Ida, Always by Caron Levis

Welcome to Perfect Picture Book Friday, Everyone! My picture book recommendation today is…

Ida, Always by Caron Levis (Author), Charles Santoso (Illustrator), published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2016.

Themes/Topics: Grief, Loss, Death, Friendship, Hope

Opening: Gus lived in a big park in the middle of an even bigger city.

Brief Synopsis (from Amazon): Gus lives in a big park in the middle of an even bigger city, and he spends his days with Ida. Ida is right there. Always.

Then one sad day, Gus learns that Ida is very sick, and she isn’t going to get better. The friends help each other face the difficult news with whispers, sniffles, cuddles, and even laughs. Slowly Gus realizes that even after Ida is gone, she will still be with him—through the sounds of their city, and the memories that live in their favorite spots.

Why I Like This Book: It’s a poignant book about grieving that ends in hope.

Activity Suggestion:

What new animal might move into Ida’s cave?  How will Gus welcome the new-comer? Draw the new animal or write a story about them.

To find even more awesome picture books (and browse them by theme!) visit Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books page.