Bye, Penguin

Name: Bye, Penguin
ISBN: 9781646140619

by Seou Lee

For children learning to cope with saying goodbye, this gentle story navigates the bittersweet emotions of friendship and moving on.

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About This Book

A parent might reach for this book when their child is facing the difficult goodbye of a friend moving away. "Bye, Penguin" gently explores the profound sadness that comes with separation through the story of a zookeeper and his best penguin friend. When the penguin must move to a new home far away, the zookeeper helps him pack and they share one last day together. The book beautifully illustrates the pain of parting but also the comforting power of memories, showing that true friendship endures despite distance. With minimal text and soft, expressive illustrations, it's a perfect conversation starter for children ages 4 to 8, validating their feelings of loss and offering a quiet, hopeful message about coping.

Sadness & Grief Friendship & Social Friendship & Loyalty Moving Animals Resilience & Perseverance Loneliness & Belonging Making Friends

What Parents Should Know

Sad ThemesModerate

The entire story revolves around the sadness and grief of saying goodbye to a beloved friend.

Sensitive Topics

The book deals directly with the theme of separation and the resulting grief. The approach is metaphorical, using an animal friendship to explore a very human experience. The resolution is bittersweet and realistic: the friends do not reunite, but the love and memories they share provide lasting comfort. The tone is secular and focuses entirely on the emotional bond.