Ida, Always product reviews

Before I read this book, I was aware that it would be sad as I had read the brief outline of the story. To be honest, I wasn't prepared for my own reaction to it! As I was reading the book to the children (Mr 6 and Miss 4) at bedtime, I became more and more emotional. I tried to keep it quiet as I read; however, by the end, I was a bit of a blubbering mess (in the quietest way that I could!!). I don't know that a book has ever had such an impact on my emotions! I could see that the kids were sad too, but most of their emotional reaction actually came from how I was feeling after reading the book. When I asked the kids what aged children would the book be good for, they thought that it was suitable for all ages. I think that they are right as the book had quite an impact on me as well as my children.

I told a friend of mine about this book as we were discussing our children and how to help them deal with their emotions and she said that she wished she had had such a book when her family were dealing with the loss of a precious family member some years ago. I think that even if the book isn't used to open up discussion about a particular event/loss in the family, it is important for children to understand feelings and talk about them.

As we read the book together, my kids and I really felt for the bears in it. The words and illustrations in the book encouraged us to give human feelings to what the bears were experiencing. They loved each other, and, right up to the end, Gus and Ida were there for each other. I think that the ending was perfect as it left us with the thought that although Ida had passed away, her spirit would be there, always.

The illustrations and the words combine to make a masterpiece. The images of the two bears are a strong feature of most pages in the book. The background scenery makes the bears pop out of the pages. The illustrations look as though they are paintings; they use a wide range of tonal variation with a small palette of colours - with green being the predominant colour. The book is set in Central Park in New York and it makes sense that green is used so much in the book.

If you are reading the book to young children, you might like to consider reading it yourself first so that you know what to expect. I imagine that it all depends on how you see things. There are also merits in your reading the book with the children and letting them see how your own emotions unfold as the book progresses. The book is so beautiful and I think that it is a treasure to have on a family book shelf. It is not a book that we would necessarily read all the time, but one that gives a chance to let out a bit of emotion and perhaps start talking about other things in our lives.