The Hard Work Day - by Alan Arkin (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

From beloved actor Alan Arkin comes a new edition of his classic picture book, updated and reissued with irresistible new art.

Tony is repeatedly denied the opportunity to participate as the rest of his family fixes up their new home--they all say he's too young! And so, off he goes to a nearby hillside and builds a house of his own! He lays a stone floor, chops down trees to make log walls and a roof, and piles loads of rocks to make a fireplace and chimney. When his family finds him napping in the new home on a woven grass rug, they applaud his work and ask if they can move in with him!

Partially-inspired by true events, this timeless story by actor Alan Arkin reminds the youngest readers that they are as capable, smart, and important as anyone else!

About the Author

Alan Arkin was an actor, filmmaker, and author. In a career spanning seven decades, he starred on Broadway, on television, in over sixty films, and won almost every acting award in North America, including an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe, a Tony Award, and six Emmy nominations. He had three sons, two of whom are actors, and all of whom are featured in this story! Alan passed away in 2023, after finishing his work on this auspicious republication.

Georgia Berg writes and draws and likes to find new ways to do old things. They hope to one day build a house on a hill of their own, or just to buy and fix one that's old and very broken, and hopefully already on a hill? They expect this will take a lot of hard work and help from their friends.

Violeta Encarnación is a Cuban-American artist based in New York City known for her vibrant, storytelling-driven visuals across both traditional and digital media. Her award-winning work often explores our connection to nature and to each other, inviting viewers to reflect on these relationships. In her free time, she's an avid plant lover always pushing the limits of how much green her apartment can hold, and a passionate culinary enthusiast on the weekends.