Title: Goodbye House, Hello House
Author: Margaret Wild
Illustrator: Ann James
Published: July 2019
Publisher: Allen and Unwin
Readership: Kids #loveozkids
Genre: Fiction
Rating: ★★★★
RRP: $24.99
I received a copy of Goodbye House, Hello House unsolicited from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A joyful story about moving house and embracing change from a much-loved, award-winning team.
This is the last time I’ll run through these trees.
This is the last time I’ll dream by this fire …
Goodbye, old house. Goodbye.
A heartwarming story of letting go and starting anew, of moving from the country to the city, with a unique illustration style that allows room and space for the reader’s imagination.
Hello, new house. Hello!
It’s little secret that I enjoy picture books, especially picture books written by Australian authors. I’ve been reading Margaret Wild’s books my whole life and I never cease to be excited when a new one is released.
Goodbye House, Hello House is a charming story about a young girl, Emma, who’s moving house. On each page she says goodbye to the rooms and places that have been an important part of her life. Then, when the move is done, she greets the new home that she will come to know.
Margaret Wild’s simple story is accentuated by Ann James beautiful illustrations that are a mix of painted backgrounds and simple black and white line illustrations that are both lovely and whimsical. It’s a gorgeously illustrated book that will capture the imaginations of readers, young and old alike.
The beautiful thing about picture books is how they can help young readers cope with significant changes in their lives and moving house is definitely up there on experiences young children go through. Emma’s story is made even more relevant because she’s moving from the country to the city – an additional change.
The story is positive and full of hope around a new change. Emma’s story will be a great starting point for conversation around how things are always changing in life, and that not all change is bad: our outlook can help direct our experiences. It would also prompt a lovely discussion about the things that are important to the reader and what they’d miss about their home if they had to move.
Goodbye House, Hello House is a lovely children’s story and I’m looking forward to sharing it with my students.
Noveltea Corner 