Before I Leave

Starred review from November 2, 2015
Zelda, a tiny hedgehog, is best friends with Aaron, a much bigger anteater. Now Zelda is moving, and her mother says that Aaron “can’t come with us”—although Zelda makes a valiant effort to pack him. So in the time they have left, Zelda and Aaron decide to play together “like nothing is changing.” Their games are wonderfully old-fashioned: tetherball, rowing in a boat, talking to each other via tin-can telephone. Bagley (Boats for Papa) lays bare Zelda’s uncertainties in a remarkably intimate first-person narrative: “I’m scared to go. But you say it will be okay, and you’ll see me soon. But I’m not so sure.” While the mood is mostly melancholy, the subtly textured watercolors and expressiveness of these two friends should persuade readers that this connection won’t fade with distance. More reassurance comes from the visual playfulness Bagley incorporates throughout the book, starting on the title page, when readers see the friends fishing from a bridge: Zelda has a conventional pole and line, while Aaron uses his very, very long tongue. Ages 3–7. Agent: Alexandra Penfold, Upstart Crow Literary.

November 15, 2015
Before her family moves, Zelda cherishes time with her best friend, Aaron. Zelda, an anthropomorphic hedgehog, must say goodbye to both the home she knows and Aaron, her inseparable anteater pal. Boxes and beloved paraphernalia litter rooms, as Zelda comes to terms with the move--first trying (unsuccessfully) to pack Aaron, then defiantly stating she's not going. But as Zelda realizes the move is inevitable, the friends decide: ."..let's play! / One last time, / like nothing is changing." Ink-and-watercolor illustrations done in an earthy palette create a warm and gentle world for the two besties to relive their happiest times chasing, swinging, canoeing, and tin-can-phoning each other (Zelda in their treehouse, Aaron in their fort) in a bittersweet montage of perfect moments. These memories, along with letters from Aaron, help Zelda adjust to her new home as she realizes, even miles apart, the two still have each other. As in Boats for Papa (2015), Bagley is able to condense a heartfelt (or heart-wrenching) moment into a few spare words while portraying it with an earnestness that respects both characters and readers. A reassuring and needed addition to the bookshelf on moving. (Picture book. 3-7)

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Starred review from January 1, 2016

PreS-Gr 1-Zelda, a hedgehog, and Aaron, an anteater, are the best of friends. When Zelda finds out her family is moving, she and her pal decide to play "one last time like nothing is changing." They swing, seesaw, go out in a rowboat, etc. The hedgehog family make their move, and when Zelda unpacks her suitcase, she finds it filled with pictures of all the friends' favorite outings and numerous notes from Aaron. Zelda thinks, "You seem so far away, and then I unpack-and there you are!" The last page pictures Zelda writing back to Aaron, and readers know that although separated, the friends will stay connected. This is a sweet if slight story, best shared one-on-one. The pen and watercolor illustrations are filled with homey details that children will enjoy, and enhance the poignant tone of the story, particularly the picture of large Aaron trying to pack himself in Zelda's tiny suitcase. VERDICT A sweet and tender moving story that makes a fine addition to most collections.-Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2016
Preschool-G Zelda the hedgehog is sad to be moving far away from her best friend, Aaron the anteater, and suggests they spend their remaining time indulging in their favorite activities. Once she gets to her new home, Zelda discovers that Aaron has stuffed her suitcase full of drawings and notes documenting their many good timesand she uses these items to decorate her cozy new room. While the text, formed by Zelda's brief narrative comments, is minimal, it successfully conveys the range of emotions inherent in moving and in leaving a friend behind. The pen-and-watercolor illustrations, awash in soft greens and browns, show an inviting and reassuring environment. In addition, the joy and delight Aaron and Zelda feel when having fun together are readily apparent in their facial expressions and body language (Aaron uses his long anteater tongue in several mischievous ways), as are the more somber moments where they deal with the move. Sweet and upbeat, this is a testament to the endurance of friendship.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)