The Hello, Goodbye Window

Here is my first book under the 5 Caldecot Award/Honor books.

We already had this book at home, and I had read it many times to my children. We all have enjoyed the book...for many different reasons. First off, I think the illustrations are a bit child like, which obviously appeals to children. For me, I think they are a bit too busy and garbled sometimes...I almost need to stare at each page for awhile to take it all in and make out what the big picture is. My favorite illustration is the page that talks about counting all the stars. Compared to the other illustrations, this one seems very soothing! I also think this book does a very good job of capturing the special relationship between a child and their grandparents. My parents, and my husband's parents have been watching our children since they were babys, and I think this experience has influenced my reaction to this book. I especially can relate to the part of the book where the little girl's parents are picking her up and she it happy to see them, but also sad to leave her grandparents at the same time. I have seen that in my children many, many times!
I also think this is a good multicultral book, to show that families are made up of all different colors and races. This would be good to use in a classroom to reinforce openmindedness and acceptance of other cultures and races.
The only other book I have read by this author is The Phantom Tollbooth. I read it when I was in elementary school, and then again in college for my Math for Elementary Teachers class. Both times I thoroughly enjoyed, although I do think it is hard to compare the two books. They are obviously intended for different audiences. I do think the author, Norton Juster, does a great job relating to the reader. Some books, you read and feel you are outside looking in (if that makes any sense), but with his books, you actually feel apart of what is going on.
This book has reinforced that children, even though they are small, can have very deep emotions and feeling for other people and their family.

Set 'um up!

Ok, so this is a required blog...which translates to not blogging for pleasure. I will have to admit that I have never blogged before, although I have browsed a few before out of curiousity. We'll see how it goes!!