Say Hello
A lonely dog and boy manage to connect to each other and make new friends in this touching picture book from father and son duo, Jack and Michael Foreman. Jack Foreman based the text on a poem he wrote while having a tough time at school when he was ten years old. In fewer than 100 words, this story tells a complete tale that will tug on readers’ heartstrings. The words carry a simple idea: everyone wants to belong.
At first readers are introduced to a lonely dog that looks on as others enjoy companionship. The forlorn pup manages to join a new crowd after deciding to “speak up.” Later, after he has found some new friends, this dog helps a lonely boy. The lonely boy is a little more timid than the dog, but that is okay. As the book advises, all it takes is saying, “Hello!”
Michael Foreman has been awarded the Kate Greenaway medal and the Bologna Book Fair Graphics Prize. He has illustrated many classic tales and is the author—illustrator of Mia’s Story.
Illustrations always matter, but this is the type of tale in which they carry a big portion of the storytelling load because the text is so spare. Here, the drawings are simple, yet full of feeling.
Reviewed by
Jada Bradley
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
