Helping Your Little Ones to Navigate Through Loss- Ida, Always

     Loss- whether if it is unexpectedly sudden, or if it has been a devastatingly long goodbye, is a journey that escapes no one.  This heart-aching  journey of loss is something that I know, sadly, all too well.  My beloved father fought a brave, valiant battle against cancer for nine months until he passed away last summer.  He was a teacher, who lovingly fostered and encouraged the development of the minds of countless generations of children (including his own grandson, who he taught Third Grade) across the over 44 years he dedicated his life to education.

      It has been quite difficult for me to find motivation during the days, weeks and months after his passing. Missing my father is a profound ache that will never leave me. I have yet to make any peace with this,  and I have accepted the fact that that day will never come. But, both reading and writing has been a healer throughout my life.  It has helped me through the over 50 years of joys and heartbreak that life has brought. Now, through the continuation of this page with this new post after a very long absence, I dedicate this to him. It is my greatest wish and hope that my words and my long standing goal to help children as he did, will make him proud.

     Processing the loss of a loved one as an adult is full of challenges and emotions.  But, let's take a moment to imagine what it must be like to face this same loss if you are a child.  The changes to their daily routine.  The emptiness of their loved ones absence.  All of which lead to confusion and unsettled feelings that their still developing minds cannot fully process.

     Back in 2015, the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) found that almost 140 million children had lost one or both parents before they turned 18.  Additionally, a study led by the Pitt Development of Psychiatry found that children who lost a parent were more than twice as likely to face difficulties at school and at home.   

     Books have always played an invaluable role in guiding your little ones through the process of grieving.  They can help them make sense of the emotions found not only in the home environment but in their own selves.  In his 2023 paper entitled, "Healing with Storybooks:  Using Bibliotherapy to Help Children Cope with Death," Dr. Prahbhjot Malhi explains that the "key to effective therapeutic reading involves selecting developmentally appropriate books with portrayed characters, situations and emotional experiences with whom the child can identify."  Books help little ones to learn how to build resilience, and most importantly, find comfort in knowing that they are not on this journey alone. Books like quite simply, Ida, Always. 

     New York based author Caron Levis was inspired by the story of a polar bear named Ida, who, along with her companion, Gus,  lived at New York's Central Park Zoo for 24 years.  The pair were often found playing with buckets and balls, and Ida had a habit of keeping her favorite toys nearby as she napped. Ida and Gus were beloved by their keepers, the residents of New York City as well as worldwide, and they were featured in numerous news reports. Even celebrity chef Rachael Ray feted the pair with a meal of tilapia served on a block of ice.  

     Sadly, in 2011, Ida, who at the age of 25 defied the average lifespan of a polar bear, became sick and passed away.  Ida left behind her loyal companion, Gus and countless people who were touched by their unique story of friendship.

     Levis, finding inspiration from both Ida and Gus and drawing upon her background as a social worker who assisted with bereavement groups for children, has created a powerful, yet gracefully tender tale that will leave a lasting pull on your heartstrings.  Most importantly, you will find that Ida, Always will open the communication doors within your own family or classroom to have those sensitive conversations about the struggles of loss and grief with your little ones.

     As our tale begins, Gus and his friend Ida, clearly enjoy their life together in a zoo found in the middle of a large park in a big city.  They spend days playing ball, swimming in the waters of their very own pool, and sharing reflective moments sitting on their favorite rock listening to the bustling sounds of the city around them.  Gus, longing to be able to see the city for himself, tells Ida of his great wish.  

     "I wish we could see it," Gus sighed.  "You don't have to see it to feel it, " said Ida.  "Listen."  "That's the city's heartbeat," said Ida. "It's right here with us.  Always."

     These words come back into focus very quickly for Gus. One morning, he notices that Ida uncharacteristically has slept in.  She missed joining him in their sunny spot.  She missed greeting the visitors to the zoo.  She missed listening to the sounds of the city.  Gus grows worried as the day passes, when their keeper Sonya comes to tell Gus some news that would change his life forever.    As Sonya tries to reassure a confused Gus that while Ida wasn't hurt, she shares that Ida would soon become tired more often, and will be unable to do all the things that Gus looked forward to doing with his friend everyday. Ida was sick,  Sonya explained, and she wasn't going to get better. 

       Gus and Ida have to adjust to the conclusion that they will soon be parted. Together, they both bravely confront the unknown and the realities of death.  Where will Ida be once she has left?  The two friends find fleeting humor in these talks that only the deepest friendship can draw out when faced with despair. "Wherever I go," said Ida, "I bet I'll always smell your fishy breath!"

