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!

Denmark Library: A Year in Review

On March 27, we will be celebrating the first anniversary of the opening of Denmark Library. It’s hard to believe a year has already passed! Take a look at some of our favorite moments over the past year.

“When Denmark Library had opened and my picture was in the Forsyth County News.” – Leena, Information Specialist

“Opening the doors on March 27 and cheering for the first patrons who entered. Seeing the joy on their faces as they walked into the building was absolutely priceless!” – Lorraine, Circulation Supervisor

The first patrons to enter the library received a warm welcome!

“I’m truly grateful to have been part of this journey from the very beginning, even before the building opened to the public. Watching everything come together from scratch has been such a rewarding experience. It feels like having all the pieces of a toy and seeing it finally come to life once it’s fully built.” – Sravanthi, Collection Support Aide

“One of my favorite memories from last summer was working with the VolunTEENS! We had some amazing teens come to volunteer and help us out all summer. I especially loved seeing them excited to hold the snake at the end of the Wildlife Wonders program!” – Leslie, Youth Specialist

“In less than a year, I've been spoiled by too many great Denmark memories to ever fully mention. But my all-time favorite comes down to one of these two, both from before I was even an employee: first, the beautiful spring day on which we first heard from the school intercom that our neighbor was opening its doors for the first time, when all of us students got to finally explore the masterpiece we'd been watching assemble next to us over the past three years (I'll never forget literally jumping out of my seat as this sneak announcement surprised me in the morning briefing); and, second, the chance connection made with a fabulous juggler who came to perform during our first summer reading, which ended in my receiving an unexpected gift of exceptional comics bounty (ain't being a VolunTEEN great??). I love this amazing place and I'll be thankful for it forever!!!” – Jade, Collection Support Aide

Help us celebrate by sharing your own favorite memory or feature of the Denmark Library. 

If you haven’t visited us yet at Denmark Library, be sure to drop by to say hi and check out our wonderful spaces like our Friends Terrace, Bookworm Garden, and the Amphitheater!

Jessica Dillard

Information Specialist

Denmark Library

Adult Nonfiction Staff Picks: The Sea Captain's Wife by Tilar Mazzeo

As a fan of maritime adventure tales, I was eager to read The Sea Captain's Wife by Tilar Mazzeo. It follows the life and famous 1856 voyage of Mary Ann Patten, a nineteen-year-old bride of sea captain, Joshua Patten. 

The story begins with their maritime family history from Maine, one of the country's largest seafaring states at the time. After making a name for himself on his first command of a clipper ship, Joshua was given command of the Neptune's Car which was to sail from Boston around Cape Horn to San Francisco. For those unfamiliar with Cape Horn, it is at the southern tip of South America and remains to this day one of the most treacherous bodies of water to navigate. 

Being newlyweds and not wanting to be alone with her family, Mary Ann accompanied her husband on this voyage. Keeping busy during the long voyage, she learned to read the stars and charts for navigation. This soon became necessary when Joshua, the ship's captain, became seriously ill and unable to perform his role. Despite challenges from the first- and second-mate, Mary Ann won the admiration and trust of the crew. Her stamina and will were tested as they fought through an eighteen day gale in the freezing waters near Antarctica.

Mary Ann Patten wasn't the only female to captain a ship in those days but many of their stories have been left untold.

If you enjoyed: The Wager by David Grann or the movie Widow Clicquot

Perfect for: Readers who enjoy maritime adventures or the grit of courageous women. 

Also written by Tilar Mazzeo: 

• Eliza Hamilton : the Extraordinary Life and Times of the Wife of Alexander Hamilton 
• Sisters in Resistance : How a German Spy, a Banker's Wife, and Mussolini's Daughter Outwitted the Nazis 
• The Hotel on Place Vendôme : Life, Death, and Betrayal at the Hôtel Ritz in Paris

The Sea Captain's Wife is available at the library in regular print, and as an eBook through FCPL’s digital collection.

Joan Dudzinski

Branch Manager

Cumming Library

Unreadable Podcast Transcript - March 2026

This year's Forsyth Reads Together selection is The God of the Woods by Liz Moore. In this episode, Liz Moore joined Ross to talk about the genesis of the book, how her camp experience as a child informed some of the scenes and settings, and what it's like to showrun a tv show. 

Liz Moore will visit the Forsyth Conference Center on March 10 at 7:00 p.m. to discuss The God of the Woods. Please see our website for more information on how to attend. 

Introduction:

♪ bouncy piano and brass music ♪

Hello and welcome to Unreadable, the official Forsyth County Public Library Podcast for news, upcoming programs, and recommendations.

I’m your host, Ross Gericke, the branch manager at Hampton Park.

In this episode I speak with Liz Moore, author of this year’s Forsyth Reads Together selection, God of the Woods.  Liz shares some interesting details about the creation of her novel along with a little information about the upcoming Netflix series. Liz will be visiting Forsyth County in person on Tuesday, March 10th from 7:00–9:00 p.m. at the Forsyth Conference Center, so make sure to visit our website to sign up for a reservation.  Now on with the show.

Interview:

Ross Gericke: Hello, Liz, and welcome to the podcast.

Liz Moore: Thank you so much for having me. Happy to be here.