THE HELLO, GOODBYE WINDOW

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Juster, Norton. 2005. THE HELLO, GOODBYE WINDOW. Ill. By Chris Raschka. Hyperion/di Capua. ISBN 0786809140

PLOT SUMMARY
The story is narrated by a young girl, and she talks about her connection to her grandparents using their special kitchen window. Norton Juster writes about the many activities that can be achieved around the window, inside and outside of the house. The young girl connects to the fact that her grandparents are most often in their kitchen or working in the yard. The window is always waiting for her to return. When the young girl’s parents come to pick her up, she thinks about the challenges of being happy and sad at the same time. She is happy to go home, yet she will miss her grandparents. One day she dreams of having her own goodbye window.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Norton’s writing illustrates the importance of Grandparents in a child’s life. The detailed excitement that the young girl feels when she arrives to spend the day with her grandparents, allows young readers to connect with the story. The young girl connects her grandparents love and attention to the kitchen window. This is the window in which she first sees them when she arrives, and they have a special hello tradition.

Chris Rackham illustrates utilizing bold colors and whimsical charm. The colors allow the reader to feel comfortable and at ease while reading the story. The young girl is illustrated doing many activities and the window is never far away. The illustrations add realism and depth to the story. Children will enjoy seeing all of the activities that the young girl accomplishes with her grandparents. The illustrations are both two page and small vignettes. This style complements the story; the two page illustrations show the presence of the window in the story.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
Starred review in Booklist: “A book that speaks to the real lives of children and their experiences.”
Starred review in Horn Book: “Lush mixed-media illustrations set off perfectly by white space.”
Booklist-Caldecott Medal Winner: 2006, Notable Children’s Books: 2006, & Booklist Editor’s Choice: Books for Youth, 2005.

CONNECTIONS
*This book is excellent for discussing the positive impact of grandparents on a young child’s life.
*Other books for children about relationships with Grandparents:
Leijten, Aileen. HUGGING HOUR. ISBN 0399246800
Marla, Frazee. A COUPLE OF BOYS HAVE THE BEST WEEK EVER. ISBN 9780152060206