I wasn't sure what to think when I bought this book. I couldn't get over about how cute the title was (I definitely pronounce it a-lee-ben when discussing it), but I had done very little research on the premise before buying it. Opening it, and seeing the simple pictures, the soft little aliebn, and various forest creatures accented with simple text and proverbs, intrigued me. I read it in an afternoon, and I will re-read it again. This is a book to have in your shelf for when you're feeling lost or down, that you pick up and skim for direction or solace.