It’s time for Adri to learn and gain wisdom and mama and papa are there to share knowledge they’ve learned over the years. And while the bits of wisdom are simple, they are powerful and will serve Adri well. Some of Mama and Papa’s advice: Look for new friends, look for beauty and keep the memory. Stay in the background when necessary and stand out when you have the chance. For the other insightful statements, read Only One You and rejoice. It’s an absolutely wonderful, positive and uplifting book. The illustrations of the rockfish are stunning! The brilliant colors will attract children and adults alike. Armchair Reviews says: Only One You is a must-have book for your precious children.

—Armchair Reviews

Opening boxes of new books is one of my favorite “bookstore owner” things. I can’t tell you how much I love it! My brother, Will, says statements like that only proves what a big nerd I am. Perhaps. But, nerd or not, I think most people will be captured by the cover of Only One You, just like I was. The little “rockfish” on the cover of this book caught my eye as soon as I opened the box. Don’t you just love ‘em?!?! I dug down in the stack, pulled it out of the box, sat down immediately to read it… and was pleased to discover that the story was as colorful and uplifting as the “rockfish” illustrating it. It’s a wonderful book for kids of all ages (even grown-up ones).

—Book ’Em

Only One You — what a perfect title for a truly unique book about the wisdom of life and individuality. It’s the perfect gift for the new baby, graduation, engagement or wedding. Only One You works for any occasion, including just a way to say “you are special.” In addition to having it out on the shelf, we keep a stack under the counter and while ringing out customers, we ask “have you seen this book?” and while we are finishing up the transaction, they read the book and are often hooked. One mom purchased one for each of her children.

—Retha Davis, owner, The Kids Center Bookstore, Tucson, Arizona

I showed this book to several Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school media coordinators earlier this month. It hits the mark on every level for gift giving. New babies? Give this book. New graduates. Perfect. Want a child to feel especially special? Place this on top of your “to-read” pile.

Every child should have affirming instruction like that told to Adri, the little fish that is a painted rock, Linda Kranz’s specialty. Advice like, “Look for beauty wherever you are, and keep the memory of it with you,” or, “No matter how you look at it, there is so much to discover,” rings true for all ages, especially those just coming into the world.

—Young Reading syndicated columnist

Flagstaff author Linda Kranz has another winner with her new book, Only One You. The beautifully illustrated picture book features a young rockfish whose parents are blessed with extraordinary wisdom. You and your children will benefit from the simple, honest insights offered by Adri’s mama and papa as he goes about exploring the world.

—Raising Arizona Kids magazine

It is a treat to find a book like this in which cleverly painted “rock fish” share life lessons and reaffirm the importance of everyday choices. When Adri is getting ready to go out into the big world/ocean, his parents share their wisdom and remind him how much they love him. Start any new activity off with this book! A great gift, too!

—The Inkslinger

This whimsical book contains simple yet powerful wisdom and insights that can help comfort and guide all of us as we go about exploring the world. It is an excellent resource for the children in all of us, and a lovely way to light up the New Year.

—Dailydivine

Only One You is a wonderful springboard for discussions in the classroom to help children develop tolerance. Linda Kranz’s book is a celebration of the uniqueness of each child.

—Shelley Campbell, All Saints Episcopal Day School, Phoenix, Arizona

Read this book of encouragement and inspiration and you’ll want to share it with everyone you know. Gorgeous illustrated story, created by an award-winning artist, is a great way to inspire a child, teenager or adult friend. It will capture their favorite wisdom of life and individuality. Makes a heartfelt gift for a new baby, graduation, engagement or wedding.

—Femail Creations catalog

This book has a beautiful message, it’s beautiful to look at, and it’s great for all ages — children through adults. We put the book in the customer’s hand explaining that the author has hand-painted each rock, and when they finish reading the book they buy it, and often many copies.

—Sue Lubeck, owner, The Bookies, Denver, Colorado

Mama and Papa fish know it is time to share some wisdom with their son who will soon be off, making his way in the world. Mama and Papa provide simple, powerful wisdom, such as, “Find your own way. You don’t have to follow the crowd,” “If you make a wrong turn, circle back.” and “Look for beauty wherever you are, and keep the memory of it with you.” Through simple text and vibrant colorful illustrations, this little gem packs important and outstanding messages of wisdom that people of all ages should take to heart, including all the wise messages written on the front and back inside covers. Like a small code of ethics, this selection provides solid, positive mottos everyone should live by.

—Kendall Rautzhan

Rautzhan is a nationally syndicated writer and lecturer on children’s literature.

As their children grow, parents try very hard to give their children advice, which they hope will help them have happier, fuller, and more interesting lives. Before he goes off into the world, Adri’s Mama and Papa want to “share some wisdom” with him, wisdom that they have gathered from a lifetime of experiences. They begin by telling their son to always “be on the lookout for a new friend.” They go on to advise him to have the courage to find his “own way” in the world. In other words, it is not necessary to be a part of a crowd all the time. They encourage him to be aware of and admire beauty and art. He will see both when he is on his travels for such things can be found wherever one goes. Using her charming little rockfish characters, illustrations, and photographs, Linda Kranz has created a picture book which will help readers of all ages as the make their way through life. Sound wisdom is sweetly juxtapositioned by the artwork and the reader is left with a warm feeling and a great deal to think about. This book would make a perfect gift for a young person who is going off into the wide world on is or her own for the first time.

—Through the Looking Glass