One of These Is Not Like the Others

Saltzberg (Dog and Rabbit) puts a winsome spin on the spot-the-difference concept while sending, with humor, the missive that diversity and collaboration are to be unequivocally celebrated. Repetition drives home the message, as the titular words introduce three similar--but not always identical--items alongside one distinctly different one (three cows and one elephant, three dogs and a cat), before a flip of the page reveals the members of each quartet interacting happily. The author matches wordplay and pictures; three pigs and a wolf form a band ("And that's the way we rock") and three rabbits pile onto a bicycle ("And that's the way we roll"). Saltzberg inserts subtle--and some not-so-subtle--variations into his depictions of the look-alikes (divergent rolling of eyeballs or positioning of tails), allowing kids to spot what's different even among like images. A scenario revealing all the characters eyeing each other skeptically ("Some of us are a little different") gives way to a final, jubilant spread in which all agree, "And that's the way we like it!"Ages 2-5. Agent: Rosemary Stimola, Stimola Literary Studio. (Mar.)

Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

PreS-Gr 1--Using amusing illustrations and simple couplets, Saltzberg celebrates differences. Each line gets its own two-page spread, and each couplet begins with the line, "One of these is not like the others." and is paired with an illustration of four critters in which one is different: three cows and an elephant; three pigs and a wolf; three bunnies and a bicycle; and so on. The following page finishes the couplet, "But we can still be friends." The matching illustration shows the four characters interacting or having an adventure. It is fitting that there is one couplet that's not like the others, in which a pielike creature eats the pies it's paired with: "And the other three were delicious." The final couplet declares "Some of us are a little different. And that's the way we like it!" as all the critters featured in the book joyously dance amid falling confetti. The generous use of white space lets the humorous cartoon illustrations really pop. VERDICT The title essentially tells you everything you need to know about this book. Purchase as needed.--Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

A perfect read-aloud that celebrates the joy of embracing differences.—Booklist

[A] winsome spin on the spot-the-difference concept while sending, with humor, the missive that diversity and collaboration are to be unequivocally celebrated.—Publishers Weekly

Young readers will jump at the chance to point out the differences. But those differences are what are celebrated! . . . Subversive and clever, this book challenges readers to change habits of thought.—Kirkus Reviews

Using amusing illustrations and simple couplets, Saltzberg celebrates differences. . . . The generous use of white space lets the humorous cartoon illustrations really pop.—School Library Journal

The art uses plenty of white space to good effect, placing the guileless creatures front and center and allowing viewers to notice variation. Upon not-that-close examination, for example, we see that none of the supposedly matching figures is exactly the same in appearance, behavior, or both, a point that gently underscores the text's welcome be-yourself message. —The Horn Book

Fans of Sandra Boynton's artwork and humor will love this cheerfully animated tribute to individuality. Penguins, pandas, cows, and a variety of surprise creatures line up against a stark white backdrop for comparison. Each spread features three things that are just alike, and one that is decidedly different. Rabbits and a bicycle? Snails and an alien? Find out how they all fit together in this quirky, good time celebration that stands up for standing out.—Foreword Reviews