Hello World!

by Kelly Corrigan

From New York Times bestselling author Kelly Corrigan comes a book that celebrates the people in our lives and the meaningful connections we make that come from asking each other questions.

Hello World! is the perfect reminder that the journeys we take through life are all about the people we will meet along the way--people who will make us smarter, stronger, and more amazing than we ever thought possible. With her trademark inspirational wisdom, Kelly Corrigan writes the perfect book for anyone about to embark on a new adventure.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Juvenile

Audible Audio

Published April 20, 2021

About the author

Kelly Corrigan is a New York Times bestselling author whose writing has appeared in O Magazine, Glamour and Good Housekeeping. Her newspaper columns for the Bay Area News Group cover everyday matters from the power of an unequivocal apology to the contagious nature of weight gain, extramarital affairs and going green."

Reviews

[Lisa Lewton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Corrigan models the freedom that comes with curiosity. Living in a posture of asking questions leads to deeper relationships. It was fun to read this book with my 9-year old and I’ve left it on my coffee table for people to page through. I ask others the questions inside the cover. It is truly a delight to own this book. It is an excellent gift for older kids, and teenagers young and old, illustrating how we might see neighbors and strangers with a newer and wider lens.

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Kelly Corrigan, have read all her adult books. I love her video on the importance of a wide vocabulary. The book is good in so so many ways (like other reviewers noted).

The issues I have:
1) I disagree that being bored is an "unfortunate" circumstance to find yourself in (boredom can be a great catalyst to think up something new, or what appears as boredom can be a chance to wonder...) 2) The page with different people still represents predominately light and white skinned people which is not truly representative of our human population. 3) Why does the belching page START WITH BOYS and then say "SOME GIRLS TOO" (does that imply that all boys burp but only some girls do)?" Is that not reinforcing a stereotype about how boys and girls behave? 4) Why label a child a "bully?" The child is more than a bully, he is a child who does the action of bullying. And the boy engaging in bullying behavior has darker skin than the other three boys in that illustration.... 5) Why not show a boy being a ballerina on a bicycle and not just a girl???
Fabulous: the girl wants to start a burp-bottling business.
There is so much that is WONDERFUL about this book and at the same time, we need to have editors of children's books that recognize the things mentioned above in order to address some ingrained biases....
I will still use this book with my preschoolers and we will look closely and perhaps have discussions about why some of the illustrations are problematic.

[Carol V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an outstanding kids-friendly book! The young lady in this book is preparing to step out into the world. She is little but this story could be representative of any young lady or fellow, for that matter! What makes for a successful and fun life? Being a good listener. Getting to know others. And the way to do this is to learn to ask questions.

People of all types are portrayed in this story. Some belch loudly and others are bullies. But, when you really get to know them, they have interesting stories. Everyone does.

The author and illustrator show great examples of people doing and living. The important point in this story is that through listening and questioning, people can learn alot from each other. Wonderful connections are waiting around the corner. There are questions on the front and end pages that readers can use to ask others. A PERFECT book for EVERYONE of ALL AGES!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

After falling in love with Kelly Corrigan’s adult memoir Tell Me More, I was delighted to discover her brand new picture book for kids Hello World! I love alliteration but Corrigan takes it to another lever--a whole B with words beginning with B! As an educator, my imagination had a hay day with this! But the best lesson Corrigan teaches is how to become a trophy level question asker. Perfect for morning meetings for elementary kids and the ideal gift for a graduate. Move over Dr. Seuss’ Oh, the Places You’ll Go, Hello World! emphasizes “Oh, the people you will know!” The final illustration sums it up: a girl with eyes closed and outstretched arms under a balloon rainbow soaring up to the sky. Because isn’t that a picture of gospel truth? "Talitha cum." "Little girl (woman), I say to you, rise up!" (Mark 5:41).

[Mary Ellington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start off by saying people going list. Along the lines of Oh the Places You'll Go, Hello World is a good read for anyone venturing into new territories. Not so much about the places themselves but about the people you meet. And what do you do when you meet new people? You ask questions. Questions get conversations rolling. Conversations lead to new ways of thinking, new friendships.

In my opinion if it's a picture book sold in the children's department of a book store you can't go wrong. If it's a picture book written by Kelly Corrigan then it's sure to be a winner. Don't pass it up. Buy one for yourself and one for a friend.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

HELLO WORLD!
Written and narrated by Kelly Corrigan
Illustrated by Stacy Ebert
Listening Library, 2021

A young, biracial child ventures forth to learn what’s going on in the world and quickly learns that talking with and listening to the people you meet is where the excitement lies. Once I got used to the use of the letter B for everything the child encounters, this was a fun adventure into appreciating our differences as well as our similarities. Author Kelly Corrigan reads with vigorous enthusiasm and Stacy Ebert's lively cartoon illustrations add to the enjoyment of a book that will help spark conversations about the ways we learn about one another.

