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Alone: A Story of Friendship in the Darkness of Space
#1 Bestselling Children's Book!
We all feel different sometimes, and Earth, slowly spinning in the darkness of space, feels so very different from all the other planets.
Can Earth find friendship in the loneliest of places?
This lovingly illustrated children's book by Scott Stuart reminds us that even when we feel completely alone, friendship is just a moment (or a meteor) away.
An excerpt...
Earth opened her eyes
and looked all around.
She looked for a friend…
but no friend could be found.
Click the BUY button and get your copy of this beautiful and empowering story now!
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AN INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR
Q - What inspired you to write this book?
When I was young, we moved house a lot, and every time we arrived in a new place, I had to go through the process of making new friends. I vividly remember moving to Melbourne, knowing nobody, and in this large city, surrounded by millions of people, I felt lonelier than I had ever felt before. I think a lot of kids, as they enter new stages of their lives, can really relate to this feeling of loneliness, of being surrounded by people but afraid that they won’t make new friends, of feeling completely alone in the world.
As I explored that theme for a new children’s book, I thought “what could be lonelier than the darkness of space?” That led me to think about how the Earth would feel if it were to wake up, surrounded by darkness, wanting to make friends.
Would other planets be willing to open their hearts? Would the Earth be willing to take a chance and reach out to them? What if the other planets weren’t friendly? What if they didn’t like the Earth for who she was?
Q - What do kids learn in this book?
To cover the scientific bases first - I’ve been amazed at how quickly kids have learned the little facts that I brought into the story about all the planets. Like Uranus being blue and 4 times the size of Earth - when my son said that to me I was completely blown away by everything he remembered about the story.
Everything in the book is based on scientific theory - some of it is debated of course, like how the moon came to be, and the age of the sun - but everything is based on our knowledge of the universe.
The other thing, and the most important thing, that kids are learning, is that feeling alone in a new environment is something that everyone experiences. They learn that it’s ok to feel sad when they’re struggling to make friends. And they also learn that friendship is always only a moment (or a meteor) away.
Q - What’s the feedback that has been the most surprising?
I’ve been constantly surprised by, despite this being a picture book written for young children, how much this concept of feeling alone has resonated with an older audience. I know I had experienced the feeling, especially when in a new city, but so many people have reached out and told me they have felt the same.
Q - Do kids love this book?
I think that, when it comes to books about planets and space, it can be hard to really engage kids in the facts and the science. I’ve taken a completely different approach. I’ve built a really heartwarming story about the Earth and her emotions.
21 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 2, 2022
29 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
About the author
Scott Stuart
28 books98 followersScott Stuart is a best-selling children’s book author who is committed to creating content that empowers kids. His books have appeared on numerous best-seller lists, as well as being shortlisted for ABIA Children’s Book of the Year and CBCA Notable Picture Book of the Year.
His empowering messages have been seen over 100 million times on Social Media, and he is a leading voice on fully accepting and empowering our children, exactly as they are.
His empowering messages have been seen over 100 million times on Social Media, and he is a leading voice on fully accepting and empowering our children, exactly as they are.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
September 20, 2019
I love a cute, little children's read on a Friday afternoon! Sometimes, a girl just wants to sit down and see what adorable options Bookbub has to offer!
This little story is absolutely adorbs! The artwork is soft, blue and friendly and makes the reader feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Throw in a really good theme -finding friendship in the darkest places - and you've got yourself a stellar (pun intended) read!
This book personifies earth and make her a lonely girl looking for a friend in the universe. It's dark, scary and lonely out there! The sun is a big meanie, which makes her feel oh so very sad! Then she sees all the other planets, and they all have their reasons on why they can't be friends too. Earth reflects and decides that she likes herself when suddenly a giant meteor hits her! And then, out of the blue, she has a friend - the moon!
Seriously, a plot like that is just too adorable.
There's a bit of a rhyming scheme, and shockingly it didn't feel as forced as some of the other children's rhyming books I've read before. The story is also short and sweet, so it's one you don't want to miss out!
Overall, I think it's pretty darn cute! I'd definitely recommend reading this to your youngings - under the age of four. Unless you have reading buddies you want to share it with! Scott Stuart has made one wonderful book!
Four out of five stars!
