PICTURE BOOKS - The Hello, Goodbye Window

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Juster, Norton. 2005. THE HELLO, GOODBYE WINDOW. Ill by Chris Raschka. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc. ISBN 0439897505

2. PLOT SUMMARY
THE HELLO, GOODBYE WINDOW is a story that is told from the viewpoint of a little girl. She tells about spending time at her grandparent’s house and about a special kitchen window that is located in the heart of their home. She tells of adventures, rituals, and special treats that go on during her visits. She also shares her experiences from the outside of the window looking in, and from the inside looking out. Her absolute love and adoration for her grandparents are portrayed throughout all of her experiences.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Norton Juster shares a story of a young girl who lives in the safety net of knowing her family is a safe and warm haven for her to enjoy her life and visits to her grandparent’s house. He writes an easy to follow story that children and adults can both enjoy and appreciate while remembering their own experiences of growing up. It is honest and direct and captures the fond memories, fears, excitement, imagination, and the sadness of when it is time for her visit to come to an end.

Chris Raschka’s vibrant illustrations capture the warmth and love of the story. They are bright and cheerful and capture the happiness of a young girl who looks forward to her visits. He is able to combine loose swirls, dots and dabs, lines, and vibrant colors to portray the character’s happy emotions and the complete love and adoration that go along with it.

THE HELLO, GOODBYE WINDOW is an easy book to share with any age group. The story is easy to follow and can easily be related to family, love, trust, and bonds.


4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
KIRKUS REVIEWS: “Charming--and charmingly illustrated--snapshot of a little girl's love affair with her grandparents.”
THE HORN BOOK MAGAZINE: 2006 Caldecott Medal
BOOKLIST: “A book that speaks to the real lives of children and their experiences.”

5. CONNECTIONS
*This is a great book to introduce the subject of families or grandparents as well as the special relationships, bonds, and trust that are built inside of a family unit.
* Other books about family relationships are:
Andreae, Giles. HEAVEN IS HAVING YOU. ISBN 1589250168
Casely, Judith. GRANDPA’S GARDEN LUNCH. ISBN 0688088171
Levey Oppenheim, Shulamith. FIREFLIES FOR NATHAN. ISBN 0688121470