Alone Together

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. (Oct.)