Good-Bye, Arnold!

A parent should reach for this book when their child is facing the painful experience of a best friend moving away. It provides a gentle and relatable story that validates the deep sadness and loneliness that follows such a big change. The story follows Webster, a young bear, whose best friend Arnold is moving. They share one last day of play, and then Webster is left to navigate his grief. He feels lonely and doesn't want to play with anyone else, not even his sister. The book's strength is its quiet pacing, allowing the child's sad feelings to be fully seen and honored before introducing the possibility of a new friend. Appropriate for ages 4 to 7, "Good-Bye, Arnold!" is an excellent tool for starting conversations about loss, friendship, and resilience. It reassures children that their feelings are normal and that it's possible to cherish old memories while still being open to new connections. It models a realistic emotional arc, showing that healing takes time and it is okay to be sad.