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Parents' Guide to

The Hello, Goodbye Window

By Kate Pavao, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 2+

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

Book Norton Juster Family Life 2006
The Hello, Goodbye Window Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 5+

Based on 1 parent review

Umami
Umami Parent of 4 and 6-year-old
March 30, 2011
age 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.
See all 1 parent review

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?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

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

Book Details

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