Ida, Always

by Caron Levis (Author) Charles Santoso (Illustrator)

Ida, Always
Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade
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.
Select format:
Hardcover
$19.99

Kirkus

If the text is occasionally sentimental or overwritten, the pictures are so simple they’re heartbreaking. 

Publishers Weekly

Starred Review

Inspired by two polar bears that lived in New York City's Central Park Zoo several years ago, Levis (Stuck with the Blooz) takes readers on a reassuring emotional journey that explores friendship, love, and loss. Polar bears Ida and Gus spend their days playing, splashing, and listening to the sounds of the city, but everything changes when Ida becomes terminally ill. Echoing the stages of grief, the friends stomp and snarl upon learning the bad news, then come to an exhausted, quiet acceptance as they begin to share Ida's dwindling time. Levis's characterization of caring, supportive friends is spot on; the bears give each other "a moment alone" when needed, and express how much they'll miss each other. The description of Ida's passing is brief, poignant, and gentle, as is Gus's adjustment to life without his best friend. Santoso (I Don't Like Koala) creates gauzy backgrounds featuring the city skyline and the zoo's greenery, and his slightly anthropomorphic bears convey a wealth of feeling through their expressive eyes, smiles, and body language. Ages 4-8. Author's agent: Emily Mitchell, Wernick & Pratt Agency. Illustrator's agent: Justin Rucker, Shannon Associates. (Feb.)

Copyright 2015 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

School Library Journal

Starred Review

K-Gr 2--Loosely based on Gus and Ida, the polar bears who lived at the Central Park Zoo until Ida's death in 2011 and Gus's death in 2013, this frank yet sensitive work explores loss and affirms the power of friendship. Pals Ida and Gus do everything together, until one day Gus discovers his companion is sick. Zookeeper Sonya explains that though she and the other workers will make sure Ida isn't in any pain, they can't cure her and over time, Ida will eventually weaken and die. While the tone is gentle, Levis is honest about the turmoil and anguish of terminal illness: though Gus and Ida make the most of their moments together, there are days where they feel sad and frustrated and times when both bears need to be alone. The quiet, lyrical text is complemented by the soft, evocative visuals. Digitally rendered, the illustrations have a painterly feel and make effective use of color. The settings--sunsets, overcast days, and, when Ida passes away, a rainy morning--reinforce the mood well. Santoso's design is particularly inspired, with good use of the gutter and perspective. Gus and Ida are cute and have sweetly expressive faces, but they aren't overly anthropomorphized, nor does Santoso play up the adorable factor to gloss over the painful narrative. Although Gus experiences real loss upon Ida's death, the book ends on a hopeful note, emphasizing the strength of the friendship and Gus's memories of Ida. VERDICT A tender and honest portrayal of coming to terms with death.--Mahnaz Dar, School Library Journal

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

I am in awe of this wise, endearing, tender and beautiful—so very beautiful—book, which is sure to become a classic of children's literature.... The words and the pictures meld perfectly to explore the emotional journey of love and loss, breaking your heart and then beginning to mend it. —Judith Viorst, author of the bestselling Alexander books and The Tenth Good Thing About Barney
Caron Levis
Caron Levis has an LMSW from Hunter College and an MFA in creative writing for children and young adults from The New School, where she now teaches and advises. She is the author of a number of picture books, including Ida, Always; Stop That Yawn!; and Mama's Work Shoes. Charles Santoso has illustrated several picture books, including I Don't Like Koala and The Snurtch by Sean Ferrell; Ida, Always by Caron Levis; and the Peanut Butter & books by Joe McGee. He lives and works in Singapore.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781481426404
Lexile Measure
520
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Publication date
February 23, 2016
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV039060 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Friendship
JUV002030 - Juvenile Fiction | Animals | Bears
JUV039030 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Death & Dying
Library of Congress categories
Bears
Friendship
New York (N.Y.)
Best friends
Grief
Loss (Psychology)
Polar bear
Central Park (New York, N.Y.)

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