Only - by Airlie Anderson (Hardcover)

About the Book

A bird named Only likes his quiet time and alone time, but he doesn't want to be lonely.

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

A Little Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List Selection

"Affirming for introverts and extroverts, this feel-good animal story invites discussion about empathy and friendship. A welcome purchase for most picture book collections."--School Library Journal

"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."--Publishers Weekly

"This sweet, gentle story reassures children who cherish contemplative moments that they don't have to abandon lively times with pals. The colorful, adorable gouache illustrations capture the birds' personalities.... Proof that you can have the best of both worlds: quiet solitude and boisterous time with friends."--Kirkus Reviews

Praise for Neither:

A 2019 Rainbow Book List Selection

"A positive celebration of diversity and how our world is a better place when everyone is included."--The Reading Eagle

"Anderson (Cat's Colors) tackles exclusion, difference, and identity in a sweet-tempered fable.... Anderson's candy-colored palette and adorable cast of creatures reflect a spectrum of states of being, creating a book that works as a resource for conversations about race, blended identities, gender norms, and more."--Publishers Weekly

"Cute... This sweet, simple parable could be used as a conversation starter about gender, race, and/or identity with very young children."--School Library Connection

"Features key parts of the transgender experience and is perfect for kids in kindergarten through second grade."
--Out.com

"Hits all right notes and is filled with fun, fantastical creatures to boot."--School Library Journal

"This stands out for its accessibility to even very young read-aloud audiences. A sweet story of acceptance for all those who are this, that, neither, either, and everything in between."--Kirkus

About the Author

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.