Ira Says Goodbye (Paperback)

by Bernard Waber (Author) "Reggie, my best friend, was moving away..." (more)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
The immensely likable Ira ( Ira Sleeps Over ) returns, in a story that explores a common childhood dilemmathe parting of best friends when one moves away. Ira's distress upon learning that Reggie is moving to Greendale is compounded by his friend's apparent delight. All Reggie can talk about is how terrific his new home will be; doesn't he care about leaving Ira behind? Ira discovers that Reggie, in his own way, is just as distraught as he is, and the book closes with plans for a weekend reun ion. Waber's appealing, freestyle, slightly cartoony illustrations, coupled with his matter-of-fact text, provide an often funny, always revealing look at children's feelings when they have to say goodbye to someone dear to them. The author's portrayals of the confusing array of emotions are wryly accurate, from Ira's reminiscences of shared moments and his bewilderment at Reggie's outlook to his own feigned indifference ("I will jump for joy the day Reggie moves away," he unconvincingly asserts). A warm, wise and ultimately reassuring book. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 4 Best friends Ira and Reggie, whom readers will remember from Ira Sleeps Over (Houghton, 1972), are backbut not for long. Reggie is moving out of town. With much humor and a clear sense of what is important to children, Waber portrays the range of feelings and emotions that accompanies this move. At first both boys are upset at the prospect, then Reggie gets excited about his expectations of his new town (``In Greendale, all people do is have fun,'' watching a killer shark that snorts and riding the thriller rides in the park), making Ira even more upset, and angry. As Reggie is about to leave, though, he bursts into tears and the two boys reconcile. Later that afternoon Reggie calls from Greendale to invite Ira for a weekend visit. Cheerful full-page and vignette watercolors on large white pages bring Ira's first-person narrative alive with style. Ira's concerns reflect those of any child in a similar situation, but its humor is even more universal, so there should be a wide and responsive audience for this funny and moving book. David Gale, ``School Library Journal''
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Sandpiper (April 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395584132
• ISBN-13: 978-0395584132
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 7.9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #721,019 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ira Says Goodbye, August 8, 2000

By	deb davison "bretndebi" (Tyrone, GA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ira Says Goodbye (Hardcover)

I have often looked for a book that will help my children and I and their friends adjust to a friend moving away. Being in the Navy for five years and living in the transient world that we do we've had to say goodbye so many times to our friends. It is always so hard. Ira Says Goodbye touched my kids and me. It covered all the emotions everyone feels when a special neighbor and friend has to leave (or we do). My three and four year olds and I really enjoy reading Ira Says Goodbye. It is very sweet and I am ordering two more for far-away friends.