Alone by Barry Falls

Alone by Barry Falls (3/2021; ISBN: 978-1843654858; Hardcover $16.95; Ages 3-6; 32 pages) is a richly illustrated laugh-out-loud tale with a gentle message."Falls fills the illustrations with comically posed creatures and a racially diverse set of supporting human characters... The pleasures of socializing may be put on hold just now, but an occasional reminder never hurts." -- Kirkus Reviews

There once was a boy called Billy McGill

who lived by himself at the top of a hill.
He spent every day in his house all alone
for Billy McGill liked to be on his own...

One day Billy hears the squeak of a mouse, which destroys his peaceful existence. So he gets a cat to catch the mouse. But the cat and the mouse make friends. So he gets a dog to chase the cat. But they all play together. So then he gets a bear... then a tiger... and on it goes, until Billy's house is so filled with animals that he has to move out. Will he find that he still craves peace and quiet, or is it better to have company and friends? This a laugh-out-loud story of growing chaos, with a subtle message about how it's good to have friends.

The 411:

I really enjoyed this book. I love the illustrations and the story layout with BIG bold words, fun fonts and interesting text layout. Bill really loves his alone time. I get it! I am an introvert who appreciates my alone time but Billy he decides to live on a hill far from everyone until he finds a mouse in his house. 

Alone gives  homage to There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly without death and a happy ending.  Billy keeps getting more and more involved with others as he tries to get rid of the next until the wonderful ending with Billy and a red balloon gift! 

I really loved in the end Billy was still able to be alone but does spend a day a week with all his "new friends".  I also really love this little cricket/grasshopper who wants us to find him on every page. 

Definitely a fun book that kids will love.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary book for my honest opinion. No monetary compensation was offered.