Sometimes It’s Nice to Be Alone
Illustrator(s): Philip C. Stead
Hardcover | Pages: 40
Size: 8-1/2 x 11 | USD: $18.99
ISBN: 9780823449477
Publication Date: February 14, 2023
Age: 4-8
Themes: Emotions & Feelings, Friendship, Imagination & Play, Social Themes, Summer Reading
The Guest Book
A new podcast from Holiday House & Pixel+Ink
Author Amy Hest and Illustrator Philip Stead speak to Vice President & Publisher Neal Porter about their new book, SOMETIMES IT’S NICE TO BE ALONE, which centers around a child’s imaginings and celebrates being alone (sometimes). Check out this episode of THE GUEST BOOK for a discussion about their collaborative creation process and the technical details on what made SOMETIMES IT’S NICE TO BE ALONE such a beautiful book..
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Stitcher
iHeartRadio
About the Book
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.
A Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of the Year
A Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year
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.
A Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of the Year
A Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year
BONUS MATERIALS
Event Kit
Sometimes It’s Nice To Be Alone activity sheets
Download these fun activity sheets!★★★THE REVIEWS ARE IN!★★★
★ "The text is simple and eloquent, with enough repetition to captivate the youngest readers but also with precise, often lyrical, descriptions for each activity. . . . A sparkling reminder that nothing is as powerful as a child’s imagination."—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review★ "A celebration sure to delight introverts everywhere. . . ."—School Library Journal, Starred Review
"[An] affirming acknowledgement that alone does not equal lonely. . . . Soaring illustrations created with printmaking techniques greatly expand the text and add larger action to the narrative. . . . The episodic nature of the story encourages readers to move slowly and think about each scene."—Booklist
"Tap into a primal desire to frolic in perfect safety and abandon, engaging one's private imagination."—Publishers Weekly
"Joyously explores and celebrates everyday moments, whether spent alone or in unexpected company. . . . The brightly colored, textured illustrations, created by hand using printmaking techniques, are mischievous and detailed, perfectly extending the plucky text."—The Horn Book