Book Review -- The Hello, Goodbye Window (Module 1)

Picture Book Review
The Hello, Goodbye Window

1. Bibliography

Juster, Norton. THE HELLO, GOODBYE WINDOW. Ill. by Chris Raschka. Hyperion, 2007. ISBN 0786809140

2. Plot Summary

This picture book by Juster Norton is told through the eyes of a young girl, who is not specifically given a name in the story, serving as the universal child. This story is void of any conflict, but rather depicts a child’s loving relationship with her caretaker grandparents, Nanna and Poppy. The window referenced as the title of the book is a window located at the front of the house where the girl typically meets and is lovingly received by her grandparents before entering the house. The book describes the young girl’s interactions with her grandparents, and the words, gestures, and actions that show their reciprocal affection for one another.

3. Critical Analysis

The narrative style utilized by Juster is that of the narrator, a young girl. Not only does the girl factually relate the details of typical interactions with her grandparents, but a young child’s perceptions and imagination come through, often with a sense of humor or quirkiness. When describing some of the possible visitors she might encounter while sitting in the kitchen and staring outside through the window, her list includes a dinosaur: “Tyrannosaurus Rex (He’s extinct, so he doesn’t come around much.)” This story serves as a window itself – glimpses into the affectionate relationship between a young girl and her beloved grandparents.

The illustrations by Chris Raschka are colorful and detailed. The characters are distinct and consistent page by page, implicit with individual personality. Yet the pictures bring to mind the crayon drawings of small children, typically unconcerned with borders or boundaries, letting one element bleed into another. There is a strong sense of movement. The colors flow, and are cheerfully presented throughout. Additionally, the characters are shown through the artwork as being people of color, and varying shades of color, indicating the diversity within a family where so much love is present.

This book is universal in theme. The love of family members for each other transcends ethnicity. The content is whimsical and cheerful. Only one mention is made of any sadness at all, and this occurs when the young girl’s parents come to take her home at the end of the day. She is reluctant to leave her grandparents. She says “I’m glad because I know we’re going home, but it makes me sad too because I have to leave Nanna and Poppy. You can be happy and sad at the same time, you know.” Many children and adults can easily relate to this sentiment, and to this book.

4. Review Exert(s)

The Caldecott Medal 2006

Starred review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: “Juster adopts the voice of the child, whose present-tense narration is just right, describing pleasures (saying good night to the stars) and perils (the tiger at the back of the garden) with a steady, sweet candor.”

Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “While the language is bouncy and fun, it is the visual interpretation of this sweet story that sings. Using a bright rainbow palette of saturated color, Raschka's impressionistic, mixed-media illustrations portray a loving, mixed-race family.”

5. Connections

This story could be read, then followed with children picking a relative or relatives they enjoy visiting and writing a story about the activities that bond them. It could also serve as a light-hearted read that shows the diversity in the world, and that people can differ from one another in physical characteristics or even in the way they perceive the world, and still care for one another.