George & Lenny Are Always Together
With a deferential nod to Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, Jon Agee’s aptly named protagonists, George (a big, brown bear) and Lenny (a small, grey rabbit) teach children the importance of balancing friendships with solitude.
The narrative focuses on the close bond between George and Lenny. These fun-loving creatures enjoy spending time together outdoors– on swings, slides and climbing frames. However, their friendship is tested when Lenny decides to spend some quality time alone, much to George’s surprise and initial dismay. With both characters craving different environments, can they compromise and safeguard their friendship?
Agee’s playful images render this tale suitable for both pre-literate and literate children. His choice of palette for certain scenes and effective use of space aid in the understanding of this evolving friendship. His graphics show the duo enjoying physical exercise in a playground – a setting familiar to most children. By drawing Lenny engaging in individual pursuits such as art, music and reading, Agee shows his readers that solitude can be the perfect environment for self-regulation and creativity.
This charming picturebook celebrates the joy of companionship while simultaneously extolling the virtues of alone time. Agee’s brightly coloured, nuanced illustrations will appeal to young children straddling the worlds of friendship and self-discovery. This relevant and enchanting tale is a masterclass in human behaviour and emotions.
