Books That Heal Kids: pet loss

Showing posts with label pet loss. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pet loss. Show all posts

Book Review: Henry and Bea

Author/Illustrator: Jessixa Bagley

From the Book Jacket: Henry and Bea have always been inseparable...until one day Henry suddenly stops talking to Bea. He won't chat with her in class, and he won't sit with her at lunch. Bea can tell something's going on, and she's determined to find out what it is. 

Then, during a class field trip to a farm, Henry finds something...something that makes it impossible for him to keep his feelings inside anymore. And even though it's hard for them both, Bea is there for Henry, as his best friend, no matter what. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This was my favorite book this past year. It is such a beautiful story on being a supportive friend. Henry's cat dies and he is suffering in silence. Bea shows how important it is to continue to be a caring force even when we don't know what is wrong. Eventually it comes to light what has happened to his cat and Bea validates his feelings "it's hard to lose a friend." She respects his need to grieve in private by not sharing with the class his feelings. There are many books on losing pets but this is the first one showing us how to be a caring friend in the process. Loved it!

A Link to This Book: 

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Book Review: The Rough Patch

Author/Illustrator: Brian Lies

From the Book Jacket: Evan and his dog do everything together. They play and read and eat. But mostly you will find them tending to Evan's extraordinary garden, where flowers and other good things flourish and reach for the sky. 

But friends don't always stay forever, and when Evan loses his, he destroys the place that meant the most to them, and creates something to match his mood. Something ugly and twisted, sad and stubborn, ragged and rough - and he likes it that way. Until one day...

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This is about healing a broken heart after the loss of a pet. Or truly after any loss you experience. During his grief process Evan experiences a very bitter anger which he takes out on his beloved garden. He slashes his garden to the ground - a representation of how he feels on the inside. Eventually a growing vine in the garden helps Evan to see that the heart can begin to heal. 

Such a heartfelt story that reminds us there is hope after a loss and we can begin to heal. Happiness is still available........ 

A Link to This Book: 
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Book Reviews: New Ones on Death of a Pet

The Day Tiger Rose Said Goodbye
Author: Jane Yolen
Illustrated by Jim LaMarche
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

From the Book Jacket: Her kitten days long gone, Tiger Rose has lived a cat's life. She's growing too tired to stay, so it's time to say goodbye to the creatures and the joys in her little corner of the world - goodbye to the scolding blue jay, to the children and dog she shares her home with, and to her favorite shady patch under the bushes. Tiger Rose is ready to become one with it all. 

Never before has there been such a peaceful, inspiring, and reassuring book for children about death - uniquely written from the point of view of the one who is dying, and as much a celebration of life as of its gentle end. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This is so beautifully written. I cried (and cried), as I finished the last couple pages. This is a book you will want to read with your child - and you will cry too. When I was younger and saw my mom cry about sad experiences, it modeled to me the importance of letting the grief out. So don't be afraid to grieve in front of your children. This story will most certainly trigger the sadness you both will be feeling after the loss of a pet. But it will also help trigger the healing.

Sammy in the Sky
Author: Barbara Walsh
Paintings by Jamie Wyeth
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

From the Book Jacket: Sammy, the best hound dog in the whole wide world, loves his girl and she loves him. When illness cuts Sammy's life short, the girl's family keeps his spirit alive by celebrating his love of chasing wind-blown bubbles, keeping loyal guard a night, and offering his velvety fur for endless pats and tummy scratches.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I am not a fan of books about pet death that end with the whole family replacing their beloved pet with a new one. I think it does a disservice to the grief process. I am a fan of books showing the love and memories we will always have when a pet passes. This is why I loved Sammy in the Sky so much. It doesn't take the easy way out. It helps kids to focus on all the wonderful special moments pets bring to our lives. It teaches kids to remember them in their hearts. "All I knew was that I loved Sammy and Sammy loved me." It's about love.

Good-Bye, Jeepers: What to Expect When Your Pet Dies
Author: Nancy Loewen
Illustrated by Christopher Lyles
Publisher: Capstone Publishing
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

From the Book Jacket: When a pet dies, it can feel like you lost your best friend. What do you do? Whether you had a guinea pig, dog, cat, or fish, this story can help you through the tough times.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Absolutely loved this one. It is so developmentally appropriate. As the story unfolds, each page has a little blurb teaching children about the grieving process. I've read 'technical' books like this before but this one is SOLID. This is also about the loss of a guinea pig. But I think whether you lose a dog or a cat this is a good one to do some teaching about grieving. I once asked a group of 3rd graders after a loss, "Have you ever heard of the word grief?" No one raised their hand. It's amazing how empowered and connected they felt as I guided them through the process. It would have been a missed opportunity for them to grow if I would have just swept the teaching piece under the rug. They have the desire to learn and be educated about grief. It's helpful for them to know what they are feeling is perfectly fine - even though it may be difficult. 

A Link To These Books:

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Book Reviews: Dog Heaven and Cat Heaven

Author: Cynthia Rylant
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up


Description:
A warm, whimsical picture book about the wonderful place where all good dogs go for an endless supply of ham biscuits, good meals and lots of petting.






Description:
Via simple verse and bold and folk-art illustrations, Cat Heaven is a place where cats have an eternal supply of catnip, tuna, and warm laps.






Why They Are On My Bookshelf: (Heads up - there is some God talk in this review) Well, get your tissues out. You're going to need them after reading these. They are beautiful. When I was younger and we lost our Irish Setter I was quite concerned (like the good Catholic I was) about whether or not dogs made it to heaven or not. I wanted to know our family member was OKAY and HAPPY. Yes, I was one of those kids who just wouldn't let it drop. I worried a lot about our pup and asked my mom all kinds of questions about death and animals. My mom told me a story about how dogs, cats, and all animals had a place in heaven and were taken care of. I cannot tell you how comforting this was to hear. It helped me to move on and have peace about it. So when I found Dog Heaven and Cat Heaven it was like listening to that healing story all over again. So if you are a spiritual family, these are books you should consider reading to your child if a pet passes. If you are not spiritual, I still think you should read them. They are not preachy and I also noticed God is different hues throughout the pages. I've used this line in other reviews and have to say it again....this is bibliotherapy at it's best.

A Link to These Books and Others You Might Find Helpful:

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Book Review: Good-Bye Sheepie


Author: Robert Burleigh
Illustrator: Peter Catalanotto
Interest Level: Ages 5-9

About This Book: Owen and his dog, Sheepie, are best friends. They like to play, take long walks, and chase each other in the yard. But Sheepie is getting old. He can't fetch a stick as quickly as he used to, and sometimes Owen has to help him climb the stairs. Then one day Sheepie doesn't wake up. Owen has to part with his old pal, but his father helps him understand that Sheepie will always be part of their happy memories. -from the book jacket

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This is an important read for any child who has had to say goodbye to a pet. It is very beautifully written. Throughout the school year many of our students lose family pets and it is very upsetting for them. They are grieving. I have quite a few books on the loss of a pet for this very reason. One of the things I notice in children is the confusion they feel. Explaining the grieving cycle to students is SO important. Books on pet loss can be helpful to kids experiencing grief. I look for stories that have characters students can relate to. Good-bye Sheepie is just that story. It's extremely healing. I allow children to read this book alone or with me. The illustrations are also so warm and speak so beautifully of Owen's love for Sheepie. Kids want to talk about their grief and they need adults to help them with their closure while remembering to cherish the memories.

A Link to This Book and Others You Might Find Helpful:
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