The Hello, Goodbye Window by Norton Juster

1. Bibliography
Juster, Norton.2005. THE HELLO, GOODBYE WINDOW. Ill. By Chris Raschka. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 0786809140

2. Plot Summary
A little girl tells about the magic that Nanna and Poppy’s kitchen window at their house brings. Everything that happens revolves around this window and the little girl shares her discoveries and the happiness of grandparents.

3. Critical Analysis

In this first person point of view, a fun-loving girl tells of her experiences while staying with her grandparents. Children will enjoy this story that is wrapped around the kitchen window and the happiness grandparents can bring. This book is one to be read over and over again.

The Hello, Goodbye Window was awarded the Caldecott Meal for best picture book illustrations. Raschka creates work that is vibrant and eye catching. After reading each page a person will want to take just as much time looking over the art and enjoying the energetic colors. With the creative writing plus the capturing illustrations, this book will bring many smiles on children’s faces.

4. Review Excerpts
Caldecott Medal
BOOKLIST: “Two well-known names come together in a book that speaks to the real lives of children and their experiences.”
School Library Journal: “Perfect for lap-sharing, this book will find favor with children and adults alike.”

5. Connections
* A good book to use for children visiting their grandparents or other relatives for the first time.
*Ask children to write about experiences from their grandparents or other close relatives.
*Other related books that are also Caldecott Medal Winners
Gerstein, Mordecai. The Man Who Walked Between the Towers. ISBN 0761317910
Rohmann, Eric. My Friend Rabbit. ISBN 0761315357