Review: Just Say Hi! by Margaret Bucklew

“Just Say HI!” is the story of two mushroom friends that come up to the surface and discover a whole new world. But making new friends in that new world is not an easy task, since the mushrooms feel different and shy. Little by little they learn that saying “hi” can open the door to new adventures.

It is told in dialogue and rhyme in a tone that at moments feels like a lesson about making friends, reminding me of Veggie Tales (without the reference to religion), and I guess that’s good if that’s what you are looking for. Maybe your child is in a situation when he or she will be facing a new environment and needs to be reassured that she’ll be alright. This book could be a guide or a conversation starter.

I think the illustrations will appeal to children. They are cute and simple, and show a new character in every page. My young daughter had fun pointing at them and looking at what was coming next.

Overall, “Just Say Hi!” is a book I can recommend for young readers to be read to, or early readers to read on their own (perhaps with some assistance), but most importantly it is a book that could help a child overcome the loneliness and shyness of trying to make new friends… and that’s priceless.

Mariana Llanos

 

Author Margaret Bucklew is the author of eight children's books

listed on Amazon.com. She has received several award in her teaching career.

*I received a free PDF copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.