Growing a Reader: Kids' Books, Tips and More

Hello!

World Hello Day is November 21. This year marks the 46th anniversary of a day intended to help us all to find world peace through personal communication. On this day, which was founded by Brian and Michael McCormack in 1973 in response to a conflict between Egypt and Israel, everyone is encouraged to "greet ten people for peace" with a simple "Hello!" How wonderful to think that such small acts of individual kindness can grow in to a global movement for peace and unity.

So what can we do to celebrate World Hello Day with our children? Of course it is still important to advise them of the dangers that can come from talking to strangers but we also need to teach them to be friendly and kind. So perhaps we can encourage them to say hello without speaking: smile at people who are passing, wave to neighbours, or nod to a person waiting in line with you. 

We can also celebrate by reading picture books that "Say Hello!"

Say "Hello!" in a different language or through words with actions…

Say Hello! by Rachel Isadora (Ages 4-7)

Say Hello! by Linda Davick (Ages 2-5)

Say "Hello!" to make a connection or to help you to disconnect…

 
Say Hello by Jack & Michael Foreman (Ages 4-7)

Hello! Hello! by Matthew Cordell (Ages 4-7)

Say "Hello!" in all kinds of weather and to all kinds of weather…

 
Hello, Sun! by Dayle Ann Dodds (Ages 4-6)

Hello, Snow! by Hope Vestergaard (Ages 4-6)

Say "Hello!" to the animals…

 
Hello Puppy! by Jane Cowen-Fletcher (Ages 2-5)

Say Hello to the Dinosaurs! by Ian Whybrow (Ages 2-5)

…or see how the animals might say "Hello!"

 
Hello Hello by Brendan Wenzel (Ages 3-6)

Say Hello Like This! by Mary Murphy (Ages 1-4)

So say "Hello!" and see what kind of difference that it might make in a world in need of peace and kindness.