About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the sudden, confusing weight of grief or the guilt that often follows a loss. It is a vital resource for navigating the transition from shared joy to solitary mourning. The story follows Sussy, a young girl who must learn how to care for Matylda, the pet gecko she shared with her best friend Guy, after Guy is killed in a tragic accident. As Sussy navigates her profound sadness, she begins to act out in ways that reflect her internal turmoil, including stealing from a pet store to try and 'fix' things for her gecko. It is a deeply realistic look at how children process trauma through action and obsession. This chapter book is best suited for middle-grade readers (ages 8 to 12) who are ready for a nuanced, secular, and ultimately hopeful exploration of how we carry the memory of those we love while learning to live again.
