One Minute

PreS-Gr 1—At once charming and mildly troubling, this debut picture book from Korean author/illustrator Ahn explores the meaning of a minute through the experiences of a young girl. "Sometimes one minute is short (when your turn on the merry-go-round is over). Sometimes one minute is long (getting your tooth pulled)." While the story is conceptually solid and even endearing, there is a scene where the girl runs into the street to save her dog. "In one minute something can happen. Or something can be saved." This disturbing incident includes a screeching car and more than one oblivious passerby. What it lacks is a responsible adult or any consequences, turning this potential teachable moment into a simple close call. The tale ends with one of the most memorable minutes: when a new baby arrives home. Pencil and watercolor illustrations are childlike, sweet, and uncluttered yet are marred somewhat by the girl's skin tone, which varies inexplicably from chartreuse to bright yellow.