Here’s my selection for Perfect Picture Book Friday:
The Goodbye Book
Written and Illustrated by Todd Parr
Little, Brown and Company, 2015
Suitable for ages: 3-6
Theme/Topic: Loss, Friendship
Opening Spread: It’s hard to say goodbye to someone.
Brief Synopsis: From lb-kids.com: Through the lens of a pet fish who has lost his companion, Todd Parr tells a moving and wholly accessible story about saying goodbye. Touching upon the host of emotions children experience, Todd reminds readers that it’s okay not to know all the answers, and that someone will always be there to support them. An invaluable resource for life’s toughest moments.
Resources: I think using the book itself is a great resource. The text mentions “You’ll remember …” lines like “You’ll remember all the special times.” You can easily talk to your child about those moments with the person the child lost. Todd Parr posted a video about the book on his ToddTv. He has several coloring sheets on his site for his other books. Check out his site to see if he has added anything for this book. He has a fun link for educators too. Author Miranda Paul also has an extensive list of books on death at her blog, if you are looking for something else to read.
Why I Like This Book: When I shared with Julie Rowan-Zoch, my son’s recent fixation on death. She mentioned this book. We’ve always enjoyed the Todd Parr books we’ve read for their simplicity of text and illustrations. After we read this one, Enzo focused on the loss of a schoolmate — one who left school earlier in the year. While we like Bug in a Vacuum and its focus on the stages of grief, The Goodbye Book seemed more focused. It could just be the difference in the illustration styles.
For more PPBF books, visit Susanna Leonard Hill’s Blog.
I wanted to write a review of Dot by Patricia Intriago, because I recently rediscovered it. Since I had slept since 2011 … I forgot it was on the PPBF list already. If you are curious, look up this review on Joanna’s blog.
So glad my book buddies like this one too!
We did. Thank you!
I love the opening line in this story. Right to the point. For young children, I like the idea of using a goldfish to discuss saying goodbye. It’s always good to have a book about grief and loss around.
The front cover alone tugs at the heart.
I am interested to read. Thanks for sharing.
Yes, the cover says it all, doesn’t it? Will add this one to my library list. Thanks!
Thanks for telling me about this. I will definitely check it out.
Like afore mentioned comment it is always good to have a book on grief around. I keep “The Fall of Freddie the Leaf” for such a purpose which spoke to me and my boys when their father died in 1991 and they were ten and fourteen. I have since blogged about it as well.
http://www.clarabowmanjahn.com/perfect-picture-book-friday-the-fall-of-freddie-the-leaf/
Todd Parr’s books are so heartfelt and accessible. Thanks for sharing!