The Hello, Goodbye Window

by Norton Juster and Chris Raschka

At Nanna and Poppy’s house, the Hello, Goodbye Window “looks like a regular... read more

At Nanna and Poppy’s house, the Hello, Goodbye Window “looks like a regular window, but it’s not.” Through the course of an idyllic overnight visit with her grandparents, a young girl outlines the many uses of this special window. She can watch through it for the Pizza Delivery Guy, see her own reflection in the glass after dark, or even use it as inspiration for imagining a visit from someone—or something—unexpected (the Queen of England, or perhaps a Tyrannosaurus Rex). For readers, the window offers a view of a well-loved child’s routines with her caring grandparents, all firmly grounded in her perspective (“When I get tired I come in and take my nap and nothing happens until I get up.”). From the time she arrives until her parents pick her up the next day, this child engages in everyday activities—coloring pictures, eating meals, and helping in the garden—always under the watchful care of her attentive grandparents. Chris Raschka’s bold and vibrant illustrations are especially effective from a distance, making this story about a multigenerational, biracial family a perfect choice for a group read-aloud. Highly Commended, 2006 Charlotte Zolotow Award (Ages 3–7)

© Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 2006

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