Alone Together

PreS-Gr 1—In this sixth book about Goose, Bear, and Fox, Bloom explores the concept of solitude in a playful way. When Bear sits alone to meditate, Fox pesters him. "'Why are you all by yourself, Bear? Are you sad? Mad? Lonely?'" he asks. After being reassured that Bear is none of these things, he attempts to be "alone together" with Bear. However, Bear defines quiet time a bit differently than Fox, who wants to hum and twirl, among other things. Finally, Goose joins the two friends, and they are all "alone together." Vibrant pastel drawings depict a polar bear with white bristly fur that appears illuminated by blue and green. His eyes and nose are nothing but black smudges. Goose and Fox are drawn in even less detail, but their boldly colored bodies and humorously elongated beaks and ears bring them to life. On each page, the three creatures appear in various configurations against a solid blue background, a snowy carpet beneath them. The lack of scenery or context helps viewers focus intently on each animal's position, body language, and feelings, which is especially important in a book that examines subtle emotions. This title offers a winning combination of earnestness and flippancy, sweetness, and saltiness. Readers will gain insight into the rewards of contemplation and quiet. The book will inspire rich discussions about what it means to be alone and together and what the experience of "alone togetherness" might mean for friends.—Jess deCourcy Hinds, Bard High School Early College, Queens, NY