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Windows
Perfect for children of all ages, this heartfelt story opens the curtains on the story of how we can all feel together even when we are far apart.
Out the window, I can see
a new world looking back at me.
The streets are still,
there are no crowds ...
but looking up, I see the clouds.
Told through the voices--and windows--of children from around the world, this story's comforting message and bright illustrations bring hope into your home even as our world changes outside. The book's beautiful design reveals similarities--"In different windows everywhere, I see rainbows, hearts, and teddy bears"--that can comfort and unite us, even in hard times.
Author Patrick Guest was inspired to write this story when he was forced to isolate from his family as a medical worker. His lyrical writing gives hope to our shared experience. In addition, Jonathan Bentley, award-winning illustrator of more than 30 children's books, infuses the book with warmth and delight.
When you look out your window, don't forget that we're all looking out--together.
Out the window, I can see
a new world looking back at me.
The streets are still,
there are no crowds ...
but looking up, I see the clouds.
Told through the voices--and windows--of children from around the world, this story's comforting message and bright illustrations bring hope into your home even as our world changes outside. The book's beautiful design reveals similarities--"In different windows everywhere, I see rainbows, hearts, and teddy bears"--that can comfort and unite us, even in hard times.
Author Patrick Guest was inspired to write this story when he was forced to isolate from his family as a medical worker. His lyrical writing gives hope to our shared experience. In addition, Jonathan Bentley, award-winning illustrator of more than 30 children's books, infuses the book with warmth and delight.
When you look out your window, don't forget that we're all looking out--together.
36 pages, Hardcover
First published January 19, 2021
82 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 25, 2021
Words we weren't overly familiar with in Australia: pandemic, isolation and lockdown. Now we are. None of these are directly referenced yet they are alluded to in this picture book. I initially thought this was a story about loss, grief and acceptance - acknowledging that those you no longer have in your lives will always be with you and actually this is similar to the ramifications of Covid lockdowns.
Patrick Guest has taken harrowing experiences of loneliness and isolation and, with kid gloves (pun intended), forged a story of hope, warmth and joy.
Patrick Guest has taken harrowing experiences of loneliness and isolation and, with kid gloves (pun intended), forged a story of hope, warmth and joy.
March 30, 2021
I’m not sure I’m ready for the pandemic to hit my picture book shelf. But here it is!
“Out the window, I can see a new world looking back at me.”
This story comes together window by window across the globe. The faces, scenes, and stillness are ones you will know. We’ve all been living it for the past year! It could be you in the window. Or you looking up waving hello. I felt a connection right away to these images. Young readers will too. They’ll point at the page and say “we did that” or “I saw those teddy bears in the window”. It’s a gentle book that offers a big hug and huge hope.
Patrick Guest’s Windows shows readers that even during hard times and isolation, people find ways to love, communicate, and support each other.
Recommended read.
p.s. The wide eyed purple bunny stole the show. Haha…Made me smile.
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February 18, 2021In rhyming text, this book peeks at children all over the world who are isolating in their homes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It shows the different things they see outside their windows, from clouds and weather to a visiting grandparent who's waving at them from the safe distance of the street. It's a sweet book and may make children feel less alone, particularly if there are family members they miss seeing.
October 14, 2020
A lovely book that captures some of the Covid isolation experience, without ever actually mentioning it by name.
January 19, 2021
Patrick Guest's picture books never fail to make us emotional. This is such a gorgeous reflection on the year that was for children inside during lockdown. It's beautifully written and absolute must-have. We adored it.
- Read by all of us!
- Read by all of us!
April 16, 2021
my coworker held me hostage in the kids dept and read me this book. pretty sweet, the phone rang 3 times and we both ignored it. Let someone else get it, we’re busy crying about kids in a pandemic.
June 2, 2021
This is a book that had to come out fast! About children living in lockdown, though the blurb says it’s about kids from different parts of the world, the illustrations have a very New York feel. It’s a very urban-looking, American-looking book.
It’s a story about the pandemic without mentioning it by name.
The story is told in rhyme, chronicling the isolation Covid forced on us all in 2020. And the rhyme is really solid. The words leave a lot of space for reminiscing and imagination, and for discussion about how we’ve lived since the pandemic broke out.
(So far), most of us in Australia have only had a short lockdown at the beginning of the pandemic (though, a current outbreak that was brought interstate a few days ago might threaten that!). The author lives in Melbourne, which is the only place that’s gone through multiple long lockdowns, so he would definitely see it differently! Covid feels like a long time ago now – long enough that there was a sense of “Oh, I forgot about that!” as I read.
It’s a story about the pandemic without mentioning it by name.
The story is told in rhyme, chronicling the isolation Covid forced on us all in 2020. And the rhyme is really solid. The words leave a lot of space for reminiscing and imagination, and for discussion about how we’ve lived since the pandemic broke out.
