George & Lenny Are Always Together

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)