"Before I Leave" is a heartfelt picture book that gently explores the difficult topic of saying goodbye to a best friend when one family moves away. The story follows a little hedgehog and her anteater companion as they attempt to have one last "normal" playdate, grappling with the impending separation. Jessixa Bagley beautifully captures the sadness, denial, and eventual acceptance that comes with such a significant change. It's a wonderful resource for parents to open conversations about loss, change, and how friendships can evolve but still remain strong. Ideal for children aged 4-8, it offers comfort and validation for big feelings.
How do you say goodbye to your best friend? When a little hedgehog's family tells her they're moving far away, she and her anteater best friend decide to play one last time, like nothing is changing. And though it's hard, they discover that while some things have to change, the most important things find a way of working out.