Written and illustrated by Jack Wong
Orchard Books (Scholastic Inc.)
978-1-338830996
48 pp.
Ages 4–8
Releases September 15, 2026
Moving means leaving as well as arriving. Anticipating the unknown can be scary, as can leaving the familiar and saying goodbye. For the young boy in Jack Wong's newest picture book, leaving his dear koi behind is a true reflection of what the child is feeling about his own move to another country.
...would remembering their old home make them feel lonely, too? (pg. 29)
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| Illustration by Jack Wong from Goodbye, Koi, written by Jack Wong |
The story starts with a boy and his dad taking their koi to their new home. The gorgeous fish of red and orange, who'd once lived in a large tank indoors, are taken to the ponds at a park with lush gardens, pavilions, bamboo, and more. As they prepare for their own journey, purchasing a winter coat and seeing friends for the last time, the boy thinks about his koi. Will they be cold outdoors? Will they make new friends? Will they remember? Will they be lonely?
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| Illustration by Jack Wong from Goodbye, Koi, written by Jack Wong |
Everything the child wonders about his koi reflects his own thoughts and concerns. Fortunately, his father reassures him with each answer, and the boy finally recognizes that, like the koi, they have each other to remember together.
Jack Wong appends his story with two sections titled, "A Journey of My Own," and "Hello, Koi." It is evident that, as he did in his earlier picture books like When You Can Swim (2023) and The Words We Share (2023), Jack Wong draws from his own life to give readers real stories. Goodbye, Koi may not be Jack Wong's story, but it is the story of moving, of leaving behind, of trepidation of the unknown, of a loss. It's wondering about what will be when you don't know what will be, and the ache of leaving something behind.
Jack Wong appends his story with two sections titled, "A Journey of My Own," and "Hello, Koi." It is evident that, as he did in his earlier picture books like When You Can Swim (2023) and The Words We Share (2023), Jack Wong draws from his own life to give readers real stories. Goodbye, Koi may not be Jack Wong's story, but it is the story of moving, of leaving behind, of trepidation of the unknown, of a loss. It's wondering about what will be when you don't know what will be, and the ache of leaving something behind.
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| Illustration by Jack Wong from Goodbye, Koi, written by Jack Wong |
For those who are familiar with Jack Wong's earlier picture books, you'll notice the distinct difference in his illustration style in Goodbye, Koi. Using Chinese brush painting, a traditional art style, Jack Wong reflects the essence of the koi and the movement of the boy and his family. There is a fluidity of brush stroke that matches the story better than any realistic representation could.
It's a new world for the koi and the boy and his father—who are last seen on a plane flying through blue skies—but it is one of promise for life and for opportunity, albeit through change.
It's a new world for the koi and the boy and his father—who are last seen on a plane flying through blue skies—but it is one of promise for life and for opportunity, albeit through change.