    On a sunny morning,  Gus goes to greet his friend and finds her curled up in her cave. Her once bright eyes were now closed.  Her body is still. The sun turns grey and dark as a sorrowful pall is cast not only throughout the city but through Gus' spirit, as Ida has now passed.  This mournfulness is soon tempered with the understanding in the days that follow, that in many different ways- whether it is sitting in the same spot where Ida basked in the warmness of the sun, or listening to the familiar sounds of the city, Gus realizes that while Ida is not there in the physical sense, Ida is still very much with him.  

     The warmness of Charles Santoso's illustrations are evident throughout this tale, bringing a sense of comfort to the reader. He uniquely captures the emotional and physical changes in both Gus and Ida as they process their emotions- from hope to sorrow in soft and deepening tones.  With illustrations that complement the gentleness of this tale, Levis and Santoso both have created a work that is  heartbreakingly beautiful but uplifting at the same time. 

     Ultimately, Ida, Always reiterates the message to our children that despite everything, no one that is lost is ever truly gone from us.  They remain with us. Whether it's through the sounds and the heartbeat of a bustling city; or the sounds of cardinals singing.  The smells of a fragrant flower garden.  To the bright warm hues of a sunset.  All these things are constant reminders.  We just have to learn to be always open to signs, and this is such an important lesson to share with our children.  So they know that our beloved loved ones, as does Ida,  as does my Daddy, will remain.  Always.

Ida, Always

Written by Caron Levis & Illustrated by Charles Santoso

Published in 2016

ISBN: 9781481426494

For Ages 4 thru 8

Publisher: Antheneum Books for Young Readers

For More Information on Author Caron Levis, please visit her website at https://www.caronlevis.com/

For More Information on Illustrator Charles Santoso, please visit his website at https://www.charlessantoso.com/

Happy Mother's Day!

     

       "The influence of a mother in the lives of her children is beyond calculation."--- James E. Faust

     In honor of this very special day, we are shining a spotlight on some tales that are not only perfect cuddling up and sharing together with your little ones, but highlight the most special relationship between a mother and her child.  

     It is my hope that you'll find some lovely stories that will not only honor a mother's (grandmother's and all of the exceptional, significant individuals who play an integral maternal-like role in our lives) wise, warm and caring ways, but shows how their love shines in our hearts.

Just Fishing with Grandma

     Yet another delightful "Little Critter" story from the popular series from Mercer Mayer (with his wife Gina), as our tale begins, all Little Critter wants to do one sunny morning is to fish.  He asks his Dad, Mom and Grandpa, and they are all busy with other chores, when Grandma says that she'll take him out fishing.  Excited, Little Critter and Grandma and Little Critter make it out to Lake Pookatookee, where Grandma shows Little Critter the proper way to put the worm on the hook of his new fishing pole.  But, soon, Little Critter and Grandma see that the best laid plans often go awry (fishing rods that get tangled and then 'taken' by the fish!!).  With patience, understanding and a little bit of cleverness on Grandma's part, the day still turns out memorable. 

Just Fishing with Grandma

Written by Gina & Mercer Mayer

Published by Harper Festival, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers (2003)

ISBN: 978-0-06-147808-6

Through Your Eyes- My Child's Gift to Me   

     This stunningly beautiful picture book which is the follow up to author Ainsley Earhardt's previous 2016 debut (the New York Times bestseller, Take Heart, My Child: A Mother's Dream) celebrates a mother's joy of the dreams and hopes she has when her child is born.  As we all have the tendency to race through life, we should all stop and draw upon the wisdom and perspectives from our children to to serve as a reminder of what not only is important in life, but what should be celebrated and remembered.  These are the simple, everyday joys, miracles and the quiet pleasures of life.

Through Your Eyes- My Child's Gift to Me

Written by Ainsley Earhardt & Illustrated by Ji-Hyuk Kim

Published by Aladdin, an imprint of Simon & Schuster (2017)

ISBN: 978-1-5344-0959-0

A Spotlight Flashback from May 2013!----The Berenstain Bears:  We Love Our Mom! 

     My family, like so many of yours, have been longtime fans of the lovable Berenstain Bears family collection of stories (okay, well, I'll just come right out now and admit it- I love ANYTHING with bears!).  When my son was a baby, I cherished the times that we cuddled together on the living room couch or in my rocking chair at bedtime, reading so many of Jan & Stan Berenstain's bear family adventures. And as a parent, I appreciated all of the morals and lesson's that my little boy learned along the way through reading their many lovable tales.

