Only: The Bird Who Liked Being Alone

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.)