About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is navigating the raw, messy aftermath of losing a pet and seems stuck in anger or withdrawal. It follows Jim, a first grader whose dog, Muffins, has died, and captures the authentic ways children process grief through the lens of a supportive classroom community. Unlike stories that rush to a happy ending, this book validates that it is okay to not want to play, to feel grumpy, and to need space. Appropriate for ages 4 to 8, this story is a vital tool for parents who want to normalize the 'uncomfortable' stages of mourning. It provides a blueprint for empathy, showing how friends can support a grieving peer without being pushy. It is a secular, realistic, and deeply compassionate choice for families experiencing their first significant loss.
