Review Detail

In bouncy, lilting rhymes accompanied by lively illustrations, a little boy discovers all the way people say goodbye:

Hi, hey, HELLO, I love greetings!

The How are you?'s at happy meetings.

But then it seems, before you know,

The word's goodbye, it's time to go!

For example, Auntie Lou parts company with a Toodle-oo, ta-ta, and kiss-kiss. Southern Uncle Ed farewells with "G'bye, y'all" and also adds "Take it easy." The little boy continues to catalog the comings and goings of various relatives and friends, making the text humorous as little readers and listeners recognize various "goodbyes" -- and also acknowledging the sorrow in the leave-takings (in the illustration of Granny's exit, tears roll down both his and Granny's faces). He comments on the way dogs and babies greet and say farewell, as well as "the worst goodbye" (as his friend moves far away).

OH NO! TIME TO GO! ends on a bright and wise note:

 . . .but for each goodbye . . .

there's a new hello.

This is a perfect book for youngsters grappling with the inevitable leave-takings of relative and friends, full of good humor and warm feelings.