Summary
There are a lot of nice things about visiting Nanna and Poppy’s house. But the thing I remember best is the kitchen window. We wave to each other when I’m coming. We wave to each other when I’m leaving. And we do a lot of fun stuff in between.
Activities
Find the flower barrel in the book. Look at a photograph of a flower barrel (enter search term "flower barrel" in the search box). Make your own picture of a flower barrel by putting in any flowers you like.
One of the rules is that you can’t touch anything under the sink because it might make you sick. What other things might be in other parts of the house that you shouldn’t play with?
Compare the harmonica and the kazoo. Which do you think you would rather play? See if you can find someone who has a harmonica.
Sing "Oh Suzanna".
Do you know how many stars there are? Read about stars and constellations.
What is your favorite breakfast? Class activity: Make a graph. (to the Teacher: template for making graphs)
A tyrannosaurus rex and the Queen of England could come along outside when it’s a magic window. Nanna says a lot more could come. Tell about three more people or things that could come by the window.
Leaving Nanna and Poppy is both happy and sad. Can you think of anther time when you can be happy and sad at the same time?
Chris Raschka had another book which was a Caldecott Honot Book is 1993. Compare his illustrations in Yo! Yes? with The Hello, Goodbye Window.
About the Author
Book Standard interview about The Hello, Goodbye Window
Interview with Norton Juster (about The Phantom Tollbooth but lengthy enough to give insight about the author)
Powell’s Author Interview
Salon Author Interview
Illustrator Chris Raschka biography (PDF)
Chris Raschka photo
BookPage Chris Raschka interview
Awards
Caldecott Medal winner, 2006
ALA Notable Children’s Book, 2006
School Library Journal best books of 2005
Parenting Magazine best book of the year 2005
Boston Globe/Horn Book, honor book 2005
CCBC Choices 2006
New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book of the Year winner, 2005
More for the teacher
Links to other online guides for The Hello, Goodbye Window.
Assessment
The Hello, Goodbye Window. Accelerated Reader: Quiz #88393; Book Level 3.4; Points= 0.5
Reading Counts: #38273; Reading Level 3.3; Points= 1.0
Lexile Level 760L
Guided Reading Level K
word count= 914