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Sometimes It's Nice to Be Alone

Author Amy Hest
Illustrated by Philip C. Stead
Look inside
Hardcover
$18.99 US
Holiday House | Neal Porter Books
8.82"W x 11.26"H x 0.36"D  
On sale Feb 14, 2023 | 40 Pages | 9780823449477
Preschool - 3
Add to cart Add to list Exam Copies
A celebration of the joy and comfort to be found in alone time and the joy and comfort that a friend can bring.

Sometimes it’s nice to be alone. 
Just you, eating a cookie, alone.
But what if a friend drops in?

In Amy Hest and Philip C. Stead’s accomplished hands, anyone can become a potential friend—and that includes horses, whales, crocodiles, and even dinosaurs. The book’s effortless lilt and joyous illustrations are reminiscent of the very best work of Margaret Wise Brown and Charlotte Zolotow.  It’s a complete treat for any introverted kid with a big imagination.

A Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of the Year
A Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year
Amy Hest's many acclaimed children's books include the New York Times bestseller KISS GOOD NIGHT. A Three-time winner of the prestigious Christopher Award, she lives in New York City.
 

Philip Stead is the author of the Caldecott Medal winner, A Sick Day for Amos McGee, illustrated by his wife, Erin E. Stead. Their collaboration, Music for Mister Moon, won the Great Lakes Great Reads Award. Philip has written and illustrated many picture books including Hello, My Name is Ruby, Jonathan and the Big Blue Boat, A Home for Bird, All the Animals where I Live, and Vernon is on His Way. He also illustrated Charlotte Zolotow’s In My Garden. He lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Amy Hest View titles by Amy Hest
Philip C. Stead View titles by Philip C. Stead
  • SELECTION | 2023
    Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Books
★ "The text is simple and eloquent, with enough repetition to captivate the youngest readers but also with precise, often lyrical, descriptions for each activity. . . . A sparkling reminder that nothing is as powerful as a child’s imagination."—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

★ "A celebration sure to delight introverts everywhere. . . ."—School Library Journal, Starred Review
 
"[An] affirming acknowledgement that alone does not equal lonely. . . . Soaring illustrations created with printmaking techniques greatly expand the text and add larger action to the narrative. . . . The episodic nature of the story encourages readers to move slowly and think about each scene."—Booklist

"Tap into a primal desire to frolic in perfect safety and abandon, engaging one's private imagination."—Publishers Weekly
 
"Joyously explores and celebrates everyday moments, whether spent alone or in unexpected company. . . . The brightly colored, textured illustrations, created by hand using printmaking techniques, are mischievous and detailed, perfectly extending the plucky text."—The Horn Book

About

A celebration of the joy and comfort to be found in alone time and the joy and comfort that a friend can bring.

Sometimes it’s nice to be alone. 
Just you, eating a cookie, alone.
But what if a friend drops in?

In Amy Hest and Philip C. Stead’s accomplished hands, anyone can become a potential friend—and that includes horses, whales, crocodiles, and even dinosaurs. The book’s effortless lilt and joyous illustrations are reminiscent of the very best work of Margaret Wise Brown and Charlotte Zolotow.  It’s a complete treat for any introverted kid with a big imagination.

A Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of the Year
A Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year

Author

Amy Hest's many acclaimed children's books include the New York Times bestseller KISS GOOD NIGHT. A Three-time winner of the prestigious Christopher Award, she lives in New York City.
 

Philip Stead is the author of the Caldecott Medal winner, A Sick Day for Amos McGee, illustrated by his wife, Erin E. Stead. Their collaboration, Music for Mister Moon, won the Great Lakes Great Reads Award. Philip has written and illustrated many picture books including Hello, My Name is Ruby, Jonathan and the Big Blue Boat, A Home for Bird, All the Animals where I Live, and Vernon is on His Way. He also illustrated Charlotte Zolotow’s In My Garden. He lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Amy Hest View titles by Amy Hest
Philip C. Stead View titles by Philip C. Stead

Awards

  • SELECTION | 2023
    Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Books

Praise

★ "The text is simple and eloquent, with enough repetition to captivate the youngest readers but also with precise, often lyrical, descriptions for each activity. . . . A sparkling reminder that nothing is as powerful as a child’s imagination."—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

★ "A celebration sure to delight introverts everywhere. . . ."—School Library Journal, Starred Review
 
"[An] affirming acknowledgement that alone does not equal lonely. . . . Soaring illustrations created with printmaking techniques greatly expand the text and add larger action to the narrative. . . . The episodic nature of the story encourages readers to move slowly and think about each scene."—Booklist

"Tap into a primal desire to frolic in perfect safety and abandon, engaging one's private imagination."—Publishers Weekly
 
"Joyously explores and celebrates everyday moments, whether spent alone or in unexpected company. . . . The brightly colored, textured illustrations, created by hand using printmaking techniques, are mischievous and detailed, perfectly extending the plucky text."—The Horn Book

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