     Jan and her son, Mike Berenstain, do not disappoint in this latest tale, where we find Brother, Sister and little Honey Bear on the hunt for ideas for what they can do to honor their beloved Mama Bear on Mother's Day. Your little readers will clearly see from the delightful and comforting illustrations just how truly selfless Mama Bear is, as she does everything to make her family of little (and big!) cubs happy. Flashbacks from the young cubs show Mama Bear tending to Brother's scraped knee; sewing popped buttons back on their shirts and always making their favorite, yummy, bear-shaped pancakes for breakfast.  When recalling all of these wonderful things that their Mama Bear does for them all each and every day, they soon realize that they just have to do something truly special for her but they just don't know what to do. And, just when you think that the bears will not be able to come up with anything, inspiration strikes while on a visit to their Grizzly Gran and Gramps house, and the creativity and fun begins!

     An added bonus to this sweet book is the do-it-yourself, "My Mama's Book" where you and your children can create their very own scrapbook for their special moms just like Brother, Sister and Honey Bea

The Berenstain Bears:  We Love Our Mom!

Written & Illustrated by Jan & Mike Berenstain

Publisher: Harper Festival, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers

ISBN: 9780062075475

Our First Throw Back Thursday Tale-- Revisiting "Canary in the Cold Mine" by Madelyn Rosenberg

      Every Thursday, we're going to throw it back in time for a look back at some very special posts from the beginnings of this blog.  For those who have newly found their way here- Welcome!!  It is my hope that this spotlight may provide you with a welcome visit of some tales that you have missed; while for those who have regularly stopped by, not only do I thank you, but I hope this regular spotlight is a sweet reminder of a tale that you might want to pick up and read again.

     For this very first "Throw Back Thursday Tale", please enjoy Canary in the Cold Mine by Madelyn Rosenberg.

https://amodestmommasmusingsforlittlereaders.blogspot.com/2013/06/canary-in-coal-mine-by-madelyn-rosenberg.html

It Came in the Mail

     When I was a little girl, I was always so excited to receive a letter or a card in the mail.  The thrill I received at that time when I held an envelope in my hands with my name on it made me feel so lucky and important.  On those occasions when I found myself not so lucky when nothing arrived in our shiny bronze mailbox right by the front door of my childhood home for me, I can look back to my feelings of disappointment and can immediately identify with the character of Liam in author Ben Clanton's adorable and expressive tale, It Came in the Mail.  

     As our tale begins, all that little Liam really wants in the whole wide world is to receive some mail.  Every day, every hour and every few seconds, Liam dutifully checks his mailbox, only to be disappointed each and every time. So, he figures that the very best way that he can go about making his wish come true is to ask the very thing that delivers it. Pen and paper in hand, Liam writes a letter to his mailbox and places it in the box. Shaking, quaking, and making noises that Liam has never heard from it before, his trusty mailbox soon delivers on Liam's request.  His first piece of mail to Liam was not your ordinary card or letter--- oh no! Mailbox decides to put it all out there and sends Liam a Dragon!  

     Soon, Mailbox starts to quickly send Liam more mail than he could have ever wished for!  Pickles! Pigs!  Even a gigantic whale with wings! But, soon, Liam's wish quickly turns into a problem, as the overflowing envelopes and packages begin to pile up. What will Liam do with all these packages?  Will Liam ever be able to convince Mailbox to stop?  

     It Came in the Mail is filled with simple, detailed yet whimsical watercolor illustrations throughout, and I loved the touches of visuals of postcards and postage stamps throughout the tale. Your little ones will learn a true and valuable life lesson in Clanton's story that a wish is even better when one is given an opportunity to share it with others.

It Came in the Mail

Written & Illustrated by Ben Clanton

Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (2016)

For Ages 4 thru 8

ISBN: 978-148-140-3603

Little Wing Learns to Fly

 

     "There are only two lasting bequests that we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots, the other, wings."---Johann Wolfgang von Gothe. 

    Roots will always provide our children with a sense of home; they will give them a strong, steady foundation that will help them stay grounded amidst the troubled world that we sadly are seeing around us of late. The wings that we give them, while they may take them elsewhere in life, they will always carry with them the lessons that the roots provided them with to soar and achieve their goals and dreams.  

    As we watch our little ones develop those wings and learn how to fly, it's only natural that we experience feelings of anxiousness, nervousness and trepidation, as we try, at the same time, to balance showing them how far their wings can take them.  Such is the case for a momma dragon as written in this beautiful, coming-of-age story by author Calista Brill in Little Wing Learns to Fly. 

     As our tale begins, Little Wing has been trying very hard to fly.  But, even though that every attempt so far has led him to "Flip...Flap...Flop" he is determined to never give up. However, Little Wing knows that today is the day.  While his mother gently tries to persuade her little dragon to rest, Little Wing tries once more.  "A dragon never gives up," he says, and suddenly, instead of ending with a "Flop"  this time, Little Wing flutters and starts to go airborne!  As his mother tries to tell him the three rules, the wind catches Little Wing high up in the clouds, and deep into the dark forest.  What happens to Little Wing? Will his newly found wings take him back  home?

     Brill's story is so heartfelt and engaging. With its strong message of hard work, perseverance, and the understanding that while no matter how small or how big we become, we all will always need help sometimes along our journey.  Jennifer A. Bell's stunning illustrations, especially those for when Little Wing's flight takes him into the dark forest, away from his mother, will capture you in. 

Little Wing Learns to Fly

Written by Calista Brill and Illustrated by Jennifer A. Bell

Published by Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers (2016)

For Ages 4 thru 8

ISBN: 978-0-06-236033-5

A Hungry Lion or A Dwindling Assortment of Animals by Lucy Ruth Cummins

     

    "Once upon a time," as author and illustrator Lucy Ruth Cummins leads us into her debut storybook,  A Hungry Lion or a Dwindling Assortment of Animals, "there was a very hungry lion and some adorable little animals"..., a kitten, a mouse, two bunnies that have floppy and un-floppy ears, a bat, a turtle, among others. The hungry lion and his adorable friends happily gather together, when, suddenly, with a quick turn of the page, some of the animals go missing. One by one, his little friends disappear, when only who remains is the hungry lion and a little turtle.  The hungry lion quickly becomes confused when the lights go out, only to be greeted by his original group of friends gathered around a beautifully delicious looking birthday cake.  Our hungry lion looks among his friends enjoying the party with a mischievous smile, when he decides to turn out the lights. But, the tables soon turn on the hungry lion, leading to a twist at the very end that will leave you and your readers completely surprised! The illustrations, brightly colored with hues of red and charcoal, work alongside the story line effortlessly as readers soon discover that while you might not always be able to trust a famished lion, there just might be be a bigger eater waiting in the wings!

        Now, understandably, some may find Cummins tale to be perhaps a bit dark for the intended age group (between 4 to 8 years old), and they may feel hesitant about introducing it to their more sensitive little ones (they will question just where exactly, did all the other animals go--- did they disappear or did they end up in the stomach of the hungry lion?) .  If your little one is delicate to stories with subtly dark overtones, this just may not be a book for them to read at this stage.  However, there will also be some may find that the authors irreverent humorous story line to be refreshing, that their readers are able to handle the authors clever filled tale and use it as means discussing the concepts of making predictions, developing counting skills, and using their imagination wondering what they think may come next.

A Hungry Lion or a Dwindling Assortment of Animals 

Written & Illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins 

Published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster (2016)

For ages 4 thru 8

ISBN: 978-1-4814-4889-5

Finding Spring by Carin Berger

      The unmistakable signs that Spring is nearing- Trees with newly formed buds; bulbs popping out from the warming earth opening up to the longer lit days ahead; birds beginning their migrating journey back north, these welcome beacons always bring forth renewal and excitement to all from the long, cold winter months. 

     But, for one  impatient little bear named Maurice who lives in the forest, Spring is something that he's heard all about, yet, hasn't had a chance to experience it yet.  And, his natural curiosity sets him out on a journey all about "Finding Spring" in this thoroughly engaging tale from writer/illustrator Carin Berger.

     As our tale begins, Maurice is filled with anticipation about Spring- "Where is it?"  "What is it?" "When will it arrive?" questioning Mama Bear who is trying to gently guide her little cub to their den after filling their tummies with berries in preparation for their hibernation.   "Waiting is hard," says Mama Bear to her cub, as she tries to lull Maurice to his slumber.  As Mama Bear starts to drift off in a deep, snore filled rest, Maurice remains wide awake, determined to find Spring.

    Into the woods Maurice travels, encountering fellow forest friends who are busily preparing themselves for the long winter ahead of them.  For each of the forest friends who question what Maurice is looking for, when he states that he's in search of Spring, they dismiss him, until Maurice wanders off alone, continuing his search.  Suddenly, a beautiful crystal comes out of no where,  cold to the touch on his nose as it bounces off and lands into his paw.  Could this be Spring?  Is this the sign that he has been looking for all along? Will Maurice ever find his Spring? 

     The warm llustrations designed in a cut papered collage style are filled with vibrant colors and textures, the perfect compliment to Berger's inspiring yet gentle story line.  This is a definite pick for your home library shelf for your little one's inquisitiveness about the changing seasons. 

Finding Spring

Written & Illustrated by Carin Berger

Publisher: Greenwillow Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers

For Ages 4 to 8 

ISBN: 978-0-06-225019-3

Please Visit the Author's Website at: http://www.carinberger.com/NEWS/Carin_Berger_News.html