Sometimes It's Nice to Be Alone

by Amy Hest

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.

Genres: Picture Books, Friendship, Fiction, Animals, Childrens, Storytime, Emotion

Hardcover

First published February 14, 2023

About the author

Amy Hest is a three-time winner of the Christopher Medal and winner of the BOSTON GLOBE-HORN BOOK Award. She lives in New York City.

Reviews

[Thomas Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, but it is contradictory. The book seems to want to emphasize that some kids have more energy and ability when they are alone rather than with others. It doesn't always seem this way since extroverts preach extroversion while introverts keep it to themselves.

Unfortunately, the book says that it's good to be alone but seems to imply that it's better to be with a friend, even if it's an imaginary friend. Kind of demeaning to many of those the book would seem to attract.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't agree more with this book.
Sometimes it's nice to be alone...but what if a friend joins in?
That would be okay too, wouldn't it?

Authors/illustrators Amy Hest and Philip Stead share a perfect-post Covid story about an imaginative young child, who despite doing various activities by themselves just might enjoy having a friend (no matter who or what they might be).

The book would be perfect for Storytime (i.e. Friendship Day) or for any classroom teacher. I guarantee it will resonate with them and with adult readers as well. The illustrations are as vibrant as the slowly-positive emotions and repetition of Hest's text.

[ee · Rating 4 out of 5]

i really enjoyed this one! this definitely falls under the category of a children's book that would be great for anybody of any age. in fact i think adults would probably get more enjoyment out of the meaning than kids would

[Gabrielle Stoller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I call this book interactive because it offers a great opportunity for children to guess what might be happening. Soon they will notice that the animal friend beside the human character comes to life. So I know that will be enjoyed.

[Lisa Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's nice to be alone. I love it more than being around others. But there are days when it is nice to have a friend with you.

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

The wonderful, imaginative illustrations really make this one, and will be instantly relatable for kids with big imaginations who enjoy spending time by themselves--or sometimes with a new friend.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stead's signature art style is on display in this picture book about the power of being alone - but also how nice it is to have a friend. The balance of showing the beauty in alone time and the fun of being with friends is really well crafted and Stead was the perfect artist for this book, mixing animals and people together in realistic settings.

[June · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let's children know that it is okay to be alone yet many of the things one enjoys alone can also be done with friends. Not sure of child appeal.

Maybe 3.5, nice how toy animals let children know who is going to join in.

[Alisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a tender and beautifully illustrated book! Captures the glory of solitude and the beauty of companionship

[Christina Karvounis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this book quenched my introvert heart. Must buy for library collection; great addition to home collection for kids of any age.

[Jessica Calaway · Rating 3 out of 5]

4 - 8 years

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this story, where the main character reflects on times where she is happy being alone (while munching on cookies, or reading a book, or doing somersaults). Each time though, a friend shows up. It is also nice to have fun with friends, when they show up.
I did like that this book points out how being alone can be nice too.

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This spectacle-wearing girl presents a thesis: "Sometimes it is nice to be alone...." repeated on multiple-spread sequences that reveal a pattern. Doing everyday things (eating a cookie, reading, tumbling, even trailing after-bath footprints), she restates the premise and then adds a "what if a friend..." consideration. After the initial comparison of solo versus shared activity, it is clear that the "sometimes" qualifier matters. Even the most independent and "loner" personalities will sometimes find great pleasure in sharing the activity with a friend.
In this case, the remarkably talented, Caldecott Award winning illustrator depicts each set-up scene with visual clues that allow readers to soon anticipate who each surprise friend might be as the page turns. Light-hearted and heart-warming humor arrive in each revelation, allowing audiences to nod approval as familiar stuffed characters achieve "real life" size and traits as they join in a paired/shared activity. They are all animals, wild animals at that, but ones that convey the safe and sentimental personalities of the ZOO animals in A SICK DAY FOR AMOS McGEE, also illustrated by Philip Stead.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm giving this book FIVE STARS because it could be very encouraging to a certain type of reader. Sadly, this book promises that it is for two different types of reader.

