Translated from the Japanese for English-speaking audiences, Fumiko Takeshita's Hello Hello is a delightful and educational book for young children, thanks in part to Jun Takabatake's playful illustrations. Young readers will discover the history of communication tools and how the telephone can be used to remain in contact with friends and family who are very far away.

The book delves into the use of phones for a wide range of functions. A concept of telephone etiquette is subtly introduced, enough so that the parent can bring up things related to the timing of phone calls. Say, why would you call your friend at 2:00 in the morning? Oh might it wake her up? Could you call someone very late in an emergency? Why is it okay to call someone very late at night?

Children are interested in learning the hows and whys of a tool that plays such a significant role in their lives. They are also interested in the interweaving of the people in our complicated lives, and how the phone enables the child to know them. Z at four has been talking to my brother who lives on the West Coast since she turned two and could hold a cell phone in her hand. Much of the book resonates with her.

We recommend Hello Hello for kids ages 2 to 6 because the basic message relates to how and why you use a telephone, and what the technologies of communication have provided our world. For the somewhat older child a deeper meaning can be communicated which shows how a tool is used throughout the world (and beyond) to fulfill the basic human need to stay in contact with other people, and how the desires of these people are very similar. The book's amusing illustrations and simple text connote an underlying sweetness with a quirky edge that keeps things interesting for parents, too.

This book should also interest preschool and kindergarten teachers who need books to introduce specific topics to very young children. - Karen