I just read another huggable book today! I’m so excited to add it to the Perfect Picture Book Friday list.
Bad Bye, Good Bye
Written by Deborah Underwood
Illustrated by Jonathan Bean
Ages 4 – 8 years
HMH Books for Young Readers April 2014
Themes: Moving
Synopsis: A boy and his family are packing up their old home, and the morning feels scary and sad. But when he arrives at his new home, an evening of good byes awaits: bye to new friends, bye to glowing fireflies, bye to climbing trees.
Opening:
Bad day
Bad box
Bad mop
Bad blocks
Resources: I found articles on the Internet about preparing a child to move, but most were advice to parents instead of activities to do with the child. I thought of making a scrapbook.
Create in spreads. On the left side have reminders and memories of the current house, yard, park, school, town, etc. On the right side write the title New and leave it blank. Talk with the child about how you will fill it up with new memories when you get to your new home. Hopefully this will create some excitement about the new home as well as acknowledge the importance of the home the child is leaving. Include all members of the family, including pets. You could also add a “planning” part to the scrapbook and let the child create a new house from magazine clippings or drawings instead of leaving it blank. Or do some of both and leave space to add to the book when you get to the new house.
Why I Like This Book: The text is rhyming which is always a bonus for me. And the book tells so much in so few perfectly selected words. I believe the word count is 80! Can you believe that? And those 80 words complete a beautiful story. When I closed the cover on my first read-through, I literally said, “This is magical!” The illustrations add to the magic. As the story took me on a journey with the boy moving to his new home, I felt every emotion. I felt it in the words and I felt it in the art. Do.not.miss.this.one.folks!
And if you have friends who are moving across town or across the country, give them this book to share with their children.
To find more perfect picture books, head on over to Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and check out all the fantastic selections! Each book is reviewed by a picture book-lovin’ reviewer, AND includes activities to go along with the book. You will find a handy list right HERE.
I have put the book on hold – sounds like a fine example of brevity capturing some very big feelings. Can’t wait to read it!
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You summed it up nicely, Carole. “a fine example of brevity capturing some very big feelings”
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I’m completely hooked by that opening. I think that’s exactly how a kid would think about it.
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I agree, Liz. I think she captured the whole moving experience.
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It’s a good one, Liz. And believable.
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What a grabbing title! Will be borrowing this and The Quiet Book. Love your suggestion about the scrap booking for kids!
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While you’re at it, don’t miss Here Comes the Easter Cat. It’s charmingly funny!
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80!!! I have been wanting to get my hands on this one, it has been getting rave reviews!
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And it lives up to those reviews, Joanna! I think you’ll love it.
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I’ve been looking forward to reading this – now even more!
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I can’t wait for you to read it and tell me what you think about the illustrations. I’m thinking you will love them.
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I’ll get back to you, hopefully soon!
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I’ve read great things about this book–must find it soon!
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Yes, you must! I will read this one many times.
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WOW – just 80 words! Very cool! Sounds like a great story for kids who are going to move. 🙂
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Yes the 80 is amazing. And the 80 she picked and arranged perfectly are even more amazing!
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I think I’m sold! The story in Rhyme is what I like best! I like your scrapbook idea. Perfect!
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Thanks, Rhythm. This is such a perfect example of a great rhyming book. Everyone talks about how good rhyme isn’t forced, etc. and this one shows that. It’s a mentor text for those wanting to see rhyme done right!
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I am eagerly awaiting this book at my local library. Thanks, Penny.
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It’s a winner! I think you’ll love it! You’ll probably even want to give it a hug 🙂
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I’ve seen a lot of promo for this book – have to admit I haven’t found it yet. It is on my list!
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I hope you find it soon, Wendy. It’s just magical. The perfect marriage of text and illustrations.
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Oh, I’ve been waiting for this one. I love Deborah Underwood. Unfortunately, my library doesn’t have this one yet. But it does have EASTER CAT, which I’ve just put on hold. Thanks Penny!
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I hope your library gets it soon, Kirsten. I think you’ll really like HERE COMES THE EASTER CAT! I surely did. It made me laugh!
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I’ve been thinking about looking at this book since seeing it mentioned in Linda Ashman’s Nuts & Bolts book! Thanks for the nice review and the reminder for me to go check it out. 🙂
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You have a wonderful memory, Teresa. I didn’t remember it being in Linda’s book. I will have to look back and see what she says about it. I hope you find it and enjoy it.
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I like to share books on moving. This one in rhyme sounds engaging. Love the cover.
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This one would be an awesome one to share. Not every kid has moved but it would help them to get a glimpse into how a new kid in class might feel.
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Ooh, this sounds so good, Penny and the cover is so appealing. Thanks, I will check it out!
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I believe you’ll really enjoy it, Iza. The rhyming words and the art are just Delightful with a capital “D”!
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