The strong labeling of Good and Trouble troubled me in this book. One child, trying to help a friend, had their actions labeled as trouble because the end result was a damaged kite. But was the child trying to cause trouble? Or were they trying to help their friends? I finished reading this feeling troubled by the labeling and confused.

Thanks to @NetGalley for sharing this DRC with me for an honest review.

I understand what this book was trying to do. It was trying to say that you as a person are inherently good, which I agree with. But the introduction of capital T Trouble made it feel weird. Like you are inherently good except if you do these things. Then you're not. Which means that they aren't actually inherently good. It was just weird. Trouble going with the kite (which if I was reading correctly wasn't a thing they could control?) also made it feel like this thing you have no control over is making you no longer inherently good. I really might be reading to much into it. I did like that we are saying these two Black boys are inherently good! More of that please!

This is a nice, simple book about focusing on the good. The illustrations were unique and I thought they were interesting and fun. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

Good is a book that lovingly expresses to children that 'good' is not something they have to necessarily do or live up to; they are, at heart, already good as they are.

It's definitely presented as more of an abstract concept, but it's a positive sentiment nonetheless and the illustrations are wonderful. (Shout-out to an illustrator from RVA! ♥)

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

A wonderful, brilliant idea—and I love the way it’s presented. The short, succinct sentences feel like a sermon (in the best way)—clear, precise, and to the point, like a well-rehearsed speech. The book teaches children about <b>GOODness</b>, about facing challenges, about resilience and discovering their own strength and character.

However, the illustrations didn’t resonate with me at all. It’s a matter of taste, of course, but I found them distracting rather than enhancing the message. The rough, simple style, reminiscent of children’s watercolor paintings, makes sense conceptually, yet it prevented me from fully embracing the book. The words spoke to me, but the images did not.

This book is so cute. My kindergarteners would love to see the stunning artwork and hear the inspiring story. I loved the way my students will be able to picture themselves in the shoes of the main character. This would be a great conversation starter for social emotional learning in the classroom or with a small group of children.

Warm sweet positive story about finding the good in yourself and keeping it safe even if hardships come. I love the vibrant illustrations, the speak alone as they are so expressive! Wonderful short read I would recommend!

Thanks Capstone Editions and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!