Two

Like Otoshi’s Zero and One, this book stars numerals brushed in cheery colors on clean white pages. Two is best friends with One—or was, until Three comes between them. “Come play with me, One,” invites Three. “Odds are better than the rest, but One and Three are the best!” Over-the-top language makes it easy for readers to understand that taking sides is not the way to go. When Two despairs (“Maybe it’s time for me to be done with One”), Zero exhorts her to try some out-of-the-box thinking: “What if you can make things right? Can you find it in your heart to see, a new angle to this, possibly?” The other numbers quickly join forces: “When the Dance turns and shifts, let’s groove and flow. If you’re holding too tight—let go.” Otoshi’s cognitive behavioral approach suggests that heroic action isn’t always something that can be seen; it’s something that happens inside. Clearly meant for public readaloud and classroom discussion, this is a polished, on-message opening for dialogue about bullying, mean girls, and other social plagues. Ages 4–up. (Sept.)