and that we should be thankful when things go our way and even when they don’t – a lesson that even adult readers would benefit from. Another important idea imparted in this beautiful book is that we are all unique and created for something important.
The Jewish (frum) family portrayed in this story looks Ashkenazi, with father, mother, son, and daughter characters. Some spreads show them doing secular things, such as hiking, picnicking in the rain, and swimming. Other spreads lean into their religious identity, showing them lighting candles for Hanukkah and mentioning the Torah and mitzvos (spelling as it appears in the book).
The illustrations use a colorful palette and add an element of sweetness to the story. I could see Hashem’s handiwork in the spread of the two children at the beach watching the sun rise (or set?) over the water.
The strong Jewish representation in both the text and the illustrations feels authentic to the Orthodox community. The overall message of G-d being in control of our life (even if you don’t agree with it) is something that secular Jews and non-Jewish readers can understand and relate to - as this idea is found in other religions, as well. Reading and rereading this picture book can help children when they are facing a challenge or going through a difficult situation – but more importantly, it can lay the foundation of a belief in a higher power, and that G-d has a plan and a purpose for everyone.
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