Inspiring Young Readers

posted on 15 Feb 2026

Solo by Neil Clark

I am always on the lookout for picture books that reflect the kind of child that I used to be. I wouldn’t have described myself as anti-social, over-sensitive or anxious, but I didn’t always enjoy the company of other children. Instead, I very much enjoyed my own company where my imagination could take me to unusual and wonderful places and situations without having to consider others. I would argue that my relatively quiet and solitary time spent as an only child up to the age of eight has helped to shape the contented adult that I have become. The boy in this pleasing story is also very happy spending his time alone, which probably reflects the author/ illustrator’s own country childhood which fuelled his playful imagination. He aptly dedicates it to ‘my younger self and every other quiet kid: your solo time is your superpower’.

I loved the overall design of this upbeat picture book that makes good use of a restricted but vibrant colour palette and stylised figures throughout. The cover indicates that Solo is surrounded by busy mayhem that he doesn’t particularly want to be part of. As the story unfolds, we learn that he has many interests like going to the park, but prefers to stay on the edge of the action, looking on and playing with his ball. When the ball boings across to another child, he introduces himself as Jesse and invites Solo to play with him and his friends. Solo joins in with hopscotch, leapfrog, skipping and much more, but he never quite feels comfortable. The illustrations convey his awkwardness and how he needs the comfort of his own space to recover from being with so many other children.

My favourite part of the story is how he is then shown to be calm and self-sufficient as he sits and then walks alone around the park. When a concerned Jesse eventually seeks him  out, Solo shares some the ways in which he enjoys being on his own. Together they explore looking at books, building dens and watching the clouds as they lie stretched out on the trampoline. Once they have finished playing their imaginative games they decide to return to ‘the busy, whizzy part of the park’ with the proviso that they can fly there in the rocket submarine that they have been making together.

I strongly recommend this feel-good picture book that will encourage plenty of discussion about different kinds of personalities and preferred activities. The beautiful illustrations will also inspire some great artwork from children of all ages. Published by Rocket Bird Books, it should be available from your local independent bookshop who will order you a copy if not already on their shelves. Alternatively, you can order direct from WWW.ROCKETBIRDBOOKS.CO.UK 

Karen Argent

February 2026