Picture Books

The Hello, Goodbye Window by Justin Norton and Illustrations by Chris Raschka.

Bibliography

Justor, Norton, The Hello, Goodbye Window. New York: Michael di Capua Books/Hyperion Books for Children, 2005.  ISBN 0-7868-0914-0

Plot Summary

In this brightly colored picture book, Norton Justor writes form the viewpoint of a child who is visiting her grandparents.  He describes the fun and imaginative things this little girl gets to do with her Nanny and Poppy.  In their house they have a “Hello, Goodbye window” that is somewhat magical to this little girl.  She can make funny faces at her grandparents, scare them and even see her reflection as if it is a mirror.  Everything from Dinosaurs to the pizza delivery guy can be seen through this window.  Throughout the story, Justor has the little girl describe her grandparents’ house, including all the dangerous things kids need to be wary of.  For example, she states that she is not to touch anything under the sink.  At the end of the story, the little girl’s parents come to pick her up.  She discusses the happy feelings associated with returning home and the sad ones because she must say goodbye to her Nanny and Poppy.  The story is one that many children can connect with and brings up the warm, happy feelings when visiting grandparents.

Critical Analysis

Justor shares a warm and loving story that most readers can relate too.  Embedded in the story are lessons and feelings related to the happiness of hellos and the sadness that can come with goodbyes.  The writing is simple and in bold print. The story is easy to read and to follow.  Because it is told from the viewpoint of a little girl, many children can identify with this picture book. 

Chris Raschka’s illustrations are full of color and have an elementary feel to them, as if a child could have drawn them.  It is as if the little girl is not only the narrator, but the illustrator as well.  Because there are not too many details in the drawings, it is easy for the reader to picture the details from his or her own life in the book. 

Review Excerpts

The Caldecott Medal: 2006

Starred Review in the SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Her story will resonate with young children who see themselves in the character.”

Starred Review in BOOKLIST: “book that speaks to the real lives of children and their experiences.”

Connections

*Provides a good background to discuss the feelings associated with the joys of saying hello and the sadness with goodbyes.

*Read  Norton Juster’s , Sourpuss and Sweetie Pie., ISBN 9780439929431 in order to demonstrate the little girl’s cooperative and the not so cooperative traits and discuss them with children and identify what is appropriate.   The children can also see if they can point out any of these characteristics in the little girl in The Hello, Goodbye Window.