Ciao. Auf Wiedersehen. Sayonara. Adios. No matter the language, goodbyes can be difficult to say. Everyone loves to voice the hellos, but the words don't roll off the tongue quite as easily when it's time to leave.
There isn't so much of a story line here, but rather an introduction to the friends and family of one unnamed little boy and how those people choose to say hello and goodbye. Auntie Lou says yoo-hoo and toodle-oo, while Granny sticks with Later, gater! Many people have their own unique way of saying they must leave. Some like to use hand signals while others dole out hugs. Even dogs know how to use a wagging tail or growling as greetings. Our kids were cracking up at the dog page in particular. They loved "They lift a leg or sniff a rear." as well as the accompanying illustrations.
There's no sense getting angry or snarly when it's parting time. It's not so bad saying goodbye when there is always the chance to say hello again. And maybe the next meetings will be opportunities to make new friends and you will find all sorts of ways to say nice to meet you! So toss off your Take it easy! knowing there is probably a fresh Howdy waiting around the corner.
This is a terrific book for children who are prone to temper tantrums when leaving an event, which seems to be a fairly common problem. It does a great job playing up fun ways to say goodbye, in addition to focusing on new meetings in the future. This would also be a good choice if you know a child's friend or neighbor will be moving, as he deals with that situation at the end of the book.
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