This little story is absolutely adorbs! The artwork is soft, blue and friendly and makes the reader feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Throw in a really good theme -finding friendship in the darkest places - and you've got yourself a stellar (pun intended) read!
This book personifies earth and make her a lonely girl looking for a friend in the universe. It's dark, scary and lonely out there! The sun is a big meanie, which makes her feel oh so very sad! Then she sees all the other planets, and they all have their reasons on why they can't be friends too. Earth reflects and decides that she likes herself when suddenly a giant meteor hits her! And then, out of the blue, she has a friend - the moon!
Seriously, a plot like that is just too adorable.
There's a bit of a rhyming scheme, and shockingly it didn't feel as forced as some of the other children's rhyming books I've read before. The story is also short and sweet, so it's one you don't want to miss out!
Overall, I think it's pretty darn cute! I'd definitely recommend reading this to your youngings - under the age of four. Unless you have reading buddies you want to share it with! Scott Stuart has made one wonderful book!
Four out of five stars!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2019
What happens when the things you like about yourself are what others make fun of? In this charming book the Earth finds a friend that likes her just the way she is.
September 18, 2019
That book was definitely amazing.
February 25, 2023
I thought this was wonderful. A way to learn astronomy and some life lessons about friendship. I adored the illustrations.
5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 19, 2019
Great way to learn the planets
Beautifully illustrated and a clever way to learn the planets, although they were a bit mean to poor old Earth.. My 6 year old liked it.
Beautifully illustrated and a clever way to learn the planets, although they were a bit mean to poor old Earth.. My 6 year old liked it.
October 6, 2024
تنها
از تازههای نشر مهرسا
داستان دوستی زمین و ماه.
از تازههای نشر مهرسا
داستان دوستی زمین و ماه.
September 20, 2019
Alone A Story of Friendship in the Darkness of Space
I liked this book because it pointed out other planets that I’m sure my granddaughter hasn’t mastered yet. She enjoyed it immensely and would like to read it a few more times. This book also opens up other learning information about plants. Thanks so very much for opening up other ideas for her to learn from. I would recommend this book for children that are interested in what other planets are out there. I choose this rating because my granddaughter is now interested in other things. Awesome book I give it 👍👍.because it was also well illustrated.
I liked this book because it pointed out other planets that I’m sure my granddaughter hasn’t mastered yet. She enjoyed it immensely and would like to read it a few more times. This book also opens up other learning information about plants. Thanks so very much for opening up other ideas for her to learn from. I would recommend this book for children that are interested in what other planets are out there. I choose this rating because my granddaughter is now interested in other things. Awesome book I give it 👍👍.because it was also well illustrated.
September 18, 2019
Super cute.
February 3, 2020
Alone is a beautiful story about Earth who is looking for a friend in space but can find no one like himself.
Alone is a book that really surprised me, it is a great story and has so much for the children to learn within. The children liked seeing Earth as he looked so kind and like he needed a friend and I think the way the other planets are introduced in this book are very clever. By having each planet named and describing its differences to Earth it meant that the children were learning about space without realising it as it still felt like just a story.
I loved how we got to see each of the planets as their own characters based on what's distinguishes them from the other planets but what I loved most was seeing Earth being happy with himself just as he is and recognising his qualities and differences, something we should encourage in all children, a positive look at themselves!
The illustrations are gorgeous with each page being a pretty sky and one planet. It's great how we got to see the planets have emotions and feelings as it shows the children how we feel when someone doesn't want to be their friend and encourages empathy in children. They wanted Earth to find someone as much as earth did!
This is a gorgeous book that we all enjoyed. Perfect to learn about planets and space in a fun way with friendship and emotions included giving more depth to the story, a brilliant read!
Alone is a book that really surprised me, it is a great story and has so much for the children to learn within. The children liked seeing Earth as he looked so kind and like he needed a friend and I think the way the other planets are introduced in this book are very clever. By having each planet named and describing its differences to Earth it meant that the children were learning about space without realising it as it still felt like just a story.
I loved how we got to see each of the planets as their own characters based on what's distinguishes them from the other planets but what I loved most was seeing Earth being happy with himself just as he is and recognising his qualities and differences, something we should encourage in all children, a positive look at themselves!
