ONE TOO MANY

Debut author Smith and illustrator Ojala (Eggs, 2014, etc.) highlight the needs of children that are being unmet.

Smith introduces the problems of children without homes, food, or water; who face abuse and abandonment; and who are denied access to good hygiene, medical care, and education. In each case, the author repeats, “As long as there’s one” child with that problem, “there’s one too many.” These are scary ideas for young readers, but Ojala’s images make them more approachable. While sad and serious, they have the effect of reducing feelings of tension and fear; in the image of abuse, for example, a girl faces only a looming shadow, and throughout, soft, white outlines provide hints of solutions (a home, a friend, and so on). After one child helps a homeless boy find a home, those two kids provide spare clothing and resources for another girl. With each solution, the number of children grows, until finally, nine are solving problems as a team. Although the issues are all solved rather quickly, the concept of taking on one problem at a time will encourage young readers that they can make a difference. Ojala’s character depictions are quite diverse, showing that children of all ethnicities face challenges.

An accessible introduction to the rights of children and social responsibility.