Say Hello

Jack Foreman (text)
Michael Foreman (illustration)

Walker Children's Books, UK: 2008

ISBN: 9781406313598

Genres: picture book, realistic fiction

Issues: bullying, friendship, isolation,loneliness, racism, relationships

This very special book is a cry from the heart of every lonely, isolated individual.

Written by Michael's son Jack at the age of nine, in response to his own experiences, text is minimal but powerful. The illustrations are equally simple but effective line drawings in crayon. A small dog is ‘left out/all alone'. The pup's longing for companionship radiates from the page, echoed later in the book by a lonely child. The sadness of being ‘left out'; the bleak landscape that is a day without the warmth of friendship; these are reflected in the stark questions and statements of the text.

Particularly emotive - and demanding of reader empathy - is the line, "I wouldn't do this to anyone." But people - adults as well as children - do it regularly to one another. Whether the focus is bullying, racism, the need for wider friendships or social isolation of any other kind, this remarkable picture book is an essential resource. Every library, every classroom, every home should have a copy on hand to stimulate discussion and provoke empathy.

Cannot be too highly recommended.