THE HELLO, GOODBYE WINDOW by Norton Juster

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Juster, Norton. 2005. The Hello, Goodbye Window by Chris Raschka. United States: Michael Di Capua Books. ISBN 0786809140

2. PLOT SUMMARY
This Caldecott Medal awarded book is told in the voice of a little girl who describes her time spent at her grandparent’s house. Because the kitchen is the central gathering place and the kitchen window has views of outside and inside activities, the events (real or imagined) that could be viewed from the window take on a special meaning for the child.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This tale highlights the simple pleasures of childhood and the bond between grandchildren and grandparents. As the characters represent both multicultural and multigenerational groups, this story has the potential for wide appeal. The commonplace and sometimes humorous events told in the voice of a child offer readers an honest connection to the story. The naïve/expressionist style illustrations are done in a painterly technique (primarily watercolor?) and have a childlike simplicity matching the perspective of the little girl narrating the story. They are bright and vivid with a distinct use of line to give definition to objects. While it deals with the notion of separation, it is a lighthearted story overall.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
From School Library Journal: “While the language is bouncy and fun, it is the visual interpretation of this sweet story that sings.”
From Booklist: “Two well-known names come together in a book that speaks to the real lives of children and their experiences.”

5. CONNECTIONS
*Read this story in conjunction with Grandparent’s Day activities
*Read other books about visiting grandparents:
Spot Visits His Grandparents by Eric Hill ISBN 0142403601
Little Bear’s Visit by Else Holmelund Minarik ISBN 0060242655
*Study and compare other books authored by Norton Justor or illustrated by Chris Raschka
*Write a memoir of a visit with grandparents
*Read other stories about separating from parents or grandparents