Review of Something Good by Alison D. Hart
As a longtime admirer of whimsical stories that dance between humor and the occasional dose of reality, Something Good caught my eye immediately. When I stumbled upon Alison D. Hart’s latest picture book, I was curious to see how she would navigate the tricky waters of a bad day filled with outlandish twists. The premise—complete with an awakening of chickens in the girl’s room and worms in her cereal—promised a laughter-filled adventure that many of us can relate to.
From the very first page, we meet a little girl whose day can only be described as “horrible.” She’s beset by mishaps—mud-filled boots and a pesky best friend who seems too preoccupied to notice her troubles. Hart brilliantly captures that familiar feeling of having "one of those days," reminiscent of Judith Viorst’s Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. The humor in the absurdity of the events—a mastodon somehow falling asleep on top of our protagonist while she’s trapped in a hole—will undoubtedly evoke giggles from young readers.
One of the most captivating aspects of Hart’s storytelling is how she intertwines magical realism with the comically mundane. The arrival of a pair of magical socks that allow the girl and her friend Zoe to fly away from their troubles serves as a heartwarming reminder that even on the muckiest of days, a glimmer of joy can appear if we embrace it. The imagery of flight, paired with the nostalgia of the 1970s-style illustrations, reminds me of my own childhood adventures. While many readers may find the illustrations reminiscent of Maurice Sendak, I must admit that they didn’t completely resonate with my personal taste. The quirky art can be a love-it-or-hate-it situation, and while some will find it charming, I missed a more polished aesthetic.
What stood out to me was the humor leveraged through the visuals: chickens peeking through windows, mud splashing everywhere, and the girls laughing as they soar through the skies. However, I can’t ignore the pang of discomfort that arose from the girl’s attitude. While Hart’s rendition of a bad day can be comedic, my heart hesitated as I pondered how it may encourage a “woe is me” outlook in young readers. A gentle nudge to empower children to change perspectives or take action could enrich the narrative experience.
As I reflect on Something Good, it’s clear that this book dives deep into the full spectrum of childhood emotions, providing a narrative both resonant and relatable. Readers who enjoyed Mermaid Lullaby or Wild Honey from the Moon will likely find joy in this adventure. Ultimately, Hart invites us to explore the balance between trials and triumphs, a reminder that life is unpredictable and filled with surprises—both good and bad.
In the end, even though I may not be a die-hard fan of the illustration style or the portrayal of the protagonist’s attitude, I recognize the merit in Hart’s thought-provoking writing. If you’re guiding young readers, the book may serve as an opportunity to discuss the ups and downs of life—perhaps with a little added emphasis on the joy of finding ups in what may initially seem like downs. All in all, Something Good is a lighthearted tale that, despite its few pitfalls, offers a chance for laughter and reflection—a delightful read for those willing to embrace the unpredictable nature of days gone awry.