At the Window - by Hope Lim (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Every day, a child walking a dog around the block passes a woman seated in her wide front window. What is she doing? What does she see? Days pass, and the two neighbors exchange smiles, nods, and waves. Soon they're calling out "Hello!" But one day, the child finds the wide window empty and a For Sale sign on the lawn. When the opportunity to look out through, instead of up into, that now-lonely window arrives, the rewards ripple out in heartwarming ways."--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

Spare, layered text and soft, shimmering watercolor illustrations reveal how curiosity--and a change in perspective--can light up the world and forge surprising friendships.

Every day, a child walking a dog around the block passes a woman seated in her wide front window. What is she doing? What does she see? Days pass, and the two neighbors exchange smiles, nods, and waves. Soon they're calling out "Hello!" But one day, the child finds the wide window empty and a For Sale sign on the lawn. When the opportunity to look out through, instead of up into, that now-lonely window arrives, the rewards ripple out in heartwarming ways. This wondrous and beautifully illustrated picture-book ode to intergenerational friendship invites readers to reflect on how a different frame of reference can utterly transform the familiar and lead to completely new delights.

Review Quotes

A story about inspiration and influence.
--Publishers Weekly

Leng's airy, expressive ink-and-watercolor illustrations alternate between panels and full-bleed spreads, employing a range of perspectives to gently guide readers through this well-paced and simply lovely picture book. . . .A quiet celebration of community and writing.
--Kirkus Reviews

Subtly building on the idea that children initially see only their own points of view before developing empathy and understanding of others, the narrator grows in the ability to take a wider view and even make a new friend through sharing the neighbor's perspective. This book would be useful to encourage children to look at their own surroundings in new ways and consider what they may be missing.
--Booklist

This sweet story of how motivation finds a young artist may inspire readers to go home, open their own windows wide, and create.
--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

About the Author

Hope Lim is the author of Mommy's Hometown, illustrated by Jaime Kim; I Am a Bird, illustrated by Hyewon Yum; and My Tree, illustrated by Il Sung Na. Born and raised in South Korea, Hope Lim now lives with her family in San Francisco.

Qin Leng is a designer and illustrator of books for young people, including Over the Shop and A Day for Sandcastles, both by JonArno Lawson. She has received numerous awards for her animated short films and artwork. Qin Leng lives in Toronto with her family.