A Vacation for Pooch uses split screen illustrations to compare a child's vacation with her pet's parallel adventures, easing the guilt of being away. This visual storytelling lets readers see the silly reality behind the girl's worries. Books in this family share dual narratives that resolve separation anxiety through humor and a reassuring perspective.
Reach for this book when your child is feeling anxious about an upcoming separation, particularly when a beloved pet must stay behind during a family trip. It is a gentle tool for validating the 'guilt' or worry children often feel when they are having fun while imagining their pet is lonely or sad at home. The story follows Violet as she travels to the beach, but her mind remains fixed on her dog, Pooch. She imagines him pining for her, but the illustrations cleverley reveal that Pooch is actually having his own parallel adventure at a boarding kennel. This book is ideal for preschoolers and early elementary students (ages 3-7) because it uses relatable imagery to teach perspective-taking. It helps children understand that while they are missed, their loved ones (and pets) are safe and capable of finding joy even when apart. It is a comforting choice for normalizing the 'heavy' feelings that can sometimes cloud a child's excitement for a vacation.
