Description
When Ben's best friend moves away, he decides he will move, too - under the table, where he lives as "Caveman Ben." Supported by his family, Ben is able to work through his emotions until he feels ready to reemerge and look forward to new friendships.
When Ben's best friend Peter moves away, Ben decides that he will move, too-into a "cave" under the kitchen table. Caveman Ben doesn't need any friends except his tame (stuffed) lion. He hunts for his food (thoughtfully left on a plate by Mom and Dad) and communicates in grunts. And in the safety of his cave he can imagine a world where friends control their own destinies and distance is no obstacle.
Award-winning author-illustrator team Sarah Ellis and Kim La Fave have produced yet another book in which they gently guide Ben through an experience that is both familiar and daunting to preschoolers everywhere. Ellis' text deftly taps into the thoughts and feelings of a young child, while La Fave's endearing art captures both the depths of Ben's dismay and the warmth of the family members who support him through his crisis.
Young readers and listeners will celebrate with Ben as, having been given the space to work through his difficult feelings, he emerges from his cave ready to rejoin his family and look forward to new friendships.
About the Author
Sarah Ellis has written more than twenty novels and picture books for young readers. Her many honors include the Governor General's Award, the Mr. Christie Book Award, the Sheila A. Egoff Children's Book Prize, and the prestigious Vicky Metcalf Award for a body of work. Written from her insightful memories of her own childhood and keen observations of the world around her, Ellis' stories masterfully reflect her readers' own experiences. She lives in Vancouver, British Columbia. Kim La Fave is a multi-award-winning illustrator and designer in paint, pencils, or digital media. His honors include the Governor General's Literary Award for Illustration, the TD Canadian Children's Literature Award, the Ruth Schwartz Children's Book Award, and the Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator's Award. A graduate of the Alberta College of Art, Kim also honed his skills in Toronto and New York before returning to British Columbia where he now lives with his wife and family.
Reviews
About Ben Says Goodbye
2016 Canadian Children's Book Centre Best Books for Kids & Teens Starred Selection
2015 Resource Links "The Year's Best"
"Ellis's simple story catches the rhythms of moving and of grieving, while La Fave's black crayon-like lines and minimal faces register the oversize worries a little guy can carry around."-The New York Times
"Ellis hits all the right notes in this sensitive text. Ben may not be able to talk through his downcast emotional state, but with his supportive family in the background, he works things out on his own. La Fave's strong, expressive line drawings make the characters' emotions easy to read....A satisfying picture book and a welcome sequel to Ben Over Night"-Booklist
"This caveboy doesn't talk or brush his teeth, but he does draw a cathartic story about two 'faraway' friends who meet at the center of the earth. Eventually, the smell of popcorn, along with his family's love, draws him out..."-The Horn Book Magazine
"A gentle and age-appropriate reflection on loss."-School Library Journal
"The upbeat...drawings, thickly outlined with an effect that looks like charcoal, neatly complement the simple, declarative text. Any young child who has experienced the loss of a close friend will find this story resonant."-Kirkus Reviews
"In Ben Says Goodbye,...loss is addressed with sensitivity and honesty. The book offers a wonderful tool for helping young children cope with this type of loss."-Foreword Reviews
"Sarah Ellis's haunting language brings the story to life....A gentle story of change..."-Midwest Book Review
"This touching, realistically told story of a little boy dealing with the hardship of his best friend moving away is a rarity in a kidlit landscape littered with animals and imaginary beings. La Fave's colourful illustrations are warm and accessible, adding another comforting element to a useful and pitch-perfect story that allows kids to see hope in a bleak situation."-Quill & Quire
"Losing a friend to a move is a familiar experience for children and adults alike, and this story will resonate with readers...The text of the story is accessible and simple...The illustrations...strongly support the text...Highly Recommended."-CM Magazine
"This is an excellent resource to use in helping a young child through the difficult time of families moving from the neighbourhood....Highly recommended for parents, young children, classroom discussions, and story time."-Resource Links Magazine
"The author offers a charming and delightful story in which a preschooler's feelings and thoughts ring true. La Fave's endearing softly-hued illustrations, accentuated by black outlines, accompany this gentle tale."-Canadian Children's Book News
"I recommend this book for parents who want to help their children deal with their friend moving away. It shows the child taking some time to deal with his feelings and then the parents spending time with him....Teachers may want this book in their library to help students realize that new friends can appear at any time."-Oregon Coast Youth Book Preview Center
"Sarah Ellis' latest Ben story focuses on a common upset for children: the moving away of a friend...Kim La Fave, who gets little Ben's shy or determined face spot on, illustrates Ben Says Goodbye so expressively that Ben's angst and ultimate release and acceptance are remarkably visible....A story that demonstrates that even the very young can work their way through difficult situations on their own and come out smiling."-CanLit for LittleCanadians
Awards
Commended for Best Books for Kids & Teens Starred Selection 2016 (Canada) and Resource Links "The Year's Best" 2015 (Canada).
Book Information
ISBN 9781927485798
Author Sarah Ellis
Format Hardback
Page Count 32
Imprint Pajama Press
Publisher Pajama Press
Weight(grams) 384g
Dimensions(mm) 254mm * 203mm * 4mm
