The Goodbye Book
This book uses brief text and simple illustrations to name the specific feelings that come with grief, such as not wanting to eat or wanting to be alone. Its brevity makes it ideal for difficult moments.
The Goodbye Book by Todd Parr is estimated to take about 3.5 minutes to read aloud (186 words, about 1 sentence a page), and it lands best with children aged 2-5.
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- Estimated read-aloud time
- about 3.5 minutesEstimated read-aloud time
- Word count
- 186Counted words
- Sentences per page
- 1Sentence per page
- Re-read tolerance
- 4/5repeat friendly
- Vocabulary level
- 1/5plain words
- Best for
- Ages 2-5Our editorial fit
Our review
The story focuses on the practical, often overlooked side effects of sadness. It validates the complicated emotions that follow a loss without needing to get into the "why."
Because it is so short, it is a manageable read when emotions are high. It offers a way to acknowledge grief without overwhelming a child in a moment of distress.
Before you buy it
The book intentionally avoids naming exactly what has been lost. While this makes it versatile, it won't work for a child who needs a clear explanation of the situation.
Themes
- grief
- feelings
- fish
- comfort
Books like The Goodbye Book
Matched by refrain, density, length, and listener—not just the subject.
The Rabbit Listenedabout 4.5 minutes estimated · 4/5 re-read
The Color Monster: A Story About Emotionsabout 5 minutes estimated · 4/5 re-read
In My Heart: A Book of Feelingsabout 6 minutes estimated · 4/5 re-read
The Leaving Morningabout 4 minutes estimated · 3/5 re-read
Lifetimes: The Beautiful Way to Explain Death to Childrenabout 6 minutes estimated · 2/5 re-read
Questions parents ask
How long does it take to read The Goodbye Book aloud?
About 3.5 minutes at an unhurried pace, including a standard allowance for page turns, pictures and participation, from a word count of 186. Stopping for a longer conversation on every page will add more time.
What age is The Goodbye Book actually for?
Ages 2-5 in our testing, which is narrower than the publisher's range. With 1 sentence a page and vocabulary at 1 out of 5, it asks for that much attention span and no more.
Does The Goodbye Book survive being read on repeat?
Yes. It survives a fortnight of nightly repeats, which is the real test.
Is The Goodbye Book a good book for a child who will not sit still?
It helps that it has a refrain a child can join in with. Those three features are what keep a wriggling toddler listening, far more than the subject matter does.
Will my child memorise The Goodbye Book?
Probably, and fast. The book leans on a repeated refrain, and at 4 out of 5 for re-read tolerance it survives the nightly repeats that get a book memorised. Expect your child to chant the pattern back before they can actually read.
Can a beginning reader read The Goodbye Book on their own?
It is closer than most picture books. With 1 sentence a page and plain vocabulary (1 out of 5), a confident early reader can attempt it, though it is written to be read aloud first.
What themes does The Goodbye Book cover?
We tag it with grief, feelings, fish and comfort. Those are the threads that actually run through the book, not just the ones on the cover, which is how it earns its place on our themed lists rather than a keyword match.
