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Sarah Ellis has written more than twenty novels and picture books for young readers. Her many honors include the Governor General's Award, the Mr. Christie Book Award, the Sheila A. Egoff Children's Book Prize, and the prestigious Vicky Metcalf Award for a body of work. Written from her insightful memories of her own childhood and keen observations of the world around her, Ellis' stories masterfully reflect her readers' own experiences. She lives in Vancouver, British Columbia. Kim La Fave is a multi-award-winning illustrator and designer in paint, pencils, or digital media. His honors include the Governor General's Literary Award for Illustration, the TD Canadian Children's Literature Award, the Ruth Schwartz Children's Book Award, and the Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator's Award. A graduate of the Alberta College of Art, Kim also honed his skills in Toronto and New York before returning to British Columbia where he now lives with his wife and family.
This touching, realistically told story of a little boy dealing with the hardship of his best friend moving away is a rarity in a kidlit landscape littered with animals and imaginary beings. La Fave's colourful illustrations are warm and accessible, adding another comforting element to a useful and pitch-perfect story that allows kids to see hope in a bleak situation. Quill & Quire Ellis hits all the right notes in this sensitive text. Ben may not be able to talk through his downcast emotional state, but with his supportive family in the background, he works things out on his own. La Fave's strong, expressive line drawings make the characters' emotions easy to read...A satisfying picture book and a welcome sequel to Ben over Night Booklist Ellis's simple story catches the rhythms of moving and of grieving, while La Fave's black crayon-like lines and minimal faces register the oversize worries a little guy can carry around. The New York Times A gentle and age-appropriate reflection on loss. School Library Journal The upbeat...drawings, thickly outlined with an effect that looks like charcoal, neatly complement the simple, declarative text. Any young child who has experienced the loss of a close friend will find this story resonant. Kirkus Reviews In Ben Says Goodbye,...loss is addressed with sensitivity and honesty. The book offers a wonderful tool for helping young children cope with this type of loss. Foreword Reviews This caveboy doesn't talk or brush his teeth, but he does draw a cathartic story about two ""faraway"" friends who meet at the center of the earth. Eventually, the smell of popcorn, along with his family's love, draws him out... The Horn Book Magazine Losing a friend to a move is a familiar experience for children and adults alike, and this story will resonate with readers...The text of the story is accessible and simple...The illustrations...strongly support the text... Highly Recommended. CM Magazine This is an excellent resource to use in helping a young child through the difficult time of families moving from the neighbourhood...Highly recommended for parents, young children, classroom discussions, and story time. Resource Links The author offers a charming and delightful story in which a preschooler's feelings and thoughts ring true. La Fave's endearing softly-hued illustrations, accentuated by black outlines, accompany this gentle tale. Canadian Children's Book News Sarah Ellis' latest Ben story focuses on a common upset for children: the moving away of a friend... Kim La Fave, who gets little Ben's shy or determined face spot on, illustrates Ben Says Goodbye so expressively that Ben's angst and ultimate release and acceptance are remarkably visible...A story that demonstrates that even the very young can work their way through difficult situations on their own and come out smiling. CanLit for LittleCanadians Sarah Ellis's haunting language brings the story to life...A gentle story of change... Midwest Book Review