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this children's book, a little girl is taking off into the world to spot balconies and bridges and boulevards, but she ends up finding out that getting to know people is the most fun of all. She also realizes that everyone has something to tell, including the bus driver and the lunch lady.

Conversation is the foundation of connection, and that connection is the foundation of a happy life. Hello World! is about how the best way to make a meaningful connection is to ask questions. The goal is that you be the person who asks a slightly better question than anyone else. I loved how there were a bunch of questions included inside the book to help kids get started. Kids have a hard time with this, and the author says they are only three questions away from finding a friend.

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbyowens.com/transcript/kel...

[Molly Cluff (Library!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was carefree and clever--I loved the usage of so many words starting with the letter B--even the nonsensical ones felt quirky and clever. A great message about how you can get to know people by putting in effort--and how everyone has an interesting story. Not every sentiment rang true, but I did enjoy it overall.

[Cassie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm impressed by the encouragement to be curious and ask questions of people instead of making assumptions but I'm not sure the target audience is going to get the message without a conversation about it. So, a great book for starting a conversation with early elementary and older kids and one of those to give at graduation...just don't make me think about the day when my kid will move away!

[Jessica Mitchell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I adore how this book focuses on the transition of moving by helping a young reader to see the beauty in meeting new people. One of my favorite parts of this book is how she learns to be best question-asker anyone has ever seen. In fact, this would be a great book for youth to read in a youth mentoring program.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young girl sets off with her dog to go explore the world to meet new people. There isn't much of a plot but plenty of advice about asking questions, connecting to people, and to not make assumptions but to take the time to listen without judging. A useful book to read before the start of school or any other beginning to encourage a discussion.

[Marcie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm sure this will sell well as a graduation or even new baby book. Maybe it was just too much for me. All I could think was, it must have been written with a dictionary nearby. Illustrations are nice. Perhaps it's just that I've been reading so many notable books and in my mind this isn't one. Maybe reading it with kids I'd change my mind.

[Sheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is about changing and moving on and what you'll find ahead of you. Similar to Dr. Suess's "Oh the Places You'll Go" book. There is alliteration with words beginning with"b".
Encountering people wherever you go, you are encouraged to be the best "question-asker" in the world. I wonder if the author will write another book with other consonants or the alphabet to follow this one?

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book about the power of asking questions! Perfect for reading alongside an adult or beginning readers. I loved the alliteration, but as always I just want everything to rhyme though the lack thereof does not detract from the overall effect of the book. Diverse and fun :)

[Great Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joy fills every page of this cheerful book about new days and fresh starts. Charming illustrations coupled with uplifting text lead the reader to understand that everyone has a story and everyone’s story is important. reviewer # 12

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those with graduating Seniors - I know this is a picture book - but it would make an excellent graduation gift! Reminiscent of Suess's Oh the Places You Go!

I love every word Kelly Corrigan writes - and this is just delightful and the illustrations simply whimsical.

[Emmeline Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! This is going to be one of those classic graduation gifts like "Oh the Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss. (It also reads wonderfully just as a straight picture book--no grad required ;) The illustrations are absolutely beautiful. 5 out of 5!

[Deirdre K · Rating 4 out of 5]

My new go-to graduation gift. I love Corrigan’s emphasis on the power of asking good questions and the wonder of the people you will meet (rather than merely the places you’ll go). Ebert’s illustrations are bright and lively. So much joy in such a short children’s book.

[Margaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great sendoff book- reminiscent of Oh, the Places You'll Go!, but less of the author controversy.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someone already said it, but a great new book for beginnings (like Oh the Places You'll Go). It's not about places in the world, but people this girl meets. The message is beautiful. I would buy this.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book to be read at younger kid graduations or moving on from one grade to the next.

It's about asking questions, being interested in other people, and learning things.

It's also about the letter B.

[curiouskat_books · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a lovely book about meeting and getting to know people. I quite enjoyed the message that people are more than meets the eye. It is easy to just make assumptions based on first glance. However, asking questions and getting to know others can be wonderful.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read in eGalley from Edelweiss+

[Kate TerHaar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, Kelly encourages wondering and asking questions. Great book to help us all engage with others we meet.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A child discovers how much there is to learn about the people around her simply by asking them questions! Excellent illustrations and a charming story-telling style.

[Carrie]

This book would make a good graduation gift.

[Jen Brodehl · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars- Cute and sweet with a great message. I only wish it was longer.

[Pinky · Rating 3 out of 5]

A child goes out into the world and meets people.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Keep in mind for teachers looking for supporting text on the letter "B."

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

People are everywhere. How do you get to know them? Ask questions. They will volunteer all sorts of info.