About this item
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.
About the Author
CARON LEVIS (MFA; LMSW) is the author of several picture books including her duo of animal-friendship stories illustrated by Charles Santoso: This Way, Charlie (Abrams) and Ida, Always (Atheneum) which the New York Times Book Review calls, "an example of children's books at their best." Other titles include: Stop That Yawn! (Atheneum 2018) illustrated by LeUyen Pham; May I Have A Word? (FSG) il. by Andy Rash, and Mama's Work Shoes (Abrams 2019) il. by Vanessa Brantley Newton. After many years as an arts educator, Caron now loves using acting and writing to teach social, emotional, and literacy skills to students of all ages through her author workshops. Having trained in acting and dabbled in playwriting, Caron also enjoys turning theatre techniques into writing tools for groan-ups through her workshops Act-Like-A-Writer and supporting caregiver communication through Words For Loss. Caron teaches at NYU and is a professor and the coordinator for The New School's Writing for Children/YA MFA program. As a social worker Caron has worked with student military veterans and as a facilitator of loss & bereavement groups for children. More information about Caron and author visits can be found on her website www.caronlevis.com
