George & Lenny Are Always Together

K-Gr 2–Moving across blank pages from one sparely drawn piece of playground equipment to another, little rabbit Lenny wonders what it would be like to be alone. His constant companion George, a big brown bear, thinks it would be lonely and sad—but after some discussion reluctantly trudges off, leaving his little buddy to crawl into a small, windowless cubby. Inside are enough books, blocks, and other items to keep Lenny happily occupied until the light outside begins to fade. Wondering then what became of George he leans out to call, and finds his friend lying on the cubby’s roof, not more than a few inches away. “Wow, George,” says Lenny, crawling out to join him, “this is the best spot to be alone!” George agrees heartily: “Because we’re together!” Though the illustrations feel incomplete, Agee presents a scenario that will resonate with children who occasionally wish for some solitude, even if just for awhile. In a story-hour setting this would pair nicely with the “Alone” chapter from Arnold Lobel’s Days With Frog And Toad, which adds both angst and nuance to a similar separation.