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The Hello, Goodbye Window (by Norman Juster)

common sense media says

Warm drawings and text make this a must-have book.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

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.

Positive messages: This is a loving family, and readers will appreciate their gentle interactions. The main character comes from a mixed-race family.
Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
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More on The Hello, Goodbye Window

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the colorful illustrations in the book. Which illustrations do you like the best? Why do they appeal to you?

What's the story?

What's the story?
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.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
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. This is a charming book that you and your kids will want to say "hello" to over and over again.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Norman Juster
Illustrator: Chris Raschka
Publisher: Michael Di Capua
Publication date: April 7, 2006
Number of pages: 32
Hardcover price: $15.95
Read Aloud: 2
Read Alone: 6
This review was written by Kate Pavao
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

Umami
parent of 4 and 7 year old
5
 
The bi-racial "issue" was a non-issue. No one noticed or mentioned it. YIPPEE!!
I love it! I was invited to be the Mystery Reader in my grandson's kindergarten class last year. I researched books and found this one to be perfect. We have a big picture window that we have always used as our Goodbye Window, making silly faces and blowing kisses, etc. This year in first grade, my grandson personally invited me to read to his class and said that I HAD TO read this book again! It may be a geared for younger students, but with this request, how could I say no?! I will also read it to my 4-year-old granddaughter's class, and it should be perfect for them.
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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
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