Ida, Always

Written by Caron Levis · Illustrated by Charles Santoso

A polar bear faces loss and finds comfort in memories.

6.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.5/5 Goodreads · 2,778 ratings

40 pages· 778 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

$19.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

In a bustling city park, polar bears Gus and Ida share an unbreakable bond. When Ida falls gravely ill, Gus must confront the heartache of losing his dearest friend. As they navigate this painful journey together, Gus discovers that Ida's presence lingers in the echoes of their shared world. Inspired by a true friendship, this poignant tale explores the enduring power of love and memory, leaving readers to ponder: How do we hold onto those we've lost?

From the publisher

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.

At a glance

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 40
Words: 778
Reading age: 4–8
Audience: Picture
Lexile: AD520L

Themes & topics

Books about the zoo Books about coping with death Books about death Books about losing Books about bereavement

What readers & critics say

Reviews

6.0

out of 7

6.5

“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.”

Mr. Staccato

Trusted reviewer

6.0

“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.”

Grammy

Trusted reviewer

For readers who can't stop at one