One of the most heart-wrenching experiences in life is the death of a pet. Last year, our beloved Bedlington Terrier, Ollie, died without warning, and I found myself turning to picture books to help ease the pain. There’s something about the artistry of words and images that can help process emotions that feel too big.
I’m especially picky about picture books about loss. My favorites are told from a kid’s perspective, because they are relatable and non-didactic. I’m looking for just the right tone—blending honesty, a range of genuine emotions, and hope. A bonus for showing that working through grief takes time, and the path isn’t linear.
Here are four of my favorites—all award winners—that I wholeheartedly recommend for ages four and up.
The Rough Patch
by Brian Lies (Greenwillow Books, 2018)
Evan, a fox, and his pet dog do everything together. Their favorite activity is working in Evan’s magnificent garden. But one day, the unthinkable happens, and Evan can’t bring himself to garden again. He even hacks up his garden and leaves it for the weeds. Over time, he starts nurturing the weeds, and a stray pumpkin vine helps him grow toward doing things he once enjoyed.
The Rough Patch shows how processing loss takes time and patience. The story also offers hope that Evan will love again.
Paws + Edward
by Espen Dekko and illustrated by Mari Kanstad Johnsen (Kids Can Press, 2019).
Paws is getting tired. He is sleeping more and dreaming about bunnies. Edward keeps taking him on daily walks—but Paws is slowing down. Paws + Edward focuses on the comfort of a familiar routine between a dog and his boy. Eventually, while lying together, Paws sleeps without dreams, while Edward dreams Paws is free to run and play again.
This book is especially meaningful for families with an older pet.
Bear Island
by Matthew Cordell (Macmillan Publishers, 2021)
After a family loses their dog, Charlie, young Louise decides to visit the island she and Charlie once explored. It’s not the same without Charlie, but Louise meets a bear, and they become friends. Louise discovers the bear shares her sadness and continues to visit the bear for comfort. But when Louise starts to feel better, the bear needs to hibernate, and she feels loss again. At home, a new puppy brings Louise hope, and she returns to the island with the puppy to look for the bear. Like The Rough Patch, this book shows how grief needs time and healing is not a linear process.
Everywhere, Still
by M.H. Clark, illustrated by Claire Lemp (Compendium, 2023)
Everywhere, Still uses lyrical, rhyming text and watercolor-style images to illustrate how connection remains after a loved one dies. It describes a full range of feelings: emptiness, wishful thinking, comfort, and acceptance. This story is about the never-ending love for those we have lost – not limited to pets.
Do you have a favorite picture book that has helped your family through a rough patch? Please drop me a line and tell me about it.