Reviews (105)

Excellent book for a gift for dog lovers!
We bought this book for grandpa who's dog just passed away and it was great!!It was perfect for little kids who don't understand where dogs go went they die.

Wonderful book, great for kids and adults!!
This book is great for helping dog lovers of all ages understand and get through the grieving process.

A source of comfort for all of us
We received this book as a gift from some good friends when our beloved dog of 14 years had to go to Dog Heaven.We have a 20 month old son who was absolutely devistated at the loss (as were we all).He has insisted we read this book every night since, and it has helped us all cope with the loss.Highly recomended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Preschool    4. Dogs    5. Fiction    6. Heaven    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Short Stories    9. Social Issues - Death & Dying    10. Social Situations - Death & Dying   

Reviews (42)

Cat Heaven
I read this book the first time one of my cats died, and cried my first healing tears. Since that time, I've given the book to about 16 friends who have lost their cats, knowing the book will help heal the passing over of their loved ones.

Thanks to a caring Vet
My vet sent this to me after my cat died of kidney failure. The story and illustrations made me laugh and cry at the same time.
Not Just for Kids
Though written for children, this book will bring comfort and solace to anyone who's lost a beloved cat. At once poignant and amusing, the book leaves the reader with a smile on his face and a slightly smaller ache in her heart. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Cats    2. Cats    3. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    5. Children: Kindergarten    6. Fiction    7. General    8. Heaven    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Stories in rhyme   

Reviews (16)

THE MOST WONDERFUL , SWEET BOOK IN THE ENTIRE WORLD
Everytime, I read this book (age 43) my heart goes pang.This is a beautiful book aboutbeing young and loving your pet.A fabulous book to buy when your child's dog or cat is young,as it lets a chiild appreciate their time with their pet.Also, a terrific book to buy when an animal passes away.All around, I can't say enough good words about this book.

Why does the dog get fat?
Although I agree with the many reviewers who found the sentiment expressed in this book to be poignant and comforting, I found this book disturbing.The main canine character grows up from a puppy to become an extremely overweight dog.Yet, there is no indication in the book that obesity is an avoidable condition or that it was detrimental to the dog's health to be overweight.Obviously this book was not intended to be a book about proper animal care, I get that.But if the author was not going to address the dog's obesity in any way, why was it such a prominent element in the story?Inadvertently, the author sends the message to children that dogs get fat and we can't do anything about it.As a person who works in animal welfare, I am uncomfortable with that message.
The perfect book for all ages
This is the perfect pet loss book for all ages.A good gift to give when words do not seem appropriate.Similar to Boomerang - A Miracle Trilogy, about the short but miraculous life of a remarable Boston Terrier.And, how through love, all things are possible. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Dogs    2. Animals - Pets    3. Children's 4-8 - Fiction - General    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    5. Children: Grades 2-3    6. Death    7. Dogs    8. Fiction    9. Social Issues - Death & Dying    10. Social Situations - Death & Dying    11. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Death & Dying   

Reviews (18)

A personal favorite
As a veterinary technician who regularly assisted in euthanasia procedures, I kept kept copies of this book on hand to distribute to families with children.Years later I'm working as a teacher and still love it.In contrast to other reviewer comments that the book is morbid, I find the underlying message hopeful - that our bodies are part of a natural cycle and that death gives rise to new life.The language is simple, elegant and understandable even for young children.If you have family pets and have not yet experienced a loss, buy this book ahead of time.You'll appreciate having it on that day when inevitable death comes calling.

