Alone Together by Suzanne Bloom

Alone Together by Suzanne Bloom. Astra Books for Young Readers, 2024. 9781662620577






Rating:  1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 4



Format : Paperback picture book



What did you like about the book? Originally published in 2014, Alone Together features the introverted Bear trying to have a little quiet time, while his inquisitive and boisterous friend Fox tries to understand.  For Fox, “Quiet leaves room for humming…” and twirling and whooshing.  Bear is visibly frustrated with Fox, but tolerates the little guy’s antics.  Fox soon wears himself out, napping up against Bear’s furry side, and Goose joins his friends for some time “alone together.”



This is a charming addition to Suzanne Bloom’s Goose & Bear series of picture books featuring three animal friends who are learning to appreciate each other’s differences.  The easy dialogue and simple plot are conveyed in spare text, making the story accessible to the youngest readers;  the cute and fuzzy characters are set against a soothing backdrop of deep blue sky and snow, making for a calm storytime experience.  Even so, despite its seeming simplicity, the story is likely to encourage important conversations about the need for quiet and solitude that is essential for many, and yet so hard to explain.  



Anything you did not like about the book?  No



To whom would you recommend this book? Kids in preK through 1st grade, especially those who have read others in the series, will empathize with Bear and laugh at Fox’s puppy-like behavior.  Parents and teachers will potentially find it useful as bibliotherapy.



Who should buy this book? Preschools, public and elementary school libraries



Where would you shelve it?  Picture books



Should we (librarians) put this on the top of our “to read” piles?  No



Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City:  Leigh Russell King, Lincoln Street School, Northborough, Massachusetts.



Date of review: March 27, 2024