(So far), most of us in Australia have only had a short lockdown at the beginning of the pandemic (though, a current outbreak that was brought interstate a few days ago might threaten that!). The author lives in Melbourne, which is the only place that’s gone through multiple long lockdowns, so he would definitely see it differently! Covid feels like a long time ago now – long enough that there was a sense of “Oh, I forgot about that!” as I read.
November 27, 2023
1. Age range (K-3rd)
2. Based on the author, Patrick Guest’s, own experience during the Covid lockdown, he wrote a heartfelt story about how there is always a way for you to stay connected to those around you. This book is about kids who live in the same building but can’t see each other face to face. These kids are from all over the world, from different cultures, different backgrounds, and different experiences. Through their windows, they share how they are feeling, fun stories, and what they do in their free time (their hobbies). Not only does this book share how relationships can always be maintained even when everyone is isolated, but it also shows how important it is to hear the stories of people who are not from the same background as you are, creating a more inclusive and educated environment for all kids.
3. I chose this book simply because I thought the cover was interesting and I wanted to know what it would be about. However, after reading it, I knew I had to include it because of how many kids have been in the same situation.
2. Based on the author, Patrick Guest’s, own experience during the Covid lockdown, he wrote a heartfelt story about how there is always a way for you to stay connected to those around you. This book is about kids who live in the same building but can’t see each other face to face. These kids are from all over the world, from different cultures, different backgrounds, and different experiences. Through their windows, they share how they are feeling, fun stories, and what they do in their free time (their hobbies). Not only does this book share how relationships can always be maintained even when everyone is isolated, but it also shows how important it is to hear the stories of people who are not from the same background as you are, creating a more inclusive and educated environment for all kids.
3. I chose this book simply because I thought the cover was interesting and I wanted to know what it would be about. However, after reading it, I knew I had to include it because of how many kids have been in the same situation.
November 1, 2020
A divine book to reflect our times. Such an important story for children's to process the emotions of being shut in during the global pandemic, and to encourage personal reflections of how young readers adapted and stayed safe. The storyline reflects the intense emotions families experienced while missing loved ones and worrying about safety, and celebrates our various ways we adapted and amused ourselves, and watched the world and loved ones through windows. A terrific book for educators and families to reach for to help kids heal and reflect.
January 27, 2021
I didn't occur to me that children's literature would be written so soon about the pandemic but I suppose it has been almost a year now. I think this is a great book about making kids feel like they are not alone. The illustrations are beautiful and show the different viewpoints kids see from their various neighborhoods. "...just for now I'll keep away, until the lovely day when all the world can dance and kiss and hug the ones we really miss."
February 24, 2021
What stood out to me in this book was the illustrations, they take up most of the pages to shows children what you can see through windows. I think that what children would like best about this book. Another thing children would like is the rhyming throughout the book. This a very warm and heartfelt book to read. The story is simple but tells a lot. I think children would really enjoy this book.
October 3, 2020
I watched the author read this book for Love your Bookshop today. It is so well thought out & illustrated & it stirs the emotions. By far my favourite book written about this COVID year we're having. Well done, Pat.
March 14, 2021
Guest does a great job at illustrating the global experience of looking out on the world through our windows during this pandemic. His poetic text focuses on waiting patiently for that one day when we can finally meet our friends beyond our windowpanes.
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February 5, 2021Uses rhyming verse to follow different children adapting to socially distant life during the covid pandemic.
February 23, 2021
Though it's hard to keep apart from loved ones during this pandemic, air hugs and kisses and waves will have to chase the blues away until we all can meet again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2021
Cute book! Perfect book for the times we live in!
March 17, 2021
I’m not sure if this book is lovely or heartbreaking… It is all about what children see when they look out the window during the coronavirus lockdown.
March 22, 2021
A sweet picture book of encouragement during COVID-19.
March 29, 2021
What a gorgeous, joyous, hopeful book.
April 5, 2021
It wasn't until the end that my kiddo said "this is about the pandemic!"
April 19, 2021
pandemic related
May 6, 2021
A wonderful story told in rhyme. Helps young children know that they are not alone during this pandemic and there is still much happiness around us.
May 18, 2021
Great idea, but the book was just meh for me.
July 6, 2021
I think this will be a good book for future generations to help them understand a little of what we went through during the Pandemic.
February 14, 2022
If I had to name a book that captures many of the themes of COVID-19-themed picture books of 2020, this would be it. Kids looking out windows, imagining a time when they will be able to hug freely.
November 6, 2022
A book about things you can see when looking out the window.
April 14, 2023
A heartfelt tear-jerker!
August 7, 2023
My favourite part was when the grandpas were all being silly.
November 2, 2023
Sweet story but I did find the rhyming couplets a little annoying. They were a little moon in June.
December 30, 2020
A lovely gentle picture book of what children can see out the windows of the homes they are restricted to during the lockdown. Quick off the mark but no less entertaining.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews