Parents' Guide to The Hello, Goodbye Window

The Hello, Goodbye Window Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

Kate Pavao By Kate Pavao , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 2+

Warm drawings and text make this a must-have book.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 2+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 5+

Based on 1 parent review

What's the Story?

A little girl recounts visits to her grandparents' house, which always begin and end with a stop at the Hello, Goodbye Window in their kitchen.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 1 ):
Kids say : Not yet rated

It's easy to see why this book about a young girl's trips to her grandparents' house was awarded the Caldecott Medal for best picture book illustrations. The bright, mixed-media images capture both a childlike energy and the warmth of a loving family. Young readers will recognize their own favorite family rituals as they watch the unnamed narrator count stars with her grandma from inside the kitchen window, or see her grandfather very seriously preparing her oatmeal for breakfast.

The author creates a convincing child narrator, but plenty is revealed through the simple text about her grandparents' house and the happy, relaxed times that happen there. This is a charming book that you and your kids will want to say "hello" to over and over again.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the colorful illustrations in the book. Which illustrations do you like the best? Why do they appeal to you?

Book Details

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