The way we say hello

PreS-K--A little girl wonders how she will say hello to her new baby sibling when he or she arrives. It turns out there are numerous and different ways to greet a newcomer, and she's looking for something very special. This charming picture book offers young readers plenty of options, from cultural customs (bowing, tipping one's hat), to silent hellos (a wave or a nod), to hellos in different languages (bonjour, guten tag, salut). Even the custom of the French kissing cheeks more than once! The rhyming text pulls readers in, and the colorful illustrations showing an accessible range of body types, skin colors, costume, and settings help children to visualize their international neighbors. This book is perfect for exploring global cultures and can serve as the script for a whole classroom presentation. Initially, the protagonist wonders how to say hello to her new brother or sister, but by the end of the book she realizes a homemade Welcome poster will do the trick. VERDICT This book will come in handy in children's libraries everywhere, with back matter that adds further information about the most basic of greetings: Hello.--Joan Kindig