Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this book portrays a loving family, and readers of all ages will be touched by their gentle interactions. The main character comes from a mixed-race family.
Families can talk about which of the colorful illustrations they like best and why. This could be a good book for parents to use before leaving their kids with grandparents for the first time. Parents whose kids go to outside care regularly may be inspired to create their own hello/goodbye ritual.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Kate Pavao
It's easy to see why this book about a young girl's trips to her grandparents' house was awarded the Caldecott Medal for best picture book illustrations. The bright, mixed-media images capture both a childlike energy and the warmth of a loving family.
Young readers will recognize their own favorite family rituals as they watch the unnamed narrator count stars with her grandma from inside the kitchen window, or see her grandfather very seriously preparing her oatmeal for breakfast.
The author creates a convincing child narrator, but plenty is revealed through the simple text about her grandparents' house, and the happy, relaxed times that happen there, such as harmonica concerts, bike rides -- and, of course, naps.
The grandparents even make faces at her through the special window when she arrives, giving her "lots of extra fun and hellos before I even get inside."
This is a charming book that you and your kids will want to say hello to over and over again.
From The Book
Mommy and Daddy pick me up after work. I'm glad because I know we're going home, but it makes me sad too because I have to leave Nanna and Poppy.
You can be happy and sad at the same time, you know. It just happens that way sometimes.
Plot Summary:
A little girl recounts visits to her grandparents' house, which always begin and end with a stop at the Hello, Goodbye Window in their kitchen.
Related Books:
Previous Caldecott Medal Winners
Kitten's First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes (2005)
The Man Who Walked Between the Towers by Mordicai Gerstein (2004)
My Friend Rabbit by Eric Rohmann (2003)
Other Books by Chris Raschka
Yo! Yes?
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