Ben Says Goodbye [Hardcover]

When Ben's best friend Peter moves away, Ben decides that he will move, toointo 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.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.

AboutBen Says Goodbye

2016 Canadian Children's Book CentreBest Books for Kids & TeensStarred Selection

2015Resource 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 drawlc8