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 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Great Good Thing
- By Roderick Townley
- Genre: Fantasy
Common Sense Media says
Great for kids who love books.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this is a philosophical little story with some big ideas.
What's the story?
"Sylvie had an amazing life, but she didn't get to live it very often."From that auspicious opening sentence springs the story of Princess Sylvie, a character in a book that has been gathering dust for years. While waiting for a Reader, the characters while away the time, but when a Reader finally opens the Book they all scramble to take their places and enact the story yet again.
Sylvie, bored and curious, breaks the rules and finds her way out of the Book and into the dreams of a Reader named Claire. Her parents are outraged, but when Claire's brother accidentally sets fire to the Book, it is Sylvie who leads the characters into Claire's mind. There they attempt to reconstruct the story, but freedom from the Book's strictures, as well as the vagaries of Claire's maturing mind, brings unwelcome changes. As Claire ages, their continued survival may depend on the mysterious "girl with the dark blue eyes," who flits through Claire's dreams and waking thoughts and seems to know all about the Book.
Is it any good?
It has often been said that one of the great things about books is that the characters and story are there, waiting for the reader to bring them to life. In this story, this is literally true: When the book is closed, blue back-up lights come on and the characters find ways to pass the time until the next time they reenact their story.
This offbeat, philosophical little book is not for every child. Though it certainly has some action and adventure, it also introduces some big ideas about the nature of reality, mortality, dreams, and artistic creation. But for a child who loves books, thinking, and wondering it is a unique treasure, and a new way to look at the world of imagination.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the relationship between readers, characters, and authors. Do you think everyone reads a story the same way? Do you believe books belong to you, in a sense? What is the author's role?
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AGE
Sweet and whimsical
This was one of my favorite childhood books. It's a delightful blend of characters, wit, adventure, and questions, and thinking children will be universally intrigued by the premise.
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AGE
Stays with You, in the Back of Your Mind
An imaginative story about what happens to the characters in books when we put them down. When I was younger it was one of my favorites, and I still think of it whenever I stick my finger in a book to keep my place.
There is some fire, set by a child, so if you're trying to discourage a firestarter, this could either help or hinder your efforts.
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AGE
What a SWEET story!
My 6 1/2 year old son LOVES books. This story was right up his alley. It is such an original, creative story with great characters. It makes for great discussion about dreams and thoughts and even death (in a sweet peaceful way).
We thoroughly enjoyed every page!
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AGE
A Must Read for All Ages
The Great Good Thing captured me with the adventures and the drama. Every part of this book was suspenseful. I just couldn't put the book down! I am definitely going to read the sequels!
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AGE
Wonderful
It was great for my dautour. She lovvvvvesssssssss to read and it was a story that pulls you in. She said from the first sentence it was amazing. "Sylvie had a amazing life, but she did't get to live it very often." IT WAS GREAT!!!!!!!!
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AGE
A New Classic
This has been my favorite book ever since my Dad read it to me at the age of 6, I'm now 16 and make it a point to read it once a year. The plot is so origional that it takes your breath away, I developed a love for books and reading from hearing about a book from the character's point of view.
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AGE
The Great Good Thing
I loved every moment of this book! I didn't think I'd enjoy it at all but it a very unique story and I will read the sequels asap! I thought it would only appeal to younger years but I found myself unable to put it down and even found myself wondering if it was a good idea to leave the book open when I went to bed! Really captured my imagination. I love this book.
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| Author: | Roderick Townley |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Fantasy |
| Publisher: | Penguin Group |
| Publication date: | March 22, 2004 |
| Number of pages: | 216 |
| Hardcover price: | $17.00 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 10 - 14 |
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