The Hello, Goodbye Window

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Juster, Norton. 2005. THE HELLO, GOODBYE WINDOW. Ill. By Chris Raschka. Michael Di Capua Books. ISBN 9780786809141.

2. PLOT SUMMARY
A heartwarming story about a little girl’s visit to her Nanna’s and Poppy’s house. In this house there is a special window she calls the “ Hello, Goodbye Window.” This window is where the little girl always goes when she arrives and when she leaves. Throughout the story the window is the focal point of the little girl’s wonderful experiences while visiting her grandparent’s.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In this Caldecott winner book, the author has created a sentimental story about a little girl’s visit to her granparent’s house. Juster has incorporated simple text throughout the story to give the realism of a child narrator. While conversing from her point of view, the little girl describes how she enjoys listening to her Poppy play the harmonica, looking at the stars at night, cooking with Poppy, and Poppy chasing her with the water hose. The diction that the author has chosen to use to describe these activites clearly generates an imagery in each reader that will be sure to extract their own family memories.
The illustrations and text complement each other and create a story that flows smoothly. The illustrator has depicted a mixed-race family that shows gentleness and is very loving toward one another. The illustrations throughout the story are bright and colorful and will catch the attention of any young child. Each picture gives the feel of childlike creation and helps bring them into perspective of the overall theme.
This is a great way to introduce a unit on family. It will be a great asset to any library collection.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
School Library Journal: “Perfect for lap-sharing, this book will find favor with children and adults alike.-“
Publisher Weekly: “Juster (The Phantom Tollbooth) crafts a cozy portrait of a grandchild and her grandparents in this endearing book, illustrated in paintbox colors by Raschka (Be Boy Buzz).”
Horn Book Magazine: “The familial love that is Juster's subtext finds overt expression, spectacularly, in Raschka's illustrations -- lush mixed-media creations saturated in watercolor and pastel crayon and set off perfectly by white space.”

5. CONNECTIONS
Activity with this book could include students making a scrap book. Students can bring in photos of different places, activities, etc…. that they have done with their family and create a small scrap book.

Other book that could be used:
Hooks, Bell. HOMEMADE LOVE. ISBN 9780786806430