About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is facing a period of separation from a friend or loved one, such as a long vacation, a move, or even the transition to a different school schedule. This gentle story helps children process the 'long goodbye' by validating the sadness that comes when a favorite playmate is temporarily unavailable. Mouse is heartbroken that his best friend Bear is heading into hibernation for the winter. Through their interaction, children see a model of true friendship: Bear provides reassurance while Mouse shows devotion by helping his friend prepare for rest. It is a comforting, seasonally-themed choice for children ages 3 to 7 who are learning to navigate the cycles of waiting and the endurance of friendship across time and distance.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book deals with separation and the temporary 'loss' of a companion. The approach is entirely metaphorical (hibernation) and secular. The resolution is hopeful and cyclical, emphasizing that while friends go away, they also return.
