Review by Booklist Review
George, a large, brown bear, and Lenny, a small, gray rabbit, are always together. As they play together on the playground, the two begin to discuss what it could be like to find themselves alone. George thinks it sounds lonely, but Lenny wonders whether it could be fun. Lenny decides to try it, so George, feeling spurned, says he's going to try it too, much to Lenny's disbelief. When Lenny finally gets a private spot to himself, he enjoys all kinds of solo activities but still finds himself thinking of George. Fortunately, the bear isn't far, and the pair decides that the best way to be alone is together. Agee has wrought a simple yet poignant social--emotional tale that little listeners will connect with. His art style is as inviting as ever in both the minimalist, thick-lined playground setting and the appealing characters. This is a classic Agee work, and a cute conversation starter.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
As two dear friends enjoy themselves on a playground, discussing their constant companionship, brown bear George can't understand why gray rabbit Lenny might want to try spending some time alone. Lenny considers: "What if being alone is just as much fun as being together?"; "Impossible!" George responds, gliding down a slide. But Lenny is resolute: "I am going to find out! I am going to find a quiet place and be alone." When George offers to go along, Lenny refuses, squaring their rabbit shoulders: "I can't be alone if we are together." And as Lenny puts the plan to the test, George manages to give Lenny just enough space to experience solitude in which "I can draw! I can build! I can blow bubbles! Play music!" Bold black outlines and minimalist backgrounds from Agee (My Dad Is a Tree) highlight the characters' crystal-clear expressions and gestures in this all-dialogue picture book. It's an economical portrait of an essential relationship sweet spot: being able to get much-needed me-time that lasts just long enough in a place that's not too far away. Ages 4--8. (May)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 2--Moving across blank pages from one sparely drawn piece of playground equipment to another, little rabbit Lenny wonders what it would be like to be alone. His constant companion George, a big brown bear, thinks it would be lonely and sad--but after some discussion reluctantly trudges off, leaving his little buddy to crawl into a small, windowless cubby. Inside are enough books, blocks, and other items to keep Lenny happily occupied until the light outside begins to fade. Wondering then what became of George, he leans out to call and finds his friend lying on the cubby's roof, not more than a few inches away. "Wow, George," says Lenny, crawling out to join him, "this is the best spot to be alone!" George agrees heartily: "Because we're together!" Though the illustrations feel incomplete, Agee presents a scenario that will resonate with children who occasionally wish for some solitude, even if just for a while, and even if in a contained way. In a story-hour setting this would pair nicely with the "Alone" chapter from Arnold Lobel's Days with Frog and Toad, which adds both angst and nuance to a similar separation. VERDICT A sweet, if sketchy, affirmation that solitary play has its pleasures too.--John Peters
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Sometimes giving solitude a spin is just what a strong friendship needs. George is a large, gentle bear; Lenny is a small gray rabbit. As the two spend the day on the playground, Lenny notices that they never seem to be apart and begins to speculate about what it would be like to be alone. "Lonely, I bet. And sad!" retorts George. But Lenny, not to be dissuaded, decides to give it a go. At first George tries various ways to join in ("Do you think there is enough room for two?"), but at last Lenny gets some solo time to draw, read, blow bubbles, and sit and think. It's rewarding, but so is being with George. Writing simple picture books aimed at younger readers can be challenging, but Agee has succeeded in winnowing down a story of curiosity and loneliness to its most essential components. The tone of the book is consistently gentle; even George's irritation lasts only a moment or two. The entire enterprise brings to mind (in the best possible way) the story "Alone" from Arnold Lobel'sDays With Frog and Toad. Agee's simple yet expressive thick-lined art makes for an ideal accompaniment. A brief adventure that celebrates short-lived seclusion.(Picture book. 2-5) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
