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Reviews Pet Loss:  Children The loss of an animal companion can be devastating for a child (and an adult.) It is important to openly grieve and discuss the sad incident with your children. There are several good children’s books on pet loss that can be helpful in assisting your children come to terms with the death of  a pet.

For Every Dog An Angel Written and Illustrated by Christine Davis ISBN: 0965922502 For Every Dog An Angel beautifully describes the strong bond and connection that exists between some people and their canine companions. Written and illustrated by Christine Davis this little book tells of how dogs are watched over by guardian angels and how some people form particularly special relationships with certain dogs. In these cases the dog and person will be together forever. The person’s "forever dog" and the dog’s "forever person" are inseparable. Whether you are considering adopting a canine in need, are currently living with a dog or have had to overcome the death of a canine companion you will enjoy this touching tribute to the canine-human bond. This books makes a wonderful gift for anyone who has experienced the death of a canine companion.

For Every Cat An Angel Written and illustrated by Christine Davis ISBN: 0965922510 As with her book For Every Dog An Angel, Christine Davis has created another comforting and beautiful book. In For Every Cat An Angel Davis tells of the special bond that exists between some people and their feline companions.  Davis’ illustrations are appealing and her touching words will be of comfort to those fortunate to have shared their lives with feline friends.

A Dog Like Jack written and illustrated by DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan ISBN: 0823413691 Mike is a young boy when his family adopts Jack, an eight-year-old dog, from an animal shelter. He grows up with Jack and together they have many wonderful times together. As Jack grows older he slows down, but he still enjoys life with his family. People live much longer than dogs and eventually Jack dies. Mike and his parents are very sad and they bury Jack in a special place.  Together they grieve for their dear friend. A Dog Like Jack describes the special relationship between Jack  and his humans and how they deal with his death. This book also offers the subtle message that adopting older animal companions from shelters is a wonderful and very rewarding experience. Kathleen L. Dunn, Chief Social Worker and Counselor with The Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, offers advice to families who are grieving the death of a pet in the section "Losing a Pet" at the end of the book.

Dog Heaven written and illustrated by Cynthia Rylant ISBN: 0590417010 Where do dogs go when they die? Cynthia Rylant gives her opinion in Dog Heaven.  This easy-to-read book describes in simple words and colourful illustrations what awaits our canine companions (and those not fortunate to have a family on Earth) when they die. Dog Heaven is a comforting story that an adult can read to a young child grieving the loss of their canine companion.

Cat Heaven written and illustrated by Cynthia Rylant ISBN: 0590100548 Written and illustrated in a style similar to Dog Heaven, Cynthia Rylant describes the wonderful activities that cats partake in when they die and go to Cat Heaven. The simple text and beautiful illustrations will help to comfort a child who is mourning the loss of a feline friend.

Sunflower Mountain
Kathleen Foster-Morgan  Illustrated by Faye Loverock
ISBN: 0969929307

Sunflower Mountain is the story of a young boy and his friend, an old man, who had to deal with death when the old man’s dog was killed. The young boy’s reaction to the animal’s death was further complicated by the death of his grandfather a year earlier.

Sunflower Mountain would aid  adults assisting children cope with the death of a companion animal. Kathleen Foster-Morgan, a psychotherapist and grief educator, provides some helpful advice at the beginning and end of the book.

The Dead Bird
Margaret Wise Brown   Illustrated by Remy Charlip
ISBN: 0064433269

Originally published in 1938, The Dead Bird is a beautiful book about children and how they lovingly deal with the death of a bird they found. The Dead Bird would make an excellent tool for adults explaining the difficult topic of pet loss to children.

The Fall of Freddie the Leaf: A Story of Life for All Ages
 Leo Buscaglia
 ISBN: 0805010645

The Fall of Freddie the Leaf: A Story of Life for All Ages is an endearing story about life - and death. The author, Leo Buscaglia, effectively deals with the delicate topic by following the life, and eventual death, of a leaf. The story is complemented with beautiful photographs of maple trees in their varied and wondrous stages. The Fall of Freddie the Leaf is a valuable tool for adults explaining the loss of a loved one to their children.

My Pet Died Written and illustrated by Rachel Biale ISBN: 1883672511 There are several quality books available to help children deal with the loss of an animal companion. My Pet Died is somewhat unique in that it encourages the child, working with his/her parents or guardians, to work through a series of activities related to their deceased companion animal. By completing the suggested activities the child is writing and illustrating the book. There is even a spot on the cover where the child’s name can be written as a co-author of the book. Written and illustrated by Rachel Biale, a child and family therapist, My Pet Died is part of the "Let’s Make A Book About It Series" by Tricycle Press. There are several instructional pages at the book’s beginning and end to help adults assist their children grieve for their deceased animal companion. My Pet Died not only assists grieving children deal with their significant loss and provides parents with important insight into how their children are feeling and coping with the sad event, but it also provides a nice memorial which can be referred to for support and to fondly remember a cherished member of the family.

Barn Kitty
June Kirkpatrick   Illustrated by Lori Peterson
ISBN: 0966023951

Barn Kitty is the true story of a stray kitten who finds a home with some caring people and their extended family which includes horses, sheep and goats. The kitten lives a long and happy life with her adopted family. Her passing is sad, but she is fondly remembered.

June Kirkpatrick addresses the important topic of pet loss in a simple manner. Barn Kitty is particularly suited for young children who have experienced the loss of an animal companion.