What's the Matter, Marlo

(Hardback)

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Description

What's the Matter Marlo is a picture book about best friends that highlights empathy, as well as anger and sadness, and reminds us that these aren't feelings to run away from, but instead to help each other through. Marlo and Coco are best friends. They do everything together-they read together, laugh together, and play games together. After all, they're best friends. And that's what best friends do. But one day, when Coco asks Marlo to play, he doesn't answer. Instead, Marlo turns away ignoring Coco, until he's lost in his anger. Coco is worried about her friend, but then she remembers she can always find Marlo. In this charming, thoughtful picture book, author-illustrator Andrew Arnold explores empathy and sadness, and how friends can help each other navigate big emotions. Because that's what best friends do.

Reviews

"A sweet, reassuring validation of the power of a close friendship and empathy." - Kirkus, starred review

"Profound and reassuring." - Publishers Weekly, starred review

"[What's the Matter, Marlo is] beautifully precise, and accessible in its simplicity. Not only does it speak to grief in others, insightfully separating the person from the (sometimes eruptive and unpredictable) emotions, but it also models empathy." - The New York Times

"A gentle ode to the sadder and sweeter side of childhood friendship, Marlo is a delight." - Vera Brosgol, author of the Caldecott Honor book Leave Me Alone!

"What's the Matter, Marlo is a touching story that pulls on your heartstrings." - Dan Santat, author of The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend

"Distinguished by its trust in readers to discover key parts of the narrative through the illustrations and to contemplate the full meaning of the events and emotions." - Hornbook

Author Bio

Andrew Arnold is an author-illustrator and cocreator of the award-winning Adventures in Cartooning series from First Second Books. He is also the founder and editorial director of HarperCollins's graphic novel imprint. He writes and draws from his home in Brooklyn, New York, in the company of his rescue dog, Jerry. What's the Matter, Marlo is his debut picture book.