The Good Little Book

“Arbona presents a compelling, sequential, aerial view of a sullen child who nonetheless becomes fascinated by reading. Vivid, fantastical artwork augments the ensuing … sentences about book-induced trips to faraway places and varied emotions .... It is easy to imagine an actor with an upper-class British accent reading the wryly humorous text ....” - Kirkus Reviews
 

“.... [T]he text and images together create an engaging book lovers’ celebration of the connection between readers and their stories and the pleasure that comes from sharing good literature. The sly publishing references—e.g., the “Pull Lizard” and “No Bell” prize stickers—will tickle adult readers, and the cover of the book matches the paintings of the boy’s book as well. A wonderful selection for a storytime for older children .... A vibrantly illustrated, solid choice for collections looking for books about reading.” - School Library Journal


"The Good Little Book is the amazing story of a boy and a book, who met quite by chance .... Wacky, zany, dazzling illustrations surprise the reader of The Good Little Book at every turn, once again proving that old adage, "You can't tell a book from it's cover." The Good Little Book is a timeless fable that embroiders and celebrates the timeless value of the reading of books.” - Midwest Book Review


“Maclear steers clear of ‘reading is good for you’ and focuses instead on a boy’s affection for a dearly loved object and sorrow at its loss. But with the affection is something more subtle, a celebration of the comfort of rereading, of having a favourite book that’s the only book for you. And Arbona’s art works well at aiding and abetting that play of imagination and feeling. Cockeyed perspectives, vivid colours and comic, surreal scenes show how dynamic, how animated, the love for a favourite story can be. Funny and thoughtful.” - The Toronto Star


 “Arbona’s whimsical aesthetic elevates The Good Little Book from a simple story about how a humble book can change the lives of countless children to an example of the book as objet d’art. From the first look at the lush crimson patina and embossed lettering on the cover we are intrigued. The red floral mid-century end pages remind us of old books we loved as children... The message of the story is that books are meant to be enjoyed over and over again and Arbona’s drawings are sure to keep you coming back for more.”  - Montreal Review of Books