Ida, Always – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Ida, Always

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2016

94%

WISE Score

4.9

Amazon

A heart-wrenching story about two polar bears that tackles the 'D-word' (death) with more grace than most adult movies.

Ida, Always

book

2016

94%

WISE Score

4.9

Amazon

A heart-wrenching story about two polar bears that tackles the 'D-word' (death) with more grace than most adult movies.

4.9

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Libby

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Screenwise Verdict

If you are looking for a way to talk about the 'permanent' kind of goodbye, this is the book. It’s honest, it’s sad, and it’s incredibly helpful.

It doesn't sugarcoat the reality that Ida is going to die, but it provides a massive amount of comfort in the idea that being 'there' for someone is enough. It's one of those rare pieces of media that treats children like the emotionally complex humans they actually are.

Even if you aren't currently grieving, it's worth a read just to see how to handle big, scary topics with dignity and zero 'brain rot' fluff.

Age Fit

Perfect for the 4-8 crowd. It’s simple enough for a preschooler to grasp the 'friendship' aspect, but deep enough for an elementary student to use as a mirror for their own experiences with loss.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It’s a masterclass in emotional health. The relationship between the two bears is built on presence, support, and genuine kindness, modeling how to show up for someone who is suffering without being preachy.

Imaginative

The way the story uses the city's sensory details—the sounds, the 'feeling' of the skyline—to represent connection is creative and evocative. The illustrations by Charles Santoso add a layer of depth that elevates it beyond a standard bear story.

Safe

It’s a picture book, so there’s no gore or inappropriate content. However, the 'safety' note here is for the heavy emotional weight. It deals with terminal illness and death directly, which might be a 'surprise' if you aren't prepared for a cry.

Enriching

This is a high-level tool for building empathy and emotional literacy. It gives parents a vocabulary to talk about the permanence of loss and the persistence of memory without using confusing euphemisms.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

It's the gold standard for explaining terminal illness and grief to young children.
Stunning illustrations that capture the mood of New York City and the bond between the bears.
Based on the real-life Gus and Ida from the Central Park Zoo, which adds a layer of 'real world' connection.
It doesn't lie to kids or use 'they went to sleep' metaphors that can cause anxiety.

⚠

What to Watch For

Keep the tissues nearby; it is a guaranteed tear-jerker for both kids and parents.
The middle section where Ida is 'resting more' and 'has less and less' energy can be tough for sensitive kids to process.

Conversation Starters

"How did Gus show Ida he was there for her even when they weren't playing?"
"What did Ida mean when she said she could 'feel' the city without seeing it?"
"What are some things about people we love that stay with us 'always'?"
"Is it okay to feel both sad and happy at the same time?"

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