Goodbye House, Hello House by Margaret Wild
Illustrated by Ann James
Published by Allen & Unwin
Date: 1 July 2019
R.R.P. $24.99
Margaret Wild has again brought us a fabulous picture book, this time with the topic of new beginnings – saying goodbye to one house and hello to another.
The illustrations by Ann James are divine and different from anything I have seen before. The contrast between the coloured backgrounds and black and white imagery is fascinating, offering children a different perspective on art in picture books. The illustrations really drew me into the story and I felt like I was there swinging on the gate, in the rustic surroundings just one last time.
My very favourite picture in the book was the first one, there is something about the colours and the majestic tree spread over the two pages that is so welcoming. It sets up the story beautifully and envelopes you securely into the surroundings throughout the book.
While you get a sense of nostalgia throughout the book, never once did the saying goodbye to one place and hello to another feel sad. Margaret Wild has written it in a manner that you can feel Emma’s excitement about the new, and the blessings from time past in the old. I felt secure in the knowledge that Emma also felt safe and believe that is why this is perfect book for children moving house or going through changes.
I highly recommend this book for ages 3+ and think it would be ideal to have in Preschool’s, Kindergarten’s, Childcare Centres and Libraries.
Thank you Allen and Unwin for the opportunity to read and honestly review this book.
Little Big Reads 