Books for Preschoolers - Just One

Just One
by Sam McBratney
Illustrated by Ivan Bates

From the Preschool Book

“Will I be in charge of our blackberries while you’re away? asked Digger. “Yes. But don’t eat too many– just a few,” said Old-and-Gray. And off he went to find something to put the blackberries in. 

About the Preschool Book

This is a cute spring story of a small squirrel, Digger, who goes out to pick blackberries with Old-and-Gray. They pick so many blackberries that they can’t carry them all, so Old-and-Gray must go get something to carry them in. While Digger is waiting, a mouse comes along and admires the blackberries, so Digger shares with him. Then a more friends join in, and when Old-and-Gray returns, the load isn’t quite so heavy anymore!  

From the Reviewer - Molly Christensen

Charming

The pictures in the book are charming. The baby animals look so soft and cuddly. The text lends itself well to using different voices for each character. The story itself is short and easily holds the attention of a preschooler. The story is predictable, and your preschooler can make a guess of what might happen. 

It does seem a little odd that Digger went out to pick blackberries with “the old gray squirrel who looked after him.” This caused some confusion at our house, as my preschoolers wanted to know how Old-and-Gray was related to Digger.

Sharing

The book lends itself to a good discussion can be held about sharing and if Digger should have shared ALL the blackberries. You can also discuss Old-and-Gray’s reaction, and if Old-and-Gray softened his reaction later on. 

Book Details

Title: Just One
Reading level: Ages 4 - 8
Hardcover: 24 pages
Publisher: Candlewick; 1st U.S. ed edition (October 6, 1997)
Language: English
ISBN: 076360223X

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