King Emmett the Second

Reach for this book when your child is facing the heavy 'double whammy' of losing a beloved pet and moving to a new, unfamiliar home. It is an ideal bridge for the child who feels that moving away means leaving memories behind, or the one who is resistant to 'replacing' a pet they still deeply miss. Through the eyes of young Emmett, the story explores the messy, non-linear process of grieving while adjusting to a brand new environment. Set against the backdrop of a move from New York City to rural Ohio, this gentle chapter book captures the specific heartache of saying goodbye to the familiar. Parents will appreciate Mary Stolz's realistic, secular approach to grief. It validates a child's right to be grumpy, sad, and hesitant about new beginnings, ultimately showing that opening your heart to a new friend doesn't mean forgetting the old ones. It is a quiet, comforting read for early elementary students.