Tuck In Books

Difficult goodbyes · Free read-aloud

A little goodbye. A familiar return.

Read a free preschool goodbye story about missing a grown-up, finding support and a familiar reunion. Includes prompts for your own drop-off story.

Roughly ages 3–7, read aloud with a grown-up. No sign-up needed.

Original otter family cast by the water
Original cast artwork from the book creator. The free story below is text only.

Choose the goodbye your child actually faces

This story follows a preschool drop-off. A bedtime goodbye, a new caregiver or a longer family separation needs different details. For a daily drop-off story, use a return point that the grown-up can keep, such as after lunch, rather than a promise that might change.

Leave room for missing someone

Ari does not earn his reunion by being cheerful. The adult says goodbye clearly, and another trusted adult stays available. UNICEF’s separation-anxiety guidance offers practical ideas beyond story time, including familiar routines and calm goodbyes.

A complete free story to read together

The Window Wave

An original Tuck In Books read-aloud story. The cast illustration is an example from the book creator; it does not illustrate this free story.

On Monday, Ari the otter carried a yellow bag to the little playroom by the river. Mama carried the spare socks. Inside, there were smooth stones to sort and a wide table for painting. Ari held Mama’s paw very tightly.

“I want you to stay,” Ari whispered. Mama bent down. “You wish we could stay together.” She showed Ari the day’s picture cards: play, snack, garden, lunch. “I will come after lunch.” Miss Fern stood beside the window. “I can stay with you here.”

Mama and Ari did their goodbye: one hug, one nose touch and a wave through the window. Mama said goodbye and went out the door. Ari’s eyes felt wet. Miss Fern sat nearby. “You can miss her. Would you like to sit with me or hold your bag?” Ari held the bag.

For a little while, Ari watched the window. Then a green stone on the table caught his eye. It looked like the stone outside his home. He carried it to Miss Fern. “We have one like this.” “Will you show me?” she asked.

Ari sorted two stones, ate a slice of pear and dug a little river in the garden. He missed Mama again while washing his paws for lunch. Miss Fern helped him find the last picture card. After lunch, Mama appeared at the door.

“You came,” Ari said, pressing against her coat. “I did.” He showed her the green stone. On Tuesday, he still wanted Mama to stay. They did one hug, one nose touch and a window wave. Miss Fern was there. Ari could miss Mama and have someone help him while he waited.

The End

Download the free story as text

A question that stays inside the story

Try, “Who could Ari sit with while he waited?” If your child wants to talk about their own day, listen. If they want to hear about the green stone again, that is fine too.

Make a recognizable reunion

For your own story, choose a truthful sequence and a familiar caregiver. You can include a small goodbye ritual, but do not promise that missing someone will disappear or that every adult always returns in every family situation.

Before you read

Will reading this stop crying at drop-off?

There is no guarantee. The story offers familiar words and a fictional example; it is not treatment. Discuss ongoing or intense distress with a pediatrician or another qualified professional who knows your child.

Should the grown-up sneak away in the story?

In this story, Mama says goodbye and the child knows who will stay with them. You can keep that clear handoff when making your own preschool story.

Can it fit a different caregiver or family?

Yes. Change the grown-up, place, ritual and return point to details that are true for your family. Read the preview before sharing it.

Guidance beyond the story

The reading prompts are editorial suggestions. For broader parenting guidance, see:

About this story

Written by Tuck In Books for shared reading. The story is fiction; the reading prompts are not an individual assessment or treatment plan. Published 2026-10-03.