In Goodbye, Hello: A Going Home Travel Adventure, author Angela H. Dale (Bus Stop) and artist Daniel Wiseman (When Your Llama Needs a Haircut) infuse a weighty topic with charm and joy: the separation and reunion of U.S. military families.
On a New York City sidewalk, a mother and her two young children are ready for transit, saying goodbye to the grandparents as a yellow-cab driver begins to load their luggage: "One last hug./ Strap and click./ Airport, please./ Quick, quick, quick." A long journey awaits the trio, through the international terminal, long lines, and a "hustle, bustle" to reach their gate. Once on board, it's soon "Wheels go round./ Rumble, whoosh./ Goodbye, ground/ Cars and buildings/ shrink--goodbye./ Hello, clouds,/ sun, and sky." The family lands in Tokyo for more "hustle, bustle" through lines at immigration, baggage claim, and another shuttle. After one "last big wait" at the pier, the children spot their other parent: "Hello, Mama!/ 'Missed you so!' " Finally "we're four./ More to love."
Dale's succinct, measured verses are inspired by her own experiences as a U.S. Navy spouse. Her rhythmic text, with its distinct beat, should work as both a read aloud and as practice for beginning readers. Wiseman's whimsical, vibrant digital art depicts the constant motion of all manner of airport travelers and staff, and the excited welcome-home crowds on the Navy pier. A few minute but specific details are problematic: for example, the Japanese in the Tokyo airport is inaccurate. Small quibbles aside, the standout message here is all about family being together: "Goodbye, goodbyes,/ Hello, hugs." --Terry Hong