About This Book
"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.
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Discussion Prompts
1
How do you feel when someone you care about moves away or you have to say goodbye?
2
What are some ways you can keep in touch with friends who live far away?
3
What was your favorite memory of the hedgehog and the anteater playing together?
4
Have you ever had to say goodbye to something or someone important? How did you cope?
5
What do you think "the most important things find a way of working out" means?
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