The illustrations are gorgeous with each page being a pretty sky and one planet. It's great how we got to see the planets have emotions and feelings as it shows the children how we feel when someone doesn't want to be their friend and encourages empathy in children. They wanted Earth to find someone as much as earth did!
This is a gorgeous book that we all enjoyed. Perfect to learn about planets and space in a fun way with friendship and emotions included giving more depth to the story, a brilliant read!
April 10, 2020
Young planet Earth is looking for a friend and even though space is full of other planets not many are friendly. The other planets are not only unfriendly but also just plain mean. They don’t like Earth because she is different. All of this makes Earth sad and lonely. She loses hope she will ever find a friend.
The story is written in a cute poem that rhymes. It is sad that Earth is so lonely and that the planets want nothing to do with her but even in its melancholy way it is still adorable. I do love that even though the other planets do not like her differences she still likes herself just the same.
I can’t help but believe if the planets could talk to each other they would not be a mean as they are to Earth just because she was not like them. I would like to see a sequel where all the planets realize they are wrong and become friends with Earth.
Children will enjoy the Earth’s interaction with other planets as they learn different tidbits like Mercury being dry and Venus is hot. It is a nice story with a happy ending.
The story is written in a cute poem that rhymes. It is sad that Earth is so lonely and that the planets want nothing to do with her but even in its melancholy way it is still adorable. I do love that even though the other planets do not like her differences she still likes herself just the same.
I can’t help but believe if the planets could talk to each other they would not be a mean as they are to Earth just because she was not like them. I would like to see a sequel where all the planets realize they are wrong and become friends with Earth.
Children will enjoy the Earth’s interaction with other planets as they learn different tidbits like Mercury being dry and Venus is hot. It is a nice story with a happy ending.
February 4, 2025
Earth is looking for a friend, but everyone has a reason they don't want to play. The Sun says Earth is too young; Mercury says she's too dry; Venus says she's too cold, and Mars says she's too blue. All the other planets have things they don't like about Earth, but Earth loves all those things about herself!
Finally, a meteor crashing violently into Earth creates a crater, scattering the parts of herself that she loved most all over space. But then a new planet forms - a moon who admires the ways Earth is different from her. Earth nervously talks with Moon, realizing that what "she'd thought... a disaster... came (with) what she had long sought after."
And "in the darkness of space, their friendship begun."
Super cute, emotional, and uplifting.
Finally, a meteor crashing violently into Earth creates a crater, scattering the parts of herself that she loved most all over space. But then a new planet forms - a moon who admires the ways Earth is different from her. Earth nervously talks with Moon, realizing that what "she'd thought... a disaster... came (with) what she had long sought after."
And "in the darkness of space, their friendship begun."
Super cute, emotional, and uplifting.
February 27, 2023
Visually beautiful all by itself. The images are straightforward but vividly colored and incredibly captivating. They blend seamlessly with the story's easy rhyme. What a story that is, too! On the surface, this book gives young children a really good fundamental introduction grasp of the solar system. It briefly discusses the sun, all the planets, and the idea of their mutual orbits. Behind the informational material lies a really lovely tale of making friends. Earth feels different from all the other planets, and she is unable to connect with any of them. Then, a shocking event occurs that alters her life forever.
November 21, 2022
A very good book that talks about the dark side of friendships. The idea is that as a person, you will not be what others are looking for in a friend, but that is okay because there is a friend out there that is meant for you. I would teach this book to kindergarteners to fourth graders. Although the story is very elaborate and sad story does have a very good story line that needs to be talked about for all students to hear across these age groups. This book could be read in the first week of school.
October 5, 2020
This book is written for children but it has something for the adults who read it to them. It's a way to explore our solar system which planets are where and what are important things about them. Earth meets them all while it's traveling to its place.
It's a deep hurt when a meteor crashes into Earth and takes a long time to heal. But then Moon comes along and wants to be friends. That is what Earth has been searching for.
Good lesson, huh.
It's a deep hurt when a meteor crashes into Earth and takes a long time to heal. But then Moon comes along and wants to be friends. That is what Earth has been searching for.
Good lesson, huh.
May 7, 2022
I came across this book thanks to TikTok.
Scott had done a video duet with a whole heap of other males saying that they were alone and they had no one. No one that they could talk to or come to you at the drop of a hat.
I thought that was truely sad as we all need someone.
