That silvery cloud swimming in the sea is actually a school of fish.
That splash and crash is a pod of whales, sounding.
Behold, a fever of stingrays gliding by.
But what do you call a group of octopuses?
A tangle of octopuses? A chandelier of octopuses? A multipus of octopuses?
No, octopuses prefer to be alone.
The octopus is a solitary animal.
This lyrical, nonfiction text honors animals who live in solitude, in contrast to others who live in groups. Against a backdrop of the specific names of various animal tribes (a parade of elephants, a tower of giraffes, a dazzle of zebras), Stein shines a spotlight on those animals who go through life on their own. With nature at his back, Stein invites readers to draw strength and comfort from the behaviors of fellow animals. Perfect for children who are introverted or tend to be alone, and their parents...as well as all children, who will be encouraged to respect the "natural" choices of their peers.
Dominique Ramsey is a freelance illustrator from Atlanta, Georgia, who has a passion for telling stories about animals, nature, and the whimsical-mysteries things in life. Her inspiration comes from animation, video games, music, and children's books that have an animal focus, including the Warrior Cats book series and the Pokémon game franchise. Her inspiration also comes from animals themselves, the spiritual connection they have, their relationship with people, and what they mean to different cultures. Dominique strives for uniqueness, using bright colors, bold lines, shapes, and patterns that can excite and capture the viewer's eye. Her work focuses heavily on symbolism, where she explores themes such as mystery, culture, identity, and the subconscious mind. Her work has been acknowledged by 3x3 magazine, Society of Illustrators, and Creative Quarterly. She received her BFA in illustration from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2020.
A pair of #kidlit & #mglit book-lovin’ librarian BFFs - adventuring through life one page at a time - and sharing our crazy (but fun!) journey with you!
Completely in love with Joshua David Stein & @euqinimodart's new informational picture book Solitary Animals! A celebration of the animal kingdom; those who roam in groups, yes - but a true nod to the strength & power of those who live in solitude. Stunning in every way. 🐙🦥🐆🦅 https://t.co/LvtcmZDxVh
"An eye-catching affirmation of singular over plural." --Publishers Weekly (STARRED REVIEW)
"Stein introduces four solitary species and contrasts their contented solo lifestyles with social animals in similar habitats." --Horn Book Review (STARRED REVIEW)
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library selected title (2023)
Amazon Best Book (2022)
Texas Topaz Reading List Pick (2023)
Camellia Award Nominee (2022)