A New Home, a New Friend

Waldo

by Hans Wilhelm

Michael's anxieties over moving to a new house are alleviated by the friendship of a large dog.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Swedish Literature

40 pages, Hardcover

First published March 12, 1985

Reviews

[Leandra]

(På svenska/in Zweeds)

[heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eine schöne Geschichte über die Freude der Begegnung einen neuen Freund. Schöne Illustrationen.

More suitable for intermediate readers of German.

[Andre Piucci · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Un matin, les déménageurs sont arrivés chez Tom. Ils ont tout emporté dans leur grand camion. Tout ! ..."

[Jennifer Niles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Categories/Genres for this class fulfilled by this book: International Children’s Digital Library- A New Home, A New Friend

Copyright date: 1985

Estimate of age level of interest: 4-7 years old

Estimate of reading level: 3rd Grade

Brief description: A young boy Michael is unhappy about moving to a new home until he meets a new friend, Waldo the dog, living in the backyard.

Identify at least 2 characteristics of this genre and subgenre and discuss how they appear in your book.
This book, A New Home, A New Friend was found on the International Children’s Digital Library. When evaluating online applications is important to look for ease of use, particularly for children. ICDL has many books and stories from around the world which is a wonderful multi-cultural resource; however, the large volume of books made looking through them all a bit overwhelming. Once finding A New Home, A New Friend, it was easy to read by just clicking to turn the pages. Another feature to look for in online books is how does it reach different learning styles. This book cannot be read aloud to the reader; he or she must do the reading independently. However, the text can be translated into different languages which is helpful for English Language Learners in a Classroom and helpful in exposing all children to new languages.

In picture books, such as this one, the author tells the stories both through illustrations and words. Hans Wilhelm used color in his illustrations to connect to the mood of the character. In the beginning when Michael has moved, the illustrations are a bit darker and gloomier, reflecting his feelings about moving. When Michael meets Waldo, the illustrations become lighter and there is more white on each page and movement, indicating happiness for both Michael and Waldo.


In what ways and how well does the book as a whole serve its intended audience?
Early elementary readers will enjoy listening or reading this book due to its content. Many children have moved to a new home and have experienced the same feelings as Michael. Young readers will be able to make text to self connections. Also, early elementary students appear to enjoy stories with animals and the character Waldo is very happy and friendly, which will be appealing. Although the text may be at a third grade reading level, younger children could follow the storyline just by using background knowledge about meeting a new friend and using picture clues.

Awards: None found

Citations for published reviews:
None found

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael, uncertain of what his new house will be like, is scared when he has to move. He doesn’t know if there will be anyone at his new house for him to play with, if there will be anyone there to be his friend. And he doesn’t know that there’s a big surprise waiting for him at his new house . . . .

Children often find it difficult to leave their home and friends and move to a strange new place. This charming story, with its colorful illustrations, can help them understand that there will always be new adventures and new places to explore.

Highly recommended.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael was moving to a new home with his mother, while his father stayed behind. He wonders if he will adjust to the new environment and if he'll make any new friends. He soon encounters an unusual friendship with a large dog who keeps him company.

[Roza Howton · Rating 4 out of 5]

niet als goed als Roderik, maar het gaf ik nieuw worden te leren.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Den första boken jag har läst på svenska. Men när finns den här hundens ägare?!

[Maria Carmo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful story for children who are moving to a new land and house and fear they will not find new friends.

Maria Carmo,

Lisbon, 15 October 2019.

[Anna Sofia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the core of my childhood :')

[Yadeja]

m

[Monalisa Johnson-brown]

Michael and his mother moved to a new house in a new town. They drove pass many homes and then finally they reached the house which was big and old. The rooms were big and Michael felt very small in them. In his room some of his books and toys were already there. Michael tried to go into the attic but the door groaned and squeak so he change his mind. He then went to the kitchen and his favorite cookie and milk was on the table. He started to eat and looked outside where he saw a dog house. He went to visit and found a dog named Waldo that was dirty. He gave him a bathe and they played together. He decided to write his father and tell him about his discovery.This book is a good to teach about CHANGE.

[Shelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wilhelm, Hans Waldo (1988) Waldo is a large sheep dog who befriends a lonely boy in this picture book written in Swedish. The story begins with a sad little boy moving into a large and scary looking house. As he explores he discovers a large sheep dog in the yard. As the story continues the illustrations go from one on a page to multiple panels. This progression shows the growing friendship and activities of the friends. The story ends with the little boy writing a letter probably telling someone about the wonderful house and dog he has now. The theme of friendship is easy to see in the colorful illustrations. The target audience is 5-9 year olds.

[Maria Carmo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I start every New Year reading children's books, not only to remember my own childhood, but mostly because I miss my Granddaughters an love reading out to them.

Maria Carmo,

Lisbon 2nd January 2023.




Yesterday I found some Dutch books for children. Tender, light, marvelous and touching, it was a joy to be able to read them! I wish I could share them with all!

Maria Carmo,

Lisbon, 6 March 2018.

[Sierra Murdoch · Rating 3 out of 5]

The books illustrations were done well. With simple textures and the media either being water color or paint. They were normally a mix between full bleed pictures or tiled. The peritexts of end pages are just pictures of the dog Waldo horsing around and being silly, only to show that reader the dogs personality. I believe a theme would be that good things can come out of not so good situations.

[Sri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kayaknya ini buku awal-awal seri Waldo? Karena di sini baru Waldo ditemukan Tom yang baru saja pindah rumah. Atau mungkin juga Waldo sebelumnya hidup di dunia yang lain? Hahah, karena di sini juga ga dijelasin asal muasal Waldo sebelum dia tidur-tiduran di sebuah kandang anjing di halaman belakang sebuah rumah tua. Rumah baru Tom.

[Elísabet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable.