The Hello, Goodbye Window

Review of The Hello, Goodbye Window Ill. by Chris Raschka, by Norton Juster From School Library Journal

The window in Nanna and Poppy's kitchen is no ordinary window–it is the place where love and magic happens. It's where the girl and her doting grandparents watch stars, play games, and, most importantly, say hello and goodbye. The first-person text is both simple and sophisticated, conjuring a perfectly child-centered world. Sentences such as "When I get tired I come in and take my nap and nothing happens until I get up" typify the girl's happy, imaginative world. While the language is bouncy and fun, it is the visual interpretation of this sweet story that sings. Using a bright rainbow palette of saturated color, Raschka's impressionistic, mixed-media illustrations portray a loving, mixed-race family. The artwork is at once lively and energetic, without crowding the story or the words on the page; the simple lines and squiggles of color suggest a child's own drawings, but this is the art of a masterful hand. Perfect for lap-sharing, this book will find favor with children and adults alike.–Angela J. Reynolds, Washington County Cooperative Library Services, Hillsboro, OR

This book takes on a special sentimental value with the sweet relationship between the granddaughter and grandparents. Not only did it bring back memories of my grandparents and how I loved to go to see them when I was young. It also accentuated the relationship my children have with their grandparents now. It points out how important the little things we share each day really are to children, down to every hello and goodbye. The softness of the illustrations helped to reinforce the books message and drew in the young listener. The book was a sweet story that should be told again and again.