GCR Books are well known for producing in depth and intriguing Arsenal-related books. Titles such as ‘The Arsenal Stadium Mystery’ and ‘Herbert Chapman On Football’ have all positioned GCR as a respected publishing outlet.
The latest addition to the growing family, ‘Billy Gooner’s First Match’, is something quite different. Aimed at the younger supporter, author Greg Adams has teamed up with illustrator Debbie Mitchell to produce 16 pages each of text and illustrations.
The story is set in 1976; as Billy Gooner celebrates his seventh birthday with an unexpected trip to Highbury with his Dad to watch Arsenal play West Ham United. The timing seems odd and a little out of touch but it works well, educating young Gooners about the history of the club while also maintaining traditional values.
The plot on the whole is naturally tame for a book aimed at youngsters, but still offers a selection of ups and downs along the way. Priced at £5.99 from GCR Books or £6.99 from the major online book-sellers, Billy Gooner’s First Match offers a good read, beautiful illustrations and a sense of history and traditional at a reasonable price.
The book is available from the online shop at GCR Books.