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The One and Only You

Shane Hegarty, Author

Ben Mantle, Illustrator

Imprint: Hodder Children's Books

Publication date: July 31, 2025

Category: Picture storybooks

ISBN: 9781444966404

Imprint: Hodder Children's Books

Publication date: March 27, 2025

Category: Picture storybooks

ISBN: 9781444966381

Take an incredible trip across space and time to discover just how special YOU are.

In this whole wide world of people and animals,
and plants and flowers,
and oceans and lakes,
and so, so many things,
there is only one YOU.

A heartfelt picture book about celebrating individuality.

Reviews

This imaginative picture book whisks children around the world, celebrating the simple fact that everyone is different. With examples drawn from nature and every day moments, it gently highlights what makes each person unique. Ben Mantle's illustrations add warmth and plenty to spot along the way. Aimed at early years, the story encourages 3+ year olds to notice and appreciate their own uniqueness.

School Reading List

Top author and illustrator team, Shane Hegarty and Ben Mantle, push the boat out for a heartfelt picture book that takes little ones on an incredible trip across space and time to discover just how unique and special they are. Jump aboard and set sail with a child who voyages far and wide to meet people and animals, plants and flowers, oceans and lakes, and so, so many other things to finally 'land' the truth that there is only one YOU. With the prize of individuality lying at the heart of Hegarty's delightful and playful story, and a gallery of Mantle's trademark rich, vibrant and colourful illustrations giving extra life and meaning, this is a joyful journey for readers young and old.

Lancashire Evening Post

Shane Hegarty's picture book is a celebration of individuality with an intergalactic perspective, as a young child discovers how, despite the vastness of this universe and others beyond, each person is completely unique. Generations of ancestors may be reflected through physical similarities - your mother's nose, your father's eyes, or your great-granny's auntie's smile - but put them all together and !they make you and no one else!".

Irish Examiner Review

Shane Hegarty

Shane Hegarty

Shane Hegarty has been shortlisted for an abundance of awards. His younger, middle grade title Boot was shortlisted for the Sainsbury’s Book Award, nominated for An Post Irish Book Awards and chosen as UNESCO Dublin City Of Literature Citywide Read. Darkmouth was nominated for the Waterstones Prize, An Post Irish Book Awards and the Bord Gáis Irish Book Awards. Before becoming a full-time writer, Shane Hegarty was a journalist and editor of The Irish Times and worked in radio and the music business. Shane lives in Skerries, County Dublin.

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Shane Hegarty

Ben Mantle

Ben Mantle is the illustrator of Shane Hegarty’s Boot, shortlisted for the Sainsbury’s Children’s Book Award. His picture book The Best Birthday Present Ever won the Dundee Picture Book Award and he has illustrated a number of iconic fiction covers such as Piers Torday’s The Lost Magician and Jenny McLachlan’s The Land of Roar. Ben studied Animation at the Surrey Institute of Art & Design before working as an animator. Since 2008, Ben has been working as a children’s book illustrator and also produces screen prints and digital artwork to exhibit. Ben lives in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire.