About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is processing a significant loss or struggling with the 'quiet' moments of grief that persist long after a funeral ends. Annie Rossi is a spirited fourth grader who navigates the ups and downs of life after her mother's death by writing letters to her new puppy, Leo. Through these letters, she shares the mundane details of school and the profound weight of her mother's absence with equal honesty. This gentle chapter book offers a safe space for children ages seven to ten to see their own complex emotions reflected. It beautifully illustrates that moving forward doesn't mean forgetting, and that joy and sadness can coexist. Parents will appreciate how the story models healthy communication and the healing power of the human-animal bond without being overly sentimental or heavy-handed.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with the death of a parent. The approach is realistic and secular, focusing on the emotional experience of the child rather than religious explanations. The resolution is hopeful but grounded: Annie isn't 'cured' of her sadness, but she is learning to live a full life alongside it.
