When a Pet Dies » (REISSUE)

In this useful book from the First Experience series, the affable star of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood helps children share feelings of the loss of a pet while offering reassurance that grieving is a natural, healing thing to do. A sensitive and sensible first book about death. - The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Filled with warmth and reassurance,...When a Pet Dies assures youngsters that no matter how badly they feel when they lose a pet, in time their hurt will ease, and they will be able to remember with fondness the happiness they shared. - Booklist Fred Rogers and Jim Judkis live in Pittsburgh, PA.

Children's Literature

Anyone who has ever watched a "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood" episode can predict what kind of story will be found between the covers of this paperback book. This title in Fred Rogers' "First Experiences" series is a wonderful jumping-off point for a parent or other caregiver to discuss the touchy subject of death. Using the death of a family pet as a touchstone, the book explores the feelings that are common to children-and indeed adults-as they move through the grieving process. The text is full of warmth and reassurance without falling into sentimentality or sidestepping the issue. Accompanying photographs focus on a young boy who has lost his dog, and a young girl who has lost her cat. The photography adds an emotional sub-text to Rodgers' calm narrative, and illustrates amply how friends and family can help in the healing process. This is a wonderful introduction to a difficult subject: a sensible and sensitive first book about death.