Only: The Bird Who Liked Being Alone

by Airlie Anderson (Author)

Only: The Bird Who Liked Being Alone
Reading Level: K − 1st Grade

In the tradition of The Quiet Book, this book tells the story of a bird who likes being alone, but doesn't want to be lonely. 

Only likes quiet time, and they definitely like being alone. All the other birds are too loud and too rough! Only decides to create a peaceful space that's just for them, but when a friend shows up wanting to try some quiet time too, the two birds must figure out a way to be sure no one feels left out.

In this companion title to Neither, Airlie Anderson shows readers that it's okay to sometimes be noisy, to sometimes be quiet, to sometimes be together, and to sometimes be alone--as long as no one is made to feel lonely.

Select format:
Hardcover
$17.99

Kirkus

Proof that you can have the best of both worlds: quiet solitude and boisterous time with friends.

Publishers Weekly

In a straightforward social tale from Anderson (Neither), Singy and Squawky, Tappy and Flappy, and Chippy and Flippy all live in the same verdant tree, singing, dancing, and playing ball. As each colorful pair noisily interacts, polka-dotted Only--"the only bird who watched from a distance"--sits solo in the branches, gazing outward, reading a book, and journaling. Overtures to join the group are rebuffed: "Whew! That was too much!" exclaims Only after the noisy group descends with an invitation to play bird ball. Instead, Only begins building a "quiet nest" furnished with books, craft supplies, headphones, and a leaf tent ("Sounds like Only likes being lonely," one bird comments). After the nest is complete and its circular door closed, Only exclaims with satisfaction and relief, "Finally! It's only me." When Squawky drops by, the two enjoy a mellower interaction, and the others soon follow as Only sets boundaries and makes it clear that solitude is not the same thing as loneliness. Round lines and shape-based art clearly convey Only's needs and the peace of the sensory corner, while speech balloons note subtle nuances around interpersonal interaction. Ages 4-8. (Feb.)

Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2--This sweet, straightforward story introduces young readers to the idea that individuals with different personalities can still be the best of friends. The cast of characters here is a candy-hued flock of birds with exuberant personalities that live up to names like Squawky and Flappy, except for one: Only, a pink bird who prefers quiet time alone. Eager to ensure the well-being of their quiet friend, the other well-intentioned birds try to engage Only in singing and games, and are puzzled when Only builds a nest as a retreat after becoming exhausted with their rambunctious playing. Eventually, the other birds give Only's gentle ways a try, and a harmonious balance of activities is achieved with every bird feeling included. The bulk of the book's prose is dialogue presented in comic book word bubbles, making for an animated story time or classroom read-aloud. Brightly colored illustrations rendered in gouache on hot press watercolor paper have cheerful patterns and texture that complement the positive tone of the story. VERDICT Affirming for introverts and extroverts, this feel-good animal story invites discussion about empathy and friendship. A welcome purchase for most picture book collections.--Allison Tran

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

Praise for Neither:

A 2019 Rainbow Book List Selection
Airlie Anderson

Airlie Anderson is the author and illustrator of Neither, Cat's Colors, Momo and Snap Are Not Friends!, and several other children's books. She graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design and creates her illustrations using gouache on paper. She has also won the Moonbeam Children's Book Award, the Independent Publisher Book Award, and the Practical Preschool Award. Airlie lives in New Jersey and invites you to visit her online at airlieanderson.com.

Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780316409612
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication date
February 06, 2024
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV039060 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Friendship
JUV002040 - Juvenile Fiction | Animals | Birds
JUV039050 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Emotions & Feelings
JUV039140 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
Library of Congress categories
Birds
Friendship
Solitude
Picture books
Friendship in children
Loneliness
Loneliness in children
Animal fiction
Quietude
Introverts
Introversion

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