Pretty untrue, at least to me.

SURE, I'LL EXPLAIN WHAT I MEAN

It's not giving away any spoilers to note that this book keeps repeating the same pattern:

1. Sometimes it's nice to be alone
2. Blah blah blah
3. But what if a friend stops by?
4. Blah blah blah

Only none of the alleged "friends" are human. Not even the one who supposedly calls your name. (Has an alligator ever called you by name, Goodreader? Me neither.)

SEEMS TO ME

The only reading of this book that makes much sense to me -- and by all means, Goodreaders, COMMENT below if you have other opinions. I'm interested.

The only reading of this book that makes much sense to me is that this book is for people who prefer to be alone. Somehow, this book seems to make it a noble choice.

Only the perspective offered here makes that "having a friend drop in" seem more like a consoling fantasy.

Just saying.

[Marathon County Public Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

This understated picture book will speak to the heart of any introvert. Each section starts out by saying that sometimes it’s nice to do a certain activity alone, such as reading a book, riding a bike, or taking a walk along a beach. Then it asks the question: What if a friend comes by? Well, sometimes that’s nice, too! It’s a gentle reminder to kids that they can have fun by themselves or with friends; it doesn’t always have to be one or the other. The illustrations are simple and sweet, showing the joy a young girl has both on her own and with a friend. Kids will also enjoy seeing the girl’s stuffed animals transforming into real-life animals on every page as they join her in whatever activity she’s doing. Perfect for the introverted child, or adult, who needs to know they’re not alone in wanting to be alone (sometimes).

Katie E. | Marathon County Public Library
See this book in our catalog.

[Calista · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited for this book. I think I may be overthinking it. Each page shows the girl doing something like eating a cookie on her own. It's good to be alone and each page then says and sometimes it's good to have a friend over too.

So, is this book about being alone? I think, maybe, the girl is using her imagination for the dinosaur or whatever that will come be with her on an adventure. She does enjoy being alone and with her imagination, she can enjoy being with someone. I think maybe that's it. I know my imagination went wild on my own like that too.

Still, I don't feel the book really celebrated being along as much as I was hoping for. She always had to have a friend drop by. I think the title was misleading and it wasn't about being alone at all.

As I said, I must be overthinking this.

The artwork is by hand using monoprinting techniques. I like the artwork. The imagination really does soar with the mundane.

I'm confused by the book, so I don't know who would enjoy it.

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

This cover and title really captured my attention. It's a story about a girl who just likes to be alone until a friend comes and she goes on these cool adventures. In the end, you realize that when she's alone she gets to dream and use her imagination. While I liked it, I really wish it had gone somewhere else. I liked the animal thing, but I just thought it would have grown bigger and bigger with each time she wanted to be alone, or that it would delve into the importance of being comfortable at being alone, especially after COVID and all, that having personal time and space is just as important as socialization. Like the cover, a girl building a sandcastle, I thought it would explore her imagination of being the owner of a castle by the sea or something and how she could run through the halls without being told to show down or something... Things like that... But I guess that's a story for me to write instead... My rating - 3/5

[Zan Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 lonely kid with a big imagination."

[Todd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two luminaries of the picture book world, but not an entirely successful product.

I wonder if the somewhat philosophical "alone-but-not-really-alone" message will resonate with readers.

I always want to like Stead's books, in this case his illustrations, more than I actually do. The giraffe page has a printing issue (light font against a green background) that seems like someone should have caught before publication.

All in all, a fine book, but feels like it fell short of its promise. 2.5 stars rounded up to 3.

