A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 244

Dynamic Duo: Book 1

Picture Book: Say Hello!

Author & Illustrator: Rachel Isadora

Summary: Carmelita is very friendly to those in her diverse neighborhood. She has even learned to say “hello” in many languages. As she and her mother walk to Abuela Rosa’s, she does just that. Other words and visual cues such as signs, dress, and food give more information about the culture of her neighbors. Amazingly, Manny, Carmelita’s dog, has a “woof” that can be understood by everyone as well especially Carmelita when he wants some ice cream from the ice cream truck.

Hanna’s Comments: Be sure to check out the helpful pronunciation guide in the back of the book before reading aloud so that you can teach your children how to say these important words. Then talk to them about the essential spiritual practices of hospitality and empathy and the joy of language and communication. This is the first in a PBT Dynamic Duo of 2 books with the same name, both emphasizing the importance of being friendly to others.  

Update: This book comes in board book form if you want a book better for little ones to handle.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Scholastic, 2010

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 3 and up, Pre and up

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present, but there are some videos on Youtube.com that demonstrate saying “hello” in many different languages.

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, abundance/bounty, acceptance, attentiveness/observation/seeing, belonging, communication, community, culture, differences, diversity, golden rule, hospitality, language/literacy/reading, neighbors, neighborhood, openness, pets, pleasing God/the Shema, relationships, variety

Scripture Connections: For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ”You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:14)

Idea(s) for Application: Being friendly is a concept understood by children, but sometimes they need to be taught exactly how to go about it, why it’s important, and how it relates to their faith. Emphasize God’s desire for them to be empathic, sensitive, and welcoming members of your faith community as well as their neighborhoods and schools.