GOODBYE BRINGS HELLO

A book of firsts and transitions for young kids growing up and becoming more independent.

As the seasons change, White and Wiseman follow many diverse children as they experience new changes in their lives. It begins in autumn with a small white child who learns to swing independently by pumping. During winter, a black child says goodbye to an outgrown sweater and hello to a new coat. In the spring, a ponytailed white child says goodbye to an old “preschool trike” and hello to a “big-kid bike.” Summer brings great splashes in the pool. Finally, autumn comes back around, bringing new haircuts, shoes with laces, and first days of school. Written in rhyme, the text is short, making it engaging and accessible to young children. The illustrations are simple—some so casual as to look almost like colored doodles. Wiseman leaves the matte backgrounds plain but adds color and details to the characters, bringing them into focus. There is humor: An Asian child with glasses and a huge tuft of snarly hair is initially grumpy about a haircut but smiles at the result. Even though the text is short and illustrations are simple, both are sweet, and this book will give courage to any child feeling a little nervous or scared to try something new.

A great read-aloud for any child going through early life changes.