When I saw that Norton Juster, author of the Phantom Tollbooth
and Chris Raschka, a multi-award winning illustrator had collaborated on a book,
I had to check it out.
Author/Illustrator: Story by Norton
Juster ; pictures by Chris Raschka
Publisher: Hyperion Books,
Michael di Capua books (2005)
Prices: $14.38,
Paperback - $7.99, Audiobook - $7.95
Reading level: Age 2-8
Interest level: Lower Grades
Physical Characteristics: Hardcover, 32
pages, 10.5x11.4
ISBN: 9780786809141
Genre:
Subjects:
Children – Fiction and Literature
Grandparents and child – juvenile fiction
Caldecott Winner
Annotation: A little girl spends a
wonderful few fun-filled days in her loving grandparents’ home.
Summary:
A little girl goes to visit her grandparents’. She describes her visit and all the
fun things there are to do in their house. The hello goodbye window is a central
part of the visit, as the family gathers around in the kitchen, where the
window is. Also, when she
is outside, she can look at the house and into the window to see her
grandparents. The hello
goodbye window acts as a portal from outside to inside her grandparents’ world,
and from inside onto the yard and beyond. It is also a place that inspires
imaginative play on the part of the girl.
Evaluation:
I do not find the narrative of this story particularly inventive
or engaging, but the illustrations are amazing. I found myself reading the lines on
the page and then dwelling on the pages to explore Mr. Ruschka’s illustrations. I could look at his illustrations for
hours. The bright colors,
squiggles and soft lines make these illustrations as welcoming as the house in
the book.
Similar Titles or Authors:
How to Babysit a Grandpa by Jean Reagan
How to Babysit a Grandma by Jean Reagan
Kite Flying by Grace Lin
The Great Big Book of Families by Mary Hoffman
Websites:
Awards & Recognition:
Caldecott Award Winner, 20016
Professional Reviews:
The hello, goodbye window. (2005). Booklist, 101(14), 1286.
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