Ida, Always
What’s inside...
Gus, a bear living in a big park in the middle of a city, spends his days with his friend Ida. When Ida becomes terminally ill, they support each other through the difficult time. Gus learns to cope with Ida's eventual passing, finding comfort in the city's sounds and their shared memories. 'Ida, Always' is inspired by a real bear friendship.
Age
4-9
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Gus
Ida
Discussion points
How did the friendship between Gus and Ida make you feel?
What did Gus do to show he cared about Ida, even after she was gone?
Why is it important to remember someone we love?
How can we help someone feel better when they are sad?
What are some ways you can keep memories of a special friend or loved one alive?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about friendship and loss as they reflect on Gus and Ida's story.
Discuss the significance of support and companionship in relationships, drawing parallels to your child’s experiences.
Share personal stories of cherished memories with loved ones, highlighting the comfort and joy those memories bring.
Use creative activities, like drawing or writing, to help your child express their emotions and thoughts about the book’s themes.
Reinforce the message that it's okay to feel sad sometimes and that remembering happy times with loved ones can be healing.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Coping with Loss
Explanation: The story demonstrates how Gus deals with the loss of his friend Ida, showcasing the stages of grief and healing.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and express their emotions during times of loss, whether it's dealing with the death of a pet, a friend moving away, or similar situations.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: Gus and Ida share a deep bond that enriches their lives and provides comfort, highlighting the importance of close relationships.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to nurture their friendships and rely on friends during tough times, fostering strong supportive networks from an early age.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of Change
Explanation: The book portrays Gus learning to live in a different reality without his friend, teaching the inevitability and acceptance of change.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by adapting to new environments or changes in life, such as starting at a new school or adjusting to a new family dynamic.
Example Lesson: Power of Memories
Explanation: Through remembering the fun times he had with Ida, Gus finds comfort and happiness, emphasizing the significance of cherishing memories.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of preserving memories of loved ones and finding solace in them during times of sadness or nostalgia.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: As readers witness the emotional journey of Gus, they inherently learn the importance of empathy by understanding his feelings.
Real-World Application: Empathy learned through the book aids children in being considerate and understanding towards others' feelings and situations, forming compassionate relationships.