Which is why I decided to borrow this book from the library.
It’s beautiful and sad but in the end we do have friends closer to home than we realise.
Also excuse me. But we need a follow up for Pluto.
Scott had done a video duet with a whole heap of other males saying that they were alone and they had no one. No one that they could talk to or come to you at the drop of a hat.
I thought that was truely sad as we all need someone.
Which is why I decided to borrow this book from the library.
It’s beautiful and sad but in the end we do have friends closer to home than we realise.
Also excuse me. But we need a follow up for Pluto.
March 1, 2023
It would have been a perfect children's book if it weren't for the fact that it had basically taught children to change and potentially hurt themselves to make friends. That is not a lesson children should be learning - they should be learning to embrace their differences and find friends who accept them for them, not the things that they had to change about themselves. The illustrations were cute, and the balance between the words and the pictures were great.
September 2, 2025
Not only does this book have science elements to its story telling that is great for children to see/learn, but it also has a great lesson about showing you shouldn't dislike things about yourself just because others don't like them. You may be alone for a while, but eventually you will find someone who likes you for you and you won't always feel alone. Sometimes things just take time to happen, and that is okay.
November 16, 2023
I liked this book a lot because it shares the message that even when things seem to be really hard, something good is always coming. I think it is also very relatable for children who may feel that they have a hard time making friends, and it can help them understand that they are not the problem and will find friends in due time.
December 15, 2025
A fun story in rhyme that gives a fresh take on the solar system - from the perspective of a personified Earth. This story follows a lonely Earth and how it eventually finds a friend in the moon. In the process, true facts are covered about the planets in our solar system and how Earth's moon formed.
October 30, 2021
Excellent book that captured my 3 year old’s interest in space
Excellent book that captured my 3 year old’s interest in space.
Great pictures, space facts, and easy read. Very entertaining read!
Excellent book that captured my 3 year old’s interest in space.
Great pictures, space facts, and easy read. Very entertaining read!
March 30, 2022
A great story of waiting to find the Perfect friend that also teaches about the planets. Earth finally becomes friends with moon, and they are a perfect match. Readers who would enjoy this book include those who like books about planets, about friendship, and about not giving up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2022
Did I get super emotional reading this at work? Maybe.
Is it one of the most wholesome and heart warming picture books I’ve ever read? You bet it is 😭🥺👌🏻
If you loved Gustavo the Shy Ghost, then this is the perfect heart-squeeze of a book to follow it up with
5 stars
Is it one of the most wholesome and heart warming picture books I’ve ever read? You bet it is 😭🥺👌🏻
If you loved Gustavo the Shy Ghost, then this is the perfect heart-squeeze of a book to follow it up with
5 stars
January 2, 2020
Love children's books!
March 12, 2020
Friendship and Science
My seven-year-old loves this book. It’s a fantastic book a book about friendship that also incorporates science. I’d recommend to elementary school students.
My seven-year-old loves this book. It’s a fantastic book a book about friendship that also incorporates science. I’d recommend to elementary school students.
March 24, 2020
It's a good book and you should read it if you like planets! I love that Earth finds a friend who loves her as she is. I've reread it 3 times.
April 20, 2020
YOU ARE NEVER ALONE, ever. there is always some where there to lean on, help you, support you, love you, just reach out! Pluto will always be a planet in my books. just saying.
May 3, 2020
So lovely 😊
A wonderful, life affirming read 😊❤️. In our world we need more books like this and much MUCH more Scott Stuart
A wonderful, life affirming read 😊❤️. In our world we need more books like this and much MUCH more Scott Stuart
August 2, 2020
Science fun
A very cute friendship story that tells all about the planets in our solar system. Even the youngest will learn facts in a fun way.
A very cute friendship story that tells all about the planets in our solar system. Even the youngest will learn facts in a fun way.
August 24, 2020
Cool
It’s a cool story with happy end. Nice rhymes, cute pictures, what a great discovery. My 5 years old enjoys reading it together before bed time.
It’s a cool story with happy end. Nice rhymes, cute pictures, what a great discovery. My 5 years old enjoys reading it together before bed time.
February 13, 2021
Creative
This book has a creative spin on how the moon came to be. It's a good story for kids to learn this.
This book has a creative spin on how the moon came to be. It's a good story for kids to learn this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews