The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration - Book Five

When I first moved to my town in Oregon, one of the things that struck me straight away was the way in which people, complete strangers, smiled at me and greeted me in the street, in the shops, and on the hiking trails. It is so warming to connect with others with a simple "hello," "good morning," or "isn't it a lovely day." This meaningful picture book shows readers what can happen when people do not make this connection.

So close

Natalia Colombo

Picture Book

Ages 6 and up

Tundra Books, 2008, 978-1-77049-207-3

   Every morning Mr. Duck and Mr. Rabbit walk right past each other on their way to work. Every evening Mr. Duck and Mr. Rabbit walk past each other on their way home from work. They never exchange a word or a look. They never think to say “hello.” Imagine how much better their lives could be if they greeted each other. Why, they might even become friends.

   This short picture book will resonate with readers of all ages. So often people are in such a hurry that they don’t notice their neighbors. They don’t make eye contact or acknowledge one another. This picture book shows readers how easy it is to break out of this pattern. It shows them to great effect how rewarding reaching out to others can be.