At the Window

Spare, layered text and soft, shimmering watercolour illustrations reveal how curiosity – and a change in perspective – can light up the world and forge surprising friendships.

Every day, while walking their dog, a child passes a woman seated in her wide front window. What is she doing? What does she see? Days pass, and the two neighbours exchange smiles, nods and waves. Soon they’re calling out “Hello!” But one day, the child finds the wide window empty and a For Sale sign outside. When the opportunity to look out through, instead of up into, that now-lonely window arrives, the rewards ripple out in heartwarming ways.

This beautifully illustrated picture-book ode to intergenerational friendship invites readers to reflect on how a different frame of reference can utterly transform the familiar and lead to completely new delights.

Hope Lim is the author of Mummy’s Hometown, illustrated by Jaime Kim; I Am a Bird, illustrated by Hyewon Yum; and My Tree, illustrated by Il Sung Na. Born and raised in South Korea, Hope Lim now lives with her family in San Francisco. Find her on Instagram as @hoplim_st.

Qin Leng is a designer and illustrator of books for young people, including Over the Shop and A Day for Sandcastles, both by JonArno Lawson. She has received numerous awards for her animated short films and artwork. Qin Leng lives in Toronto with her family. Find her online at qinillustratoins.com and Instagram as @qinillustrations.