Alone Together

August 18, 2014
In Bloom’s sixth Goose and Bear title, following 2013’s Fox Forgets, Bear is trying to have some time to himself to sit quietly, but buddy Fox doesn’t quite have a handle on the concept. “I’m going to be alone with Bear,” Fox announces to Goose, proceeding to hum, twirl, and make whooshing noises until the frustrated Bear (gently) lets Fox know that he’s looking for less noise (Fox consents and promptly falls asleep on top of Bear). Bloom sets the action against a placid blue backdrop, and there’s plenty of subdued comedy in her fuzzy pastel portraits of Fox, Bear, and Goose, who eventually wanders over to be “alone together” with the other two. It’s a pleasant reminder that friendship takes all kinds—though it’s really Bear’s patience that makes it work in this case. Ages 2–6.

August 1, 2014

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

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from August 15, 2014
Big, white, cuddly Bear tries to have quiet time alone. Large white lettering over a deep blue background presents the sparse text, perfectly worded for a beginning reader to figure out or for a preschooler to memorize. Seated on the soft white ground of the verso, which might or might not be snow, Fox asks Goose, "Where's Bear?" and Goose, pointing to the recto with a feathery thumb, replies, "Over there." Just on the other side of the gutter, Bear sits holding something, a dreamy look on the fuzzy countenance. As the page turns, the two smaller animals continue to stare toward Bear, and Goose explains Bear's occasional wish for solitude. When Fox decides to "be alone with Bear," who is by this time staring at a small spinning top, the humor escalates. Bear succinctly replies to Fox's chattering queries: "Occasionally, I like some quiet time." As Fox tries to join Bear's quiet time, the small red critter's idiosyncratic interpretation of "quiet" leads to paws on the head, rolled eyes and other hints of ursine distress. Eventually, Bear is moved to firmer, although never intimidating tactics. By the time Goose rejoins the trio, Bear and Fox have attained agreement...or have they? Short on words and long on expressive artwork-a charming addition to a winning series for little ones. (Picture book. 2-6)

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