Common Sense Media Review
By Mandie Caroll
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gorgeous art of fall's shift to winter in comforting story.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
A sister and brother walk through a small-town landscape during a seasonal change in GOODBYE AUTUMN, HELLO WINTER. The story opens as the siblings play in a pile of red leaves, dressed in long sleeves and pants. They walk, talking to features of the natural world around them (birds, horse, sheep, deer, the last of fall flowers, the longer nights, and the North Star). Holiday lights are strung and begin to twinkle, and snow falls overnight (even at the busy bus stop the next day, it falls "in a white, misty curtain" that muffles "all the sounds around you"). Brother and sister then revisit the now fluffy-haired sheep as they say goodbye to autumn, and walk home, where they say hello to winter by building a snowman.
Is It Any Good?
This wintery book is full of subdued beauty and appreciation for nature. Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter is packed with symbols of the change from fall to winter (red leaves falling, birds migrating, an early-setting sun, frost, icicles, and snow). The conversation between the children ("Hello, clouds.") and the natural world ("Hello. We cover the sky like a downy, soft blanket.") sets a calming rhythm for a perfect seasonal read-aloud.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the "conversation" the siblings have with nature in Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter. Do you ever "talk" to or imagine talking to things in nature? What might they say back to you about autumn and winter in where you live?
What are your favorite scenes in the book? Do you like the art in this book? Why, or why not?
The sister and brother in this story appear respectful, interested, and appreciative of their environment. What are you curious about in the natural world where you live? What are you grateful for when it comes to winter in your family, neighborhood, and town?
This book shows what winter can look like in the Northern Hemisphere. Do you have "winter" where you live? What does it look like? What traditions do you do in your winter?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Kenard Pak
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Animals ( Farm Animals , Horses , Wild Animals ) , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , STEM ( Nature )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Curiosity , Gratitude
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Henry Holt & Company, Inc.
- Publication date : September 5, 2017
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 3 - 6
- Number of pages : 32
- Available on : Paperback, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 27, 2025
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