Picture Books About Being Alone

Time alone is as important for children as it is for adults. Children develop independence and their own sense of creativity during time alone. Solitude also allows children time to reflect on their day and work on their own solutions to problems. Here are a few picture books that support the importance of being alone.

All Alone by Kevin Henkes

This beautifully illustrated book shows why, every so often, being alone is fun. When else can you pretend to be as small as a bug?

Rabbit, Duck, and Big Bear by Nadine Brun-Cosme & Oliver Tallec

Rabbit, Duck, and Big Bear love to do everything together, but discover a secret: they each like to have time alone, too.

A Boy Named Isamu: A Story of Isamu Noguchi by James Yang

This award-winning picture book imagines what artist Isamu Noguchi might have been like as a child. Isamu sees the world through the eyes of the artist he will become. This is a great story to showcase how we all experience things differently from one another.

Leave Me Alone! By Vera Brosgol

This imaginative Caldecott Honor-winning book is about a grandmother who is desperate for some alone time so she can finish her knitting. This humorous story highlights the importance of finding a place to be by yourself.

   

Kim Ottesen

Branch Manager

Post Road Library 

Meet Sara—FCPL's Latest Library Limelight

I recently sat down with myself to ask—and answer some questions for the March Library Limelight!

I joined Forsyth County Public Library (FCPL) in July of 2025 as one of the eight Sara(h)s…and also the Communications Specialist. Community is what I value most in life, and I’ve always admired the services and spaces that libraries provide. My school libraries were my safe haven, and I was so excited to see a position that aligns with my creative interests open up at FCPL. I grew up in the area, and the Cumming Library was the first library I ever stepped foot into!

If I had to describe my role in five words or less, it would be “not just talking to people.” No day is the same in the realm of Communications! From assisting with program promotions, to organizing our social media calendar, and even putting on a fashion show in the hallway, there is never a dull moment.

I love getting to visit all the branches, as well as taking a ride on the Bookmobile from time to time! One of my favorite moments so far was joining Joanie and Leslee at a Lobby Stop. It was amazing to see how much of an impact those visits have on the residents, and I even got to show a few patrons how to use Libby.

My least favorite moment so far was accidentally giving a snake nestled on the side of my car a ride to work. I wish I had been calm enough at that moment to take photo evidence, but I have Preetha as a witness!

Some of my favorite cities that I have traveled to are Savannah, Chattanooga, and Denver. Any time I travel, I have to find a train or boat ride to go on. In fact, my favorite “ride” at Disney World is the ferry boat that takes you between parks. I have a guilty pleasure of bidding on cheap cameras on eBay, and enjoy documenting my travels with them!

A shirt I bedazzled for my best friend. 

Outside of traveling, I am a serial hobbyist. My leisurely activities mostly depend on the season. From spring through fall, I spend my off-days trying new coffee shops and visiting different parks. In winter, I hibernate and craft. This winter’s craft of choice was bedazzling!

When it comes down to paper books, eBooks, or audiobooks, I will always choose paper. I like being completely separated from my phone or iPad notifications when I’m reading. I’m currently reading And a Voice to Sing with: A Memoir by Joan Baez, one of my favorite singers.

I am truly thankful to be part of the FCPL team, where I can help share the incredible materials, programs, and resources that we provide! Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on Library happenings.

Sara

Communications Specialist

Forsyth County Public Library

Happy Birthday, Hampton Park!

Forsyth County News, March 18, 2015

Can you believe it? Hampton Park Library is turning 16!

Hampton Park Library, January 2010

Hampton Park Library opened on March 15, 2010. Positioned in the north part of Forsyth County, the branch was the third branch opened by the Forsyth County Library system, cost about 6.8 million dollars to build, and was the first to use RFID technology, also known as those spiffy tags that let you check out a stack of books at the OneStops. 

Children's Area; Photo by: Fred S. Gerlich Photography, 2010

When Hampton Park opened, the collection had approximately 60,000 items on its shelves. You may still find some items stamped with 2010, but many of our opening day items have been weeded over time because of damage, age, or circulation statistics. This means the collection has been growing and changing over the years. For instance, the popular juvenile graphic novel series Dog Man was first published in 2016, six years after we opened, so it had to be added later! This is just one of many changes you may have seen if you are a long time library user. Today, we have about 70,000 items. 

Summer Reading Fun Kickoff with Lew-E the Clown, 2025

As many may have noticed, north Forsyth is growing, and the library is seeing it too. During our first year, we had about 88,212 library visitors. Last year, we had 123,184 visitors, and we expect to see even more visitors this year. 

Statue of Joann and Earl, 2026

One of the unique features of Hampton Park is our statue of Joann and Earl. Our young patrons LOVE this statue. Many greet their “friends” on their way in and out. We encourage patrons to take a picture with the statue and submit them to our Ask a Librarian service. Our entry way is peppered with photos, showing just how much love there is for Joann and Earl.

Virginia checks in books, 2024

Another unique feature of Hampton Park is that we are the only FCPL branch without an Automatic Materials Handler. This means we check-in everything by hand! This is a huge task done by our wonderful Collection Support Aides. 

Virginia, 2026

This is Virginia, one of our Collection Support Aides. Branch Manager Ross Gericke often jokes that she is original to the building. She started as a volunteer at Hampton Park before it opened, helping unpack boxes of books. She became a Circulation Support Aide in 2011. She’s one of our most dedicated and experienced staff members!

If you’ve never visited Hampton Park, now’s the time! We invite you to stop by and wish the branch a “Happy Birthday.” Hope to see you there!