Hest, Amy. Sometimes It’s Nice to Be Alone. Philip C. Stead, Illustrator. Holiday House / Neal Porter, 02/2023. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-0-8234-4947-7. GRADES Kindergarten – 3. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
Sometimes, it’s nice to be alone, but sometimes it’s nice to have a friend join you. The repetitive phrasing of “Sometimes it’s nice to be alone” paired with “Well, sometimes it’s nice when a friend…” propels the simple story of a girl and her stuffed animals having everyday adventures. In the first illustration of each activity, there is a stuffed animal version of the animal revealed in the second illustration. Children will enjoy discovering this detail and being able to “guess” the next animal. The monoprint illustrations are full of color and texture that bring life to each scene. The girl is depicted with tan skin, big glasses, and black hair. Children and adults alike will enjoy the simple, repetitive text paired with the beautiful and clever illustrations.
Lillian Whithaus — Berkeley Public Library / Temple Isaiah Library