Ida, Always

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.

Author: Caron Levis
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Published: 02/23/2016
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.28lbs
Size: 10.30h x 11.30w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9781481426404
Audience: Ages 4-8

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 3.3
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 181736 / Ida, Always


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 12/01/2015
Publishers Weekly 11/30/2015
School Library Journal 01/01/2016 pg. 74
Booklist 01/01/2016 pg. 97
New York Times Book Review 02/14/2016 pg. 20
Shelf Awareness 02/26/2016
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2017 - Recommended, Satisfactory

About the Author
Caron Levis grew up in the city that never sleeps (a.k.a. New York City) yet confesses that even as a baby she slept through the night. Caron has an LMSW from Hunter College and an MFA in creative writing for children/YA from The New School, where she now teaches and advises. Caron never tires of visiting schools to work with kids using her books, drama, and creative writing to encourage social, emotional, and literacy skills. Things she'll always stay awake for include great theatre, star gazing, and turtle watching. Visit Caron online at CaronLevis.com.

Charles Santoso loves drawing little things in his little journal and dreaming about wondrous stories. He gathers inspiration from his childhood memories, and curiosities he discovers in his everyday travels. He has illustrated several picture books, including I Don't Like Koala by Sean Ferrell. Charles also works as a visual development artist, creating illustrations for feature film projects. He lives and works in Sydney, Australia. You can visit him at CharlesSantoso.com.