Ida, Always

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

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.)

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