Alone Sometimes: Everybody Needs a Hole in the Ground

by Skylaar Amann

In Skylaar Amann’s gentle, beautifully illustrated picture book, two best friends learn that sometimes everyone needs a quiet, safe space to just be.

Ren and Kit are the best of friends, always doing everything together. But when Ren needs some quiet time to herself, she chooses to hide away in an unlikely place. Kit doesn’t understand, but she’s willing to listen and learn. And in the end, they both realize that sometimes, everybody needs a hole in the ground.

Alone Sometimes speaks directly to the need we all occasionally have for a safe space where we can hide away from the frustrations of the world.

Genres: Picture Books, Friendship

40 pages, Hardcover

Published March 26, 2024

About the author

Skylaar is the author-illustrator of Lloyd Finds His Whalesong (Page Street) and Smile, Sophia (Feiwel & Friends). She is a picture book mentor for WriteMentor and Queer KidLit as well as a Climate Science Alliance affiliated artist. Skylaar specializes in art inspired by nature, the ocean, and science. Her ilustration clients include Surfrider, Pinna, Sitka Sound Science Center, Kaiser Permanente, Adventure Children's Museum & Scientific American. Skylaar lives in Oregon, where she enjoys exploring the shoreline, playing video games, making things, and occasionally playing the ukulele. She is represented by Jessica Watterson, Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency. You can find out more about her on Twitter and Instagram at @skylaara and on skylaaramann.com.

Reviews

[Nora Nickum · Rating 5 out of 5]

The main characters in this story, Kit and Ren, have a friendship that is both fun and empathic--playing video games, baking, running around, and also listening and seeking to understand and supporting each other when needed. Skylaar Amann's words and warm illustrations play together beautifully in this story that will resonate with anyone--child, teen, or adult--who has ever felt like they just need a little space and time on their own. It could be time to reflect, or a break from pressures or intense experiences, or time to process and take a deep breath after something disappointing, or time for a introvert to recharge--this book gives a compassionate nod, reassurance, and a clear sense that hope and cheerfulness and social connection can come again whenever we're ready.

[Lesli · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an introvert myself, who spent a lot of time alone as a child, I wish people knew or understood that sometimes you just want to be alone. I just didn't like that this was a hole in the ground - seemed like a negative connotation to being alone and depressing. Sometimes you want to be alone to be in your imagination. But the friend is really supportive and that is what matters most.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

stars
I read a digital advanced reader's copy of this title courtesy of the publisher
Two friends do almost everything together until one day one needs some space and choses to spend time in a hole in the ground - gentle expression of sadness and the need to be apart from the bustle of the world