A beautiful, honest portrait of loss and deep friendship told through the story of two iconic polar bears. 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. Ida, Always is an exquisitely told story of two best friends—inspired by a real bear friendship—and a gentle, moving, needed reminder that loved ones lost will stay in our hearts, always.

What Kind of Book is Ida, Always

Topics

the zoo coping with death death losing bereavement bears friendship death, grief, and bereavement social themes grief best friends polar bears New York loss

Genres

based on a true story fiction

Reviews

Marmee

5.25

Mr. Staccato

6.50

A beautiful, calming book about two bears that spend their days together at the zoo, loving life and their friendship. Things change one day, however, when Gus learns that Ida is sick and not going to get better. This book introduces a difficult topic and the pain that is often associated with losing a loved one, but it makes you feel like everything is going to turn out alright. It's not one that I would want to read over and over again. It's not that kind of book. But it's a perfect book if you need it.

Grammy

6.00

This is a beautiful book--quite sad. It is the gentle story of two bears, one of whom becomes sick and dies near the end of the book, and how those bears spent their last days together, joyfully when they could, and quietly. The slow pace of the book gives the reader time to adjust to what is coming. Both the illness and the death are treated with tender respect; I can see this book being very relevant in a family where a loved one is dying or has died.

B is for Bookworm

6.25

Book Lists That Include Ida, Always

Books about the zoo

The Lady with the Books: A Story Inspired by the Remarkable Work of Jella Lepman

The House That Jane Built: A Story About Jane Addams

Books about based on a true story

Books about coping with death

The Creatives Behind the Book

Author

Caron Levis

Caron Levis (MFA; LMSW) is the author of several picture books including Stop That Yawn! (Atheneum), May I Have A Word? (FSG), and the award winning Ida, Always (Atheneum) which the New York Times called, “an example of children’s books at their best.” Caron currently teaches and advises in The New School’s Writing for Children/YA MFA program, works as a grief counselor, and sometimes officiates weddings. She loves using drama and writing to explore social, emotional, and literacy skills with kids of all ages through her author workshops. She would like to learn calligraphy, more about turtles, and how to do a back-flip. Visit her at www.caronlevis.com

Illustrator

Charles Santoso

Charles Santoso (Chao) loves drawing little things in his little journal and dreaming about funny, wondrous stories. He gathers inspiration from his childhood memories and curiosities he discovers in his everyday travels. He has illustrated several picture books, including The Snurtch and I don’t Like Koala—both written by Sean Ferrell, Ida, Always—written by Caron Levis, which was mentioned in the New York Times as “an example of children’s books at their best,” Peanut Butter &amp;amp; Brains—written by Joe McGee, and Penguin &amp;amp; Tiny Shrimp Don’t Do Bedtime—written by Cate Berry. Also a New York Times bestseller Wishtree by Katherine Applegate and A Boy Called Bat by Elana K Arnold.