You don't wanna know the 10th good thing
I finally read this book after years and years of hearing it hyped as the perfect book to help a child deal with the loss of a pet, so I expected a lot. Nothing good to say about the 10th good thing....
I work in a school library and as a cat lover am always seeking out the cat books.This one caught my eye and I was expecting something wonderful.I found the story to be hopeless and defeating.How sad the only comfort the father has to offer is composting tips and the last memory the child has to hold is that of a decomposing cat.I'm no censor, but two thumbs way down.Also, if you are looking for something wonderful for pet loss, try Cynthia Rylant's, Cat Heaven! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Cats    2. Animals - Dogs    3. Animals - Pets    4. Cats    5. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    6. Children: Grades 1-2    7. Death    8. Fiction    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Social Issues - Death & Dying    11. Fiction dealing with specific issues    12. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Death & Dying   

Reviews (8)

This a good book.
I like the book very much. You should read it.Marvin gets to watch his teachers dog Waldo while she is on a trip.Marvins friends ask him lots of questions. It is a verry good book.
Sad
This book made me sad because there is a death in the book.I also hated the way Marvin's "friends" treated him.They didn't act like real friends should.The book describes a very mean substitute teacher... I don't like that.The only thing good about the book was Marvin's nice teacher.

A Good Book for the Everyday Kid
I picked up this book after reading Sachar's "Holes" to my elementary aged kids, and I was very pleased with the content.In this book, Sachar allows his readers to see life from the perspective of a regular, everyday kid -- and reading it inspired a "what-would-you-do-in-that-situation" dialogue with my own regular, everyday kids.I truly appreciated seeing a young person in this age range (the 3rd grade-ish Marvin Redpost) portrayed as having a conscious, a sense of responsibility, and the awareness to have compassion for others.Marvin is faced with a pretty grown-up sized situation concerning a beloved pet, and I think it's handled with grace and tenderness.I was pleased to see my children feeling compassion for this character, and I'm looking forward to reading more of Marvin's adventures to my own kids. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Dogs    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 2-3    4. Dogs    5. Fiction    6. Humorous Stories    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Pets    9. Responsibility    10. Social Issues - Death & Dying    11. Teachers    12. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories   

Reviews (9)

good for child or pet loss
This book was a gift. It was given to me because my son passed away from a terminal genetic muscle defect 11 days after he was born.
A very helpful book!!
My niece died when my daughter was only 5.She struggled to come to terms with the concept of death, and to understand why her cousin had to die.Even more so, were her questions on what her cousin would do in Heaven.How would she live without her mommy and daddy?In our search to help her to understand a little better, a friend showed us this book.It was just the nudge she needed to move on, and accept that her cousin was not coming back, and was safe and well cared for in Heaven.Now, 3 years later, my daughter still loves this book.She now reads it to her new baby sister, and tells her all about their cousin in Heaven, and how she too, is taking caring of animals.I highly recommend this book to anyone who is struggling to deal with a loss.

Wonderful Book
A wonderful book! I give one to everyone I know who is struggling in dealing with this type of loss. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Angels    2. Animals    3. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    4. Children's Books/All Ages    5. Children: Grades 2-3    6. Fiction    7. General    8. Heaven    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Pets    11. Religious - Christian    12. Religious - General    13. Loss (Psychology) in children    14. Religious - Inspirational   

Reviews (4)

Alfie and the Birthday Surprise
Anything Shirley Hughes writes is worth reading!She writes about everyday situations with which my 3 year old and I can relate (and we laugh, cry or feel whatever other emotion she provokes) and always enjoy!.She both writes and illustrates her books - and do so beautifully!

good book about death (and alfie)
I am fond of this book because it incorporates death as part of a continuum of events in a child's life, instead of placing it front and center in a "the-moral-of-the-story-is" type of typical children's story. Another wonderful Alfie story
We (my 3-year old son and 2-year old daughter and I) loved Hughes' "All About Alfie," and her story "Dogger," and this book is a wonderful next step for us, especially my son.There's a bit more text per page, and more mature subject matter (the death of a neighbor's pet) which helps ensure it will grow with him.(I was worriedthat he'd lose the wonderful role model he has in Alfie!)The onlynegative is that since the stories so completely capture Alfie's point ofview, Annie Rose is a little flat, and my daughter is not as engaged byher.Alfie stories are a great example of how to be caringtoward your siblings.The illustrations showing a happy family without aspotless house (it looks comfy and lived in!) make me want to give Hughes ahug! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Cats    2. Animals - Pets    3. Birthdays    4. Cats    5. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    6. Children: Grades 2-3    7. Death    8. Fiction    9. Holidays & Festivals - Other - Non-religious    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Mortality    12. Parties    13. Social Issues - Death & Dying    14. Social Situations - Death & Dying    15. Surprise birthday parties   

