The hello, goodbye window by Norton Juster, illustrations by Chris Raschka (the 2006 Caldecott Medal Winner)

Seen through the eyes of a beloved grandchild, the kitchen window in Nanna and Poppy's home provides a portal to life, love and happiness. The child describes how the window lets her see in to love and out to life, and in the process she shares happy times and routines that she counts on in her grandparents' home.

Juster's story accompanied by Raschka's impressionistic illustrations makes a vivid tale for the senses as we see the color, hear the laughter and feel the love within the home. Life is good, and we are there sharing it all.

Not a quiet picture book, the color and emotions within the words seem to make this a book better suited for middle-elementary children who can empathize with the emotions of the child. Indeed as an adult and a grandparent I connect with this book in unspoken ways. Tale and picture: an award-winning combination!

key words: family, laughter, relationships, grandparents