The Hello Goodbye Window By Norton Juster

Bibliography:
Juster, Norton. 2005. The Hello Goodbye Window. Micheal Di Capua Books: Hyperion Books for Children. Illustrator: Chris Raschka. ISBN 10-0786809140

Plot Summary:
The Hello Goodbye Window by Norton Juster refers to a window at a little girl's grandparents house. The book gives off great energy by the use of bright images. The story is happy and relaxing as the little girl tells of times she listened to her grandfather play the harmonica. The drawing on the kitchen table and pictures of loved ones by the sink gives a real-life visual of being at any grandparents' house. The little details simply make the story pleasant and very enjoyable.

Critical Analysis:
The Hello Goodbye Window by Norton Juster helps the readers develop fond memories of a little girl's grandparents, leaving readers feeling warm and safe. This book help develop mental pictures of when I was a little girl. It brought back all the fond memories of me spending time with my grandfather. I recalled all the funny stories he told me, he was a very good story teller. I also remember sitting on the back porch watching him clean his catch of the day. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday my grandfather went fishing and he would clean the fish in the back yard. I know watching someone clean fish does not sound very enjoyable but it was enjoyable for me because I know when he was finish we were eating some delicious fish for dinner. I recall eating fish every Friday and Saturday because those were my grandfather's fishing days. Recalling these memories made me feel a little sad also because I was left wishing to be with my grandfather. Norton Juster certainly capture my attention with this book, leaving me, the reader warm and fuzzy inside. I read this story to my sons and told them about my grandfather, which made for a lot of laughs; leaving my children with fond memories to share with their children one day. Thanks, Mr. Juster for rekindling my fond childhood memories of being with my grandfather.

Review Excerpt(s):
School Library Journal:
"The window in Nanna and Poppy's kitchen is no ordinary window-it is the place where love and magic happens.
Booklist:
"Two well-known names come together in a book that speaks to the real loves of children and their experiences.

Connections:
Have students illustrate or write about their own experiences with their grandparents, including special names such as "Nanna and Poppy" that they call their grandparents. Students could also create a family tree or illustrate their own Hello/Goodbye window. They could use a window for guide or focus point and add their fond memories such as picture (real pictures also) objects or cloths to make project more personal.