Say Hello

The simplest of poems with the simplest of illustrations make up this stunning picture book. When Jack Foreman was nine, he was ostracised by his school mates, and this hurtful form of bullying led him to write a poem, which he later showed to his father, Michael. This has been turned into a book that will appeal to all lonely, left-out children. Only three colours are used: black line drawings, blue shading and thread-like lines, and one spot of red – a ball. These simple illustrations are enclosed in acres of white space, emphasising the child’s isolation. There is a dog and a lonely little boy and a gang of children, and ultimately there is a coming together of them all which is both heart-warming and hopeful. Simply wonderful.