Bear Is Never Alone by Marc Veerkamp

From Eerdmans Books for Young Readers  

The New York Times New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children's Books Award (2023)

A stirring, thoughtful story about the pressure to perform and the support of a true friend.

When Bear sits down at the piano, he makes beautiful music, and the other animals can't get enough. "More, more, Pianobear!" they shout. But sometimes Bear just wants to relax. Even when he tries to escape to a quiet tree branch, the voices follow him: "More! More! More!" Finally Bear snaps. No one seems to understand why he's so upset--except Zebra. Zebra loves Bear's music, but she doesn't ask him to start playing again. Instead, she brings over a book...

This moving story is the perfect companion for social-emotional lessons about choosing solitude, respecting boundaries, and building interpersonal awareness. Illustrated in striking shades of black, white, and red, Bear Is Never Alone encourages young readers to notice others' needs and care for them with kindness.