Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Read

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Libby

Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)

Screenwise Verdict

This is a tool, not entertainment—and that's exactly what makes it valuable.

If your family is facing terminal illness, anticipating death, or processing grief, Ida, Always is one of the best picture books available for giving kids language and permission to feel all the things. It's honest without being scary, sad without being devastating, and it models healthy emotional expression beautifully.

But if you're not in that situation? This isn't a random Tuesday bedtime book. It will introduce concepts about death and loss that may be premature for your kid, and you'll end up fielding questions you weren't planning to answer at 8 PM.

The writing is simple and lovely, the illustrations are soft and expressive, and the real-bear inspiration (Gus and Ida were actual polar bears at the Central Park Zoo) adds authenticity. Parents and educators consistently call it essential grief literature.

Just know what you're getting into. This is a book with a job to do, and it does that job exceptionally well.

Age Fit

Best for ages 4-8 who are either anticipating a loss (terminally ill family member, pet) or processing grief. Younger kids can handle the gentle treatment if they're in the situation; older kids may find it too simple unless they specifically need a grief resource. Not recommended as casual reading for families not dealing with loss.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

92

A tender, honest portrayal of friendship and grief that models emotional authenticity without being maudlin. The story shows two polar bears supporting each other through illness and loss with whispers, sniffles, cuddles, and even laughter—demonstrating that healthy grief includes the full range of emotions. The pacing is gentle and deliberate, giving space for difficult feelings without overwhelming young readers.

Imaginative

73

The metaphor of polar bears in a city park (inspired by real bears Gus and Ida from Central Park Zoo) provides an accessible framework for abstract concepts like memory and continued presence after death. The illustrations and text invite children to think about how loved ones stay with us through sensory memories and special places. However, this is primarily a narrative story rather than one that prompts active creative play or building.

Safe

75

This book explicitly deals with terminal illness and death, which is its entire purpose—but that means it's not something you hand to a kid unexpectedly. Common Sense Media notes it will 'lead to questions and conversation about loss.' For families anticipating or processing grief, this is exactly what they need. For families not in that situation, it could introduce heavy concepts before a child is ready. The treatment itself is age-appropriate and gentle, but the subject matter requires intentional use.

Enriching

88

This is a purpose-built tool for emotional literacy and grief processing. It normalizes the full spectrum of grief reactions, teaches that memories keep loved ones present, and provides language for incredibly difficult conversations. The 4.9 Amazon rating and multiple positive parent reviews confirm it serves its purpose exceptionally well. It builds empathy and emotional vocabulary in ways few books can. The real-bear inspiration adds a layer of gentle truth.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Provides age-appropriate language for talking about terminal illness and death without sugar-coating or terrifying
Shows that grief includes all emotions—sadness, anger, even laughter—which helps kids understand their own messy feelings
Based on real polar bears (Gus and Ida from Central Park Zoo), adding a layer of gentle truth to the story
Introduces the concept that loved ones stay with us through memories and special places—a concrete way to understand continued connection
4.9 Amazon rating and consistent praise from parents and educators as an essential grief resource

⚠

What to Watch For

This is explicitly about a character dying from illness—it's the whole point, so don't use it unless you're ready for that conversation
Will absolutely prompt questions about death, what happens after, and whether the reader or their loved ones will die
Best used proactively when anticipating loss or reactively when processing it—not great as a random library pick
Some kids may find it sad in a way that lingers; gauge your child's emotional processing style

Conversation Starters

"Gus and Ida had special places that reminded them of each other. What places make you think of people you love?"
"The book shows Gus feeling lots of different things—sad, angry, happy remembering. Have you ever felt like that about something hard?"
"How do you think Ida will always be with Gus, even after she's gone?"
"Is there someone you miss? What helps you remember them or feel close to them?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

Related Guides

Beyond 'The Rainbow Bridge': Using Books to Talk About the Hard Stuff

Help your kids process loss with stories that skip the confusing euphemisms and meet them exactly where they are.

The Hardest 'Why': Books for Navigating Death and Grief with Kids

Gentle, expert-vetted stories to help your family process loss, answer big questions, and find comfort together.

Writing about Ida, Always Caron Levis? Put this WISE score on your site