- Paperback: 32 pages
- Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books; New edition edition (2 Jan 2004)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0333992903
- ISBN-13: 978-0333992906
- Product Dimensions: 25.4 x 18.6 x 0.6 cm
- Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 566,937 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
Review
"A beautiful book...It makes--just as it should--the love between two men as natural as any other."
Product Description
Matt lives in a lighthouse. He watches the sea every day for ships...and for his friend, Sailor. Rose and Felix say Sailor is never coming back, but Matt won't give up hope. Surely Sailor will come back for Matt's birthday? This gentle story of hope and friendship complemented by Ingrid Godon's subtle illustrations will charm every parent and child.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book has its fair share of notoriety. In all honesty I found it hard to understand why. There is no suggestion of a sexual or even romantic relationship between the two men unlike "King and King" where the two Princes overtly fall in love and marry. This book can be simply read as being about a strong enduring friendship between men. It is not a straightforward happy-ever-after tale either as the sceptical abandoned friends stay behind to keep watch for Sailor and Matt.
The action and dialogue is disarming simple, almost plain. The artwork is reminiscent of North Sea dunes and seascapes: washed blues, light-grey, wind-pushed clouds and occasional tints of distant colour. I certainly think that the title could have been rendered better. The original Dutch title is 'Wachten op Matroos' (Waiting for Sailor) which is more muted than the jaunty sauciness of 'Hello, Sailor', a title at odds with the soft hues of the pictures and the pace of the story.
The action and dialogue is disarming simple, almost plain. The artwork is reminiscent of North Sea dunes and seascapes: washed blues, light-grey, wind-pushed clouds and occasional tints of distant colour. I certainly think that the title could have been rendered better. The original Dutch title is 'Wachten op Matroos' (Waiting for Sailor) which is more muted than the jaunty sauciness of 'Hello, Sailor', a title at odds with the soft hues of the pictures and the pace of the story.
36 of 42 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I am 17 years old and I am gay. I find this book incredibly heartwarming and touching. "Hello, Sailor" is a beautiful, simple yet ambiguous little tale. Written by Ingrid Gordon and Andre Sollie, the book tells the story of lighthouse keeper Matt, who spends his days waiting for the return of the mysterious sailor. While his friends try to draw him out of himself, Matt just goes on pining until Sailor returns and the two sail off into the sunset, but ditching their friends in the process. It is about homosexual relationships and teaching young children that they are normal and acceptable.
For a child the title is just a greeting, they wouldn't read it with any gay conotations. There are endless picture books that show mummy and daddy, prince and princess sharing working heterosexual relationships. "Hello, Sailor" shows a very universal emotion - yearning, something which children understand, and it's between two grown up men.
Apart from the ditching your friends bit, which maybe some of us would do if we really found true love, it is a touching little story that deals with homosexuality and teaching children about it in a very simple and touching way. Something that has not been accomplished until now.
The bottom line is that Gay childrens books are for the adults we and they are going to become, whether homo or hetrosexual.
A must buy for the 21st century parents.
For a child the title is just a greeting, they wouldn't read it with any gay conotations. There are endless picture books that show mummy and daddy, prince and princess sharing working heterosexual relationships. "Hello, Sailor" shows a very universal emotion - yearning, something which children understand, and it's between two grown up men.
Apart from the ditching your friends bit, which maybe some of us would do if we really found true love, it is a touching little story that deals with homosexuality and teaching children about it in a very simple and touching way. Something that has not been accomplished until now.
The bottom line is that Gay childrens books are for the adults we and they are going to become, whether homo or hetrosexual.
A must buy for the 21st century parents.
6 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I am a gay father of two little boys, and I was delighted with this book. My older son (5 years old) picked it out at the library, and I had no idea of the theme until I was reading it to him. I nearly cried when I realized that this is a sweet little love story about two men, and I loved the illustrations. My son, however, thought it was "boring" and that the pictures were "too dark." I can see how a five-year-old would think this, but I will be adding this book to my permanent collection. How refreshing to see a love story about two gay men that doesn't focus on their sexuality, but instead on their commitment to one another. I think this is an important children's story for any family with gay parents or straight parents.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Hello Sailor
I liked the idea behind this book as it portrays the potential for deep friendship and love between two men in a sensitive way. Read more
Published on 4 Sep 2005 by "fuzbuz"
Gross sterotyping
I find the central character in this otherwise charming children's book quite, quite offensive. I also fear what warped notions this book will bring into the heads of child... Read more
Published on 27 Feb 2004 by John Robertson
"Hello, Sailor" -- goodbye, loyalty and friendship
I'm a lesbian mom who reads thousands of children's books with my kids each year. I can't recommend this book. Read more
Published on 17 Feb 2003 by E. Tisel
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