Ida, always by
Caron Levis, Illustrated by Charles Santoso (Koala Books)
HB
RRP $24.99
ISBN
978-1-74276-190-9
Reviewed
by Jenny Heslop
Gus is a polar bear who lives in the New
York City Zoo. Ida is his best friend. Every day they swim together, play together,
sit together, cuddle, watch and listen to the world around them from their
home. Then one day, Ida is not there when Gus emerges from his sleeping
quarters.
Based on a pair of real polar bears in
New York City’s Central Zoo, Ida, always
is a stunning, poignant, breath-taking picture book about friendship, love and
death.
The writing is beautiful:
Gus
lived in a big park in the middle of an even bigger city. Buildings grew around
him and shifted the shape of the sky. Zookeepers poked in and out. Visitors
came and went.
The words have a lyrical and rhythmic quality, and evoke strong images and powerful emotions. They read
smoothly and portray the noises of the city, ‘the city’s heartbeat’, the connection between the two bears as well
as with the keeper, and with the visitors as well.
The illustrations glow. The emotion of
the story is emphasised by these beautiful and moving pictures. The bond
between the two friends can be seen strongly and these illustrations capture
their togetherness, their care, and the eventual loneliness of Gus, not only
through the images but also with the use of colour throughout the pages.
It is not often that a picture book
moves me to tears. This one did every time. Even on today’s fourth read I
sobbed. An adult reader may like to read it to themselves first, before sharing
it with a younger reader. But please do share it; there is so much to gain from
this story. It is not just sad; there is friendship, love and hope offered.
This is one of the best picture books I
have read all year. Its text and illustrations work together to create an
amazing reading experience.
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