[Elaine Fultz, Teacher Librarian, MLS · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love love the artwork and the general idea, but the text is sort of lame. So is it ok to be alone or not? Our MC says it's nice, but the narrator seems to be directing her to change her mind and enjoy being with a friend (a horse, a giraffe, a dino, etc.) instead. And then it ends with an out-of-the-blue dream. Or was it all a dream? All those friends who joined in weren't real? That makes the message even more unclear. Is she wishing she HAD friends? So is it really nice to be alone? Yay illustrations, period.

[Clarissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is lovely to look at, and the writing is also lovely. The refrain in this book goes "Sometimes it's nice to be alone. Just you (eating a cookie, etc.) alone. But what if a friend pops in?"

I liked that the book validates being alone, but until the end when the child character is going to sleep every scenario ends with a friend popping in, and I am not sure that is quite what I expected in a book I thought would celebrate the joys of being alone. Despite that this is really special book, that would make a soothing bedtime story.

[Cassiejoan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is adorable. It is beautifully illustrated with a vintage feel by the amazing Philip C Stead of A Sick Day for Amos McGee, so it makes sense that I would love this so much. We don't read very many picture books around here anymore and rarely buy them, but I might may an exception for this beauty.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

As more of an introvert myself, I can relate to the story. As a child I felt "odd" and "pressured" by society to always want to hang out with friends when in reality, I enjoyed my own company. I had friends, but I also liked to be alone. I see those same traits in my son and I want him to know that both are okay. Sometimes it IS nice to be alone, but if you want a friend to join, that's okay too. Some days you might have more energy for people and sometimes more energy for yourself. It's nice to remind children that there are many different solutions in life.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

My best friend has four legs with four paws, shiny chocolate brown fur and a sense of hearing that can differentiate between the sound of the opening of the refrigerator fruit, vegetable, or cheese drawers. When expressing joy she zooms like a roadrunner in the house or yard, leaps like a gazelle through snow drifts, and jumps straight up in the air off her four paws. She is not much of a conversationalist, but she knows I know what every sigh, whimper, bark, and pointed look means.

In moments of quiet and aloneness, I have witnessed some remarkable occurrences, but nothing is as welcome as the sound of her claws clicking on tile or wood floors to find me or the jingle of her collar tags as she walks or runs next to me. In Sometimes It's Nice To Be Alone (Neal Porter Books, Holiday House, February 14, 2023) written by Amy Hest with illustrations by Philip Stead readers are soothed by the contentment of being alone and awakened to the joy of shared experiences. Rhythmic text presents the solace found in ordinary activities but also elevates those through imagination coupled with exquisite artwork.

My full recommendation https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...

[Holly Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wonder how authors and illustrators work together. Did Amy Hest suggest the various animals to be the main character’s friend, or was that just Philip Stead? If so, this is a truly collaborative work. The illustrations add so much to the story…characters, humor, and tone.

I loved the book. And it makes me wonder, which is so much better.

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a perfect preK/K book. Sometimes, we like to be alone. But if a friend joins us, that can be fun, too!
This book is serendipitous fun! You will quickly discover that there is a clue on the alone pages for the friend that will join you on the friend pages. I love Philip Stead's illustrations and these are wonderful! That penguin is simply adorable.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Amy's poetic story, it could be read completely on its own! This book is complete with Philip Stead's illustrations. Bringing in hints of characters from his other works makes the whole book feel like a familiar friend. Thank you Edelweiss+ for the advanced copy.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Readers see how this young girl appreciates her time alone but is equally happy to share with friends. At the end, readers can decide if she really enjoyed all these adventures or enjoyed them through her imagination.

[Binxie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Yes, indeed, it is nice to be alone sometimes. Hest explores different activities a child experiences alone and then with an animal friend. The illustrations are colorful and soft and add humor to the story. May revisit for a storytime.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes it's nice to be alone, and sometimes it's nice to do things with friends, and sometimes it's extra nice to do things with an imaginary friend.

Short, repetitive sentences and vibrant illustrations remind us that both being alone and being together can be magical.