Reviews (7)

good book
i really enjoyed this book! It kept me interested the whole time. It's the kind of book you should read over and over again. From the beginning to the end it is just really amazing. if you dont want a story about a cute little mistreated dog this is not the book for you. If it is then great!!

I LUV IT!!! VERY MUCH!!!!
I luv this book very much!!! I just bought it at our scholastic bookfair at school, 3 days later, it's done! Oh I luv it so much!!! It's a very exciting story, you won't know what will happen next if you don't continue reading on...this book will make you wanting for more!!! I'm totaly hooked! because of this book I turned away from excesive TV watching and turn my new hobby to reading Bill Wallace's books! I recomend parents to buy this for their kidz, cause this is one fun and value-teaching book!!!

NO DOGS ALLOWED!!!!
This wonderful book is about a ten-year-old girl named Kristine, who has just lost her horse, Dandy. After losing Dandy, Kristine vows never to get close to another pet again in life! But this promise just keeps getting harder and harder to keep once her father surprises her with a new, adorable, sweet, little puppy that is just waiting to be loved.Even though Kristine vows to never get close to another pet again in life, do you really think she can bear ignoring this sweet, adorable, little puppy? Can her parents convince her enough for that this puppy deserves for her to love the puppy? Find out if you read this heart-warming story which all people- including adults would enjoy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Dogs    2. Animals - Horses    3. Animals - Pets    4. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    5. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    6. Children: Grades 3-4    7. Children: Grades 4-6    8. Dogs    9. Fiction    10. Grief    11. Juvenile Fiction    12. Pets    13. Social Issues - Death & Dying    14. Social Situations - Death & Dying    15. Social Situations - Emotions & Feelings    16. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Dogs   

Subjects:  1. Animals - Fishes    2. Animals - Pets    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    4. Children: Grades 3-4    5. Children: Kindergarten    6. Foreign Language Study - General    7. Foreign Language Study - Other    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Language Arts - General    10. Preschool Picture Story Books    11. Social Issues - Death & Dying    12. Juvenile Nonfiction / Foreign Language Study   

Reviews (44)

Amazing Little Book!
Just yesterday, I had to put down my best friend of over 14 years.A very good friend of mine gave me a copy of this book that very morning, she knew how much this old dog meant to me.
Just what I needed
I lost my baby, Ruby, yesterday.My mom had gotten this book, and she gave it to me last night.I'm 30 years old and have to say the message of this book is perfect for any age, but I think it will especially speak to "grown-ups".The author says things that we are all hoping are true--like about our pet being happy now.I can't explain it, but Davis' figurative language spoke to my soul.Any reader can easily feel that she knows the pain each of us who have lost a pet are feeling.The book is small, uplifting, and made me feel a little better--which I thought was impossible.It also brought a tear to my eye, and I thank the author for putting words to what was in my heart.I also thank her for defining my love for Ruby--she was my "Forever Dog"--and giving me a special title to use for her that seems to give Ruby a place of honor in my life.This book has been a godsend.

