Juster, Norton, and Christopher Raschka. The Hello, Goodbye Window. New York: Michael di Capua Books/Hyperion Books for Children, 2005. 32 pages. ISBN 978-0786809141.Picture book. Ages 1 and up. No official websites.
Through Nanna and Poppy's kitchen window is a magical gateway. A little girl visits her grandparents and and they look out the window to watch stars, play games, imagine Kings and Queens, and to say hello and goodbye.
The watercolor/ oil pastel illustrations by Christ Raschka are unique with very vibrant colors that jump off the pages. The forms are impressionistic but yet different aspects of the characters faces and details of the room can be seen.
Importantly, this family is a multicultural family. Nanna and Poppy and her parents are different races. So, it will be a good springboard to talk about different ethnicities and multiculturalism. The story is great for nontypical families or introducing different family styles and also for children who have parents who have to work.
The recommended age group is ages 1 and above. Children can be introduced to this book early, but it is a bit wordy for ages 1-3. Text heavy pages might make a young child bored or overwhelmed or intimidated. Especially, if it is above their level. Preschoolers and above will find more enjoyment in this book. In addition, it is written in the first person so the text is written in the tone of a little girl. There are some run-on sentences and wrong word use. Nonetheless, it is a touching heartwarming book.
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