Before I Leave
Jessixa Bagley, Author and Illustrator
Neal Porter Book/Roaring Brook Press, Fiction, Feb. 16, 2016
Suitable for Ages: 2 – 5
Themes: Moving, Hedgehogs, Anteater, Animals, Friendship, Saying good-bye, Hope
Opening: “I found out we’re moving. Mom said I needed to pack”
Synopsis: Zelda’s hedgehog family is moving far away. They pack boxes and prepare for their move. She doesn’t want to move away from her best friend, Aaron, the anteater. Before Zelda moves, she wants to spend one last day with Aaron doing all of their favorite things together as if nothing is changing. They play tetherball, swing together, sail in a boat, build forts and eat ice cream cones. They bid each other a sad farewell and Zelda isn’t so sure about her future…until she arrives at her new home.
Why I like this book:
Jessixa Bagley has packed many sweet and tender moments into this story, which is less than 100 words. Each phrase is short and perfectly communicates Zelda’s anxiety and sadness about moving away from Aaron in a touching way. The author balances the sadness with the determination of the best friends to make lasting memories with each other before they say goodbye. Bagley weaves in the notion that best friends can survive moving away in a hopeful and memorable manner. The ending is endearing. With minimal text, Bagley cleverly tells the story through her beautiful watercolor illustrations. They are expressive, warm, colorful and show the two friends having fun together.
Resources: This story is a great resource for parents to help explain the concept of moving and saying goodbye to a friend. It is also a gentle way to help a child share their feelings. Visit Jessixa Bagley, author of Boats for Papa, at her website.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.
Children's Books Heal 
I enjoyed Papa’s Boat so will have to check this one out; thanks, Pat!
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The illustrations are so wonderful. I think you’d enjoy Before I Leave.
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Eager to read this one too! She’s so talented.
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Very upbeat ending on this story. And, I love her artwork.
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I just read this yesterday and was in awe! Beautiful book on so many levels.
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I am so happy you agree. It is such an excellent book on many levels. Thank you for visiting.
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Can’t wait to read it!
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You WILL love the illustrations! Great topic for a book.
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This is such a sweet book! Thanks for including it.
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I am so glad you agree. It is perfect for young children.
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Great topic. This sounds cute.
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It is such a sweet and creative book.
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I borrowed this form the library last week. I fell in love with it.
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I’m pleased you enjoyed the book! Hope to read your review!
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I’m amazed at the gift some writers have for creating a memorable and moving picture book with such sparse text. I haven’t come across this book, but I’m adding it to my list. Thank you.
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I was so intrigued that she was able to tell a meaningful story with minimal text and beautiful illustrations that spoke volumes.
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Children find moving so traumatic. This book would help alleviate the anxiety of moving and leaving friends behind. I love the cover too.
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Yes, it is a great cover and the perfect story for young kids to express their feelings.
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Sounds very sweet, and I like those soft illustrations 🙂
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Thank you Christie. It is a beautiful book.
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What a super-necessary topic! I moved twice – from the shelter to foster care and from foster care to my forever home. I didn’t have many friends to say goodbye to. I have tons of friends now, though!! 🙂
Love and licks,
Cupcake
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It is a necessary topic for children and written in such a beautiful way. I imagine you must be very happy in your forever home, Cupcake!
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What a great topic & covered in under 100 words! I think Jessica is one to watch in the years to come. Thanks so much for highlighting this book.
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Yes, I agree that Jessixa Bagley is someone to watch in the future!
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100 words! Wow! I loved Boats for Papa and will be looking for this one. Sounds wonderful!
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You will enjoy Before I Leave. I was inspired by her sparse text and beautiful illustrations!
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I just read this one. A simple story but nicely told and illustrated. Would be great to read to a preschooler to prepare them for a move.
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I’m pleased you enjoyed this story. It is the perfect book to prepare a preschooler for a move.
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This sounds lovely Pat. Thanks for sharing, I’ll have to check it out of our local library.
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Such an endearing book!
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I’ve heard lots of wonderful things about this book. Look forward to reading it. Great review, Pat.
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It is a perfect book for preschoolers. I love the ending!
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Another tearjerker from Jessixa! I need to check this one out. Thanks for the sweet review, Pat.
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This is a tough subject for children, but Jessixa’s book is so uplifting and hopeful!
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Oh, Pat, this one looks AmAzInG. Thanks for the lead on a tough topic that increasingly more of our children experience in this transient world.
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It is amazing. Love that the topic is dealt with in such an upbeat way!
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Oh, I could have used this as a military brat growing up. I love this!
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It is such a sweet story with a fun message. You’d love the spare text and beautiful artwork.
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This book looks adorable. But I have to admit, the title unnerved me a bit; I thought the story was going to be about death.
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No it’s not. Actually it is a very uplifting story with spare text and beautiful illustrations. Great topic for children.
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