A must read for anyone who has lost their canine best friend
By no means is this beautifully and simply written book for children only.My husband and I read this several days after losing our beloved companion, and we smiled and wept through each word and every page and illustration.Christine Davis has captured the essence of the wonderful bond between dogs and their owners, and the book brought much comfort during a very difficult time. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Angels    2. Animals - Dogs    3. Animals - Pets    4. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    5. Children: Grades 1-2    6. Dogs    7. Fiction    8. Guardian angels    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Social Issues - Death & Dying    11. Social Situations - Death & Dying    12. Animal stories    13. Fiction dealing with specific issues    14. Pet Loss   

Reviews (4)

An excellent book for anyone who loses a beloved pet.
As a book reviewer for Funseeker's Radio Network I read a lot of books for children.This one helps with the process of saying goodbye to a treasured pet and getting used to another, sometimes more different, pet.In this case Charlie has had a long and happy life as "the best cat in the world" for young Victor.The boy is devastated when Charlie dies and doesn't think he will ever want another cat, but Charlie's vet, Dr. Levin calls him and offers him a new kitten.He accepts reluctantly and soon finds that Shelley is a different cat altogether.Her habits and ways are not like Charlie's, but he finally realizes that he again has the "best cat in the world."The story is well-written and the illustrations by Ronald Himler are excellent.I would recommend this book highly to anyone who has lost a pet or as a gift for someone who is dealing with the death for a pet.

Can the heart make room?
A boy has lost his friend and companion-an orange cat named Charlie-to old age.He cries inconsolably for two whole days, and cannot even eat the favorite supper Mom prepares for him.He and Mom plant a rosebush with orange flowers at the burial site, and the boy sits by it after school and tries to talk with Charlie.Listen as hard as he may, however, there is no reply. A profoundly compelling picture book about grief
Flowing color paintings by Ronald Himler add a moving touch to The Best Cat In The World is a poignant story by Leslea Newman about a young boy named Victor who loses his beloved feline companion Charlie to old age. When a new cat, Shelley, comes to the household, she is different from Charlie in almost every way - she doesn't do the things Charlie used to do, or respond in the same way. But in time Victor learns that his new friend is unique and special, and every bit as much "the best cat in the world" as Charlie was, in this profoundly compelling picture book about grief and the slow process of healing. The Best Cat In The World is especially recommended reading for young people who have lost a treasured animal companion. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Cats    2. Animals - Pets    3. Cats    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    5. Children: Grades 1-2    6. Fiction    7. Grief    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Preschool Picture Story Books    10. Social Issues - Death & Dying    11. Animal stories    12. Suicide, death & bereavement   

Subjects:  1. Animals - Dogs    2. Children's 4-8 - Fiction - Religious    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 2-3    5. Death    6. Dogs    7. Fiction    8. Grief    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Pets    11. Religious - Christian    12. Social Issues - Death & Dying    13. Animal stories    14. Christian Interest    15. Fiction dealing with family issues    16. Juvenile Fiction / Religious / Christian   

Reviews (2)

I couldn't put this one down!
I originally bought this for my daughter and ended up hiding it from her until I was done - which wasn't long since I couldn't put it down!Woodworth's sharp wit and ability to transfer the reader into a 1962 small town in Indiana make it hard to believe this is the author's first published work. I look forward to her next book and highly recommend this one!

Woodworth's first is AMAZING!
Excellent book. I couldn't put it down. Lydia is a great character who I believe people can relate to in some shape or form.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Brothers and sisters    2. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Family - General    6. Family problems    7. Fiction    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Neighbors    10. Raccoons as pets    11. Social Issues - Death & Dying    12. Social Issues - Drugs, Alcohol, & Substance Abuse    13. Social Issues - General    14. Social Situations - Death & Dying    15. Social Situations - Drugs, Alcohol, & Substance Abuse    16. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Drugs, Alcohol, Substance Abuse   

Subjects:  1. Cats    2. Children's 4-8    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Death    5. Fiction    6. General    7. Pets    8. Social Situations - Death & Dying   

Reviews (5)

