But How Will I Say “Hello”?, by Mary Catherine Hillman

Barbara’s Book Review

Mary Catherine Hillman has given us another timely book in But How Will I Say “Hello”?. A young girl laments not being able to greet her teachers and friends in her usual ways, due to the coronavirus pandemic. She learns that she needs to find different ways to say “hello” — ways that do not involve touch. The resiliency and imaginations of kids is celebrated here when the young student comes up with new and fun greetings.

The colorful illustrations in this book connect very well with the student’s greeting ideas, and include short and easily understood instructions for carrying them out.

As all of us, children and adults, struggle with staying at a distance and are seeking ways to acknowledge one another, Hillman’s book can inspire kids of all ages.

I recommend this book for kids, ages 5-12.

Educator Notes

This book may be useful for…

text-to-illustration connections
text-to-self connections
ideas for ways to acknowledge teachers and friends
inspiring new ways to communicate “hello”
readers’ theater

About the Author

Mary Catherine Hillman is an educator with over 18 years experience in the field. She received her Master of Arts in Elementary Education and a special education certificate as well as a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership. Mary Catherine has taught a variety of grades at the early childhood level, as well as pragmatic language groups and struggling readers and is passionate about helping students learn to read, write and become lifelong, joyful learners.

Visit Mary Catherine’s website at https://haffandhawfbooks.com/ and email her at [email protected].

How to Purchase

English and Spanish versions of But How Will I Say “Hello”? are available from the author’s website, https://haffandhawfbooks.com/ (ISBN: 978-1-7355897-0-1)

You can also purchase the e-book through Amazon at the link below: