Look Out of My Window!

by H.J. Ralles, Stephanie Whipple (Illustrations)

An enchanting way to teach young children both sequence and the changing seasons. The beautiful art work and rhyming verse follow the activities of a young boy and how he dresses appropriately for each time of year.

36 pages, Hardcover

First published September 15, 2013

About the author

I was born in the United Kingdom and moved to the USA in 1990-but I did spend 4 years of my childhood in Connecticut and New Jersey. I always loved to write. I wrote my first book at 10 years old and my first story was published in a New England camping magazine when I was 13 years old. My other passion is teaching. I have a Bachelor of Education and taught Grades 4 - 6 for 13 years.

In 1997 my eldest son challenged me to write a book that he would enjoy as much as his computer games. After Keeper of the Kingdom was published in 2001 I went back to the classroom as a visiting author, teaching writing workshops. I now have eight published YA science fiction novels and an exciting ghost story called The Ghosts of Malhado due for release on September 1st 2011.

In 2008 my husband and I moved from North Texas to Houston, with Sabby our devoted black Labrador and our new addition, Solo, a 1 yr old black Labrador/Retriever cross who is a bundle of fun. You can see photos of my dogs below the Newspaper Interviews. Our two sons have both graduated from college but come home regularly. I love my job! I am working on my next book and have a very busy school schedule again next year. Perhaps I will be visiting your school? Check my calendar page!

Reviews

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

First I'm obligated to mention that i won this book through goodreads giveaways. I was impressed at how quickly it arrived and I feel that I owe this book a fair rating.

If I could rate this book on illustration alone it would be 1 star. Being that this is a picture book for children the illustrations are imperative to the quality of this book, and unfortunately the drawings are horrendous. I read about the author hoping it was an elementary student that was building skills. Sadly I was mistaken and it was a 27 year old woman-Stephanie Whipple to be exact. The illustrations were of such poor quality it was embarrassing and I would have never given this book a second look if I was purchasing it for my children. Stephanie Whipple should really get a different job because by looking at this book of elementary school quality pictures I have no idea how she can make any kind of money at all.

As far as the writing in the book it was awesome. H.J. Ralles did wonderful! This book takes a boy through the 4 seasons as he adjusts his attire properly and enjoys the outdoor fun associated with each season. My boys are 2 and 4 and they are learning the seasons, which this book was an excellent learning and reinforcing of knowledge tool. If I was to rate this book on the writing alone I would have given it 5 stars. I will definitely be looking at more writings from H.J. Ralles.

But please Mrs. Ralles never ever ever ever let Stephanie Whipple illustrate any of your writings again. It really brought down the value of your lovely writing. I would reillustrate this book for you free of charge even if you wanted.

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full Disclosure - I received this book as a First Reads Giveaway.

This book advertises that it is about sequences. This is a very important concept for children and those with learning/reading difficulties. It does fulfill that promise on two levels. Overall, it deals with the sequences of the seasons. In the going-out and coming-in portions, it sequences the actions involved. However, the outdoor descriptions are just descriptions, not sequenced. I am concerned that those who could benefit from the sequencing aspects might be confused by this change.
The vocabulary and variety of verbs for the sequence actions are a great mix of words. There are even some good underlying messages, such as sunscreen being a must.

The illustrations are good, but nothing that made me go "WOW". Also, from the context and some of the pictures, he is supposed to be a young boy. However, several of the illustrations make him appear to be much older. There is such a discontinuity that it is actually distracting - and one of the main reasons that I have this book only 3 stars instead of 4.

[Alicia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this for free in exchange for this review and admit it has taken me awhile to review it. I do not like having to say that I was not impressed with the illustrations or writing. The illustration details were not clear enough to support the conceptual topic. They were also technically poor--lacking contrast and composition. The writing was awkward. I felt like the editor needed to recheck the punctuation. I don't recommend this book.

[Amanda H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book as a giveaway here on Goodreads. The book is a good book for younger kids in preK-2nd! I would totally use this book with my preschool students. It gives them a good look into following steps in order to accomplish a task or goal (with the example of the boy getting dressed appropriately to go outside). I also appreciated the fact that the book is also poetry.

Thanks so much!

[Natalie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book as a giveaway on Goodreads and was psyched at how fast it arrived!
The illustrations were not good at all - had I based my desire for this book based on them, I would not have wanted it at all. The story line itself, how it takes the reader through the seasons and proper dress for them, was wonderful. It is perfect for preschool children.

Thank you!