Saying Goodbye to Lulu.
Saying Goodbye to Lulu is a wonderfully written and illustrated book, depicting the thoughts and emotions surrounding the last days and passing on of a beloved pet.It captures the feeling that most pet owners have as our pets age; that we want our pets to be back the way they were when they were younger and healthier.The pictures and descriptions show Lulu's days and activities in the present time, and the things her young friend does to accomodate Lulu's infirmities, in a loving and matter-of-fact way. Interspersed are pictures showing Lulu during her younger days, and pictures showing her and her young friend growing up together---pictures any pet owner can relate to.
Extremely Touching
This is a very moving book that tells the story of a young girl and her aging dog. As she reminiscences about her dog and how he used to be, an adult will get the sense of impending doom but children may not see the dog's death coming. The book is quite positive at the outset, describing how the dog is aging but used to enjoy games, running, jumping, etc. The death comes rather fast and yes, in a blunt way, but it's touching and makes me cry every time I start reading it. It's a wonderful book for children who have an older pet and those who have recently lost one; it tells the story of love between humans and animals, the joys they bring us, and the happiness that can be found with a new pet and new bond as well. It's realistic and you can't shield children from life. This book deals with a sad subject in an open manner and makes you feel something too. I'd highly recommend it because, in addition to poignant writing the illustrations are beautiful.

A beautiful book
This beautiful book tells the story of a young girl's love for her dog and her struggles to say goodbye to it.Children of all ages, as well as adults, will relate to the heartfelt emotions and be inspired by this journey from loss to the acceptance of new life.Highly recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Dogs    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Death    5. Dogs    6. Fiction    7. Grief    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Pets    10. Social Issues - Death & Dying    11. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Death & Dying   

Subjects:  1. Animals - Pets    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Social Issues - Death & Dying   

Reviews (2)

EXCELLENT BOOK
I read this book in the in the 5th grade back in 1986 and loved it. Til this day, I still remember it and will definately purchase it again just so I can read it again. It is a very good book that left me in tears through it. Get out your kleenex if you plan on reading it. I recommend this book to all children and adults.

Bye-Bye Mustard
Mustard is a playful cat that has been with Alex's family for 14 years.They are all very attached to him.When they visit the vet, Dr. Griffith, for Mustard's yearly check-up, they are told to keep Mustard from having any stress.The problem is Barney, the newspaper boy's mean dog...and that's when the trouble starts. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cats    2. Children's 9-12    3. Children: Grades 2-3    4. Death    5. Fiction    6. General    7. Pets    8. Non-Classifiable   

Reviews (2)

My Pet died (Let's Make A Book About It)
As a parent of a 5 year old, I found this book to be an excellent tool for both my daughter and myself.When our dog died, the book gave my daughter an outlet for her feelings; ie. the book offered open-ended questions and she could draw pictures in response to the questions. Her work in thebook reassured me that her grief was taking a natural course, easing my own"parent pain" for my daughter.I highly recommend this book forpreschoolers and up.

This book helped me get all my feelings out when my dog died
Parents, you should buy this book if your pet or your children's pet dies because it will help your child get all his or her feelings out.If you (the child) do not want to share it with anyone, you don't have to - youcan just keep it to yourself.The book is organized like a journal whereyou answer different questions on different pages about your feelings.Youdon't have to write it all at once; in fact, the book encourages you tocome back and answer some questions later on. You can also paste picturesof your pet in the book or draw pictures of it or try to express how youare feeling in a drawing.by Robin Berger, age 11 ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Preschool    3. General    4. Juvenile Nonfiction    5. Social Issues - Death & Dying    6. Domestic animals & pets    7. Life Skills & Personal Awareness, General Studies   

Subjects:  1. Animals - Dogs    2. Animals - Pets    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Kindergarten    5. Death    6. Dogs    7. Fiction    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Preschool Picture Story Books    10. Promises    11. Social Issues - Death & Dying    12. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Dogs   

Reviews (2)

The message is hidden
I first read this book not too long after my elementary school principal died. I figured that the book was about death because of many of the details. And I was right!

Heaven - lets you smile through your tears
When my companion dog of 13 years died, my mother sent this book fromEngland. Nicholas Allan's charming pictures and gentle story help ease thepain of losing a beloved pet.Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    2. Children: Kindergarten    3. General    4. Juvenile Fiction    5. Fiction    6. Juvenile Fiction / General    7. Natural history & pets    8. Suicide, death & bereavement