It’s Perfect Picture Book Friday, once again, and I have such a lovely book to share today.
It comes from Cori Doerrfeld, the talented author/illustrator who brought us The Rabbit Listened (which you all know I totally loved and raved over in a PPBF post a while back!) It’s perfect for the beginning of a new school year as well as for many other occasions.
Title: Goodbye, Friend! Hello, Friend!
Written & Illustrated By: Cori Doerrfeld
Dial Books For Young Readers, July 2019, fiction
Suitable For Ages: 3-7
Themes/Topics: friendship, balance of life, coping with change
Opening: “Bye, Mom.
Every goodbye…
…leads to a hello.
Hi, I’m Charlie!
Goodbye to sitting alone…
…is hello to sitting together.”
text and illustration copyright Cori Doerrfeld 2019 Dial Books For Young Readers
text and illustration copyright Cori Doerrfeld 2019 Dial Books For Young Readers
text and illustration copyright Cori Doerrfeld 2019 Dial Books For Young Readers
Brief Synopsis: Transitions are hard, but two best friends help each other through changes big and small. When one experience ends, it opens the door for another to begin.
Links To Resources: draw a picture of someone or something that was hard to say goodbye to; write a letter to someone you love; tell a story about a time it was hard when something ended or a time when you were excited about something beginning; grow butterflies at home or in the classroom so children can see how saying goodbye to a caterpillar allows you to say hello to a butterfly; butterfly life cycle coloring page; bake cookies so you can say goodbye to dough and hello to cookies 🙂
Why I Like This Book: this is a sweet story about coping with change which helps young readers to see that letting go of one thing, though it may be difficult, can give us the opportunity for something new and also wonderful. It covers the ground from the matter-of-fact (the snowmen of winter giving way to the puddles of spring, the sun giving way to the stars) to the harder changes of having to say goodbye to someone we love. The book will help children to view change with positivity and optimism. The text is gentle, sweet, and poignant. Cori is a master of getting to the heart of things with exquisite simplicity. And the art is warm, engaging, and appealing. A great choice for every child.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do 🙂
text and illustration copyright Cori Doerrfeld 2019 Dial Books For Young Readers
For the complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.
PPBF folks, please add your titles and post-specific links (and any other info you feel like filling out 🙂 ) to the form below so we can all come see what fabulous picture books you’ve chosen to share this week!
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!!! 🙂
Susanna Leonard Hill 
Cori Doerrfeld is indeed a master of heartfelt simplicity. I love this book and it’s message of dealing with changes (transitions and losses).
She is amazing, isn’t she Maria! So talented! Not just the words, but her beautiful art! I want to be her when I grow up! 🙂
I love Cori Doerrfeld’s work & can’t wait to read this one. And such an inspired activity to say goodbye to dough & hello to cookies!
Hahaha, Patricia – you know me! If there’s a way to work baking (and chocolate) into anything, I’ll find it! 🙂
I already love THE RABBIT LISTENED…so I know I will love this one also. Thanks for sharing it, Susanna! And Happy Fall and Back to School…I’ll bet the leaves on Blueberry Hill are starting to look pretty spectacular.
I actually thought you might already have reviewed this book earlier in the summer when I was on PPBF break, Vivian – someone did, I’m sure! Happy Fall and Back to School to you too. The leaves are just starting here – it’s been unseasonably warm – but I bet in New Hampshire you’ve got quite a show!
I had heard about this book but didn’t know it was out yet! Yay, be right back, I need to add it to my library request list. I love THE RABBIT LISTENED.
I can say with great assurance that you will love this one too, Laura!
The gentleness of Cori Doerrfeld’s work reminds me of AKR’s books. I think that hellos and good-byes are tough, even as an adult. Maybe it’s because I’m an introvert. So perhaps I should read this book for myself, first, and then share it with others. Thanks for the rec, Susanne!
Yes, I think you are right about that, Jilanne – it is reminiscent. I too have a hard time with the hellos and goodbyes… maybe all writers are the same! We have trouble meeting new people and feel everything deeply! 🙂
Thanks for sharing this one, Susanna! I love the theme and the idea that letting go of one thing opens the door for something new. I will check it out!
It’s such a simple and obvious idea that I find myself wondering why I didn’t think of it first! 🙂 But it’s so beautifully done, Gabi! You’ll love it.
Perfect share for the beginning school year. Like the metaphors of closing and opening. Sweet illustrations!
It truly is a perfect picture book, Pat! 🙂
I love, love, love this book! My kids and I have been discussing this very topic lately. Change can be so difficult and cause so much anxiety for some. This book is such a gentle, warm reminder to focus on the good that often comes from change. I’m #4 on hold to check it out from the library!
It’s a wonderful book, Megan! Hopefully your library won’t take too long. If it does, holler and I’ll loan you mine 🙂
This looks like the absolute cutest! In my life it’s – Goodbye, naughty behavior. Hello, pieces of chicken! Oh yeah!
Love and licks,
Cupcake
That is a system that works for many, Cupcake! (Particularly your many 4-legged friends! 🙂 )
I LOVE these adorable little characters and the book looks great! Such happy illustrations 😀
It’s such a wonderful book, Donna! I had to resist showing ALL the illustrations! 🙂
This looks wonderful. Sounds like a good reminder for grown-ups too.
It really is, Sarah. We can all take heart from this.
Absolutely love these illustrations and the story looks precious!
It’s simple, sweet and beautiful, Ciara! I highly recommend it!
Oh I adore this book so much! One thing I love about Cori’s books is that kids can take away a message that is as deep as they need it to be. It can be a fairly straightforward read or it can be something that helps heal huge, messy feelings. Wonderful pick!
You are exactly right about Cori’s books, Nicole. It’s one of the reasons they’re so wonderful!