Families who loved The Tenth Good Thing About Barney by Judith Viorst often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent would reach for this book when a child is experiencing the death of a beloved pet and struggling to articulate the heaviness of their heart. It provides a structured way for families to process the initial shock and sadness of loss through the simple act of remembering. The story follows a young boy who, at his mother's suggestion, tries to think of ten good things about his cat, Barney, to share at a funeral in the backyard. This gentle, secular narrative focuses on the ritual of mourning and the healing power of gratitude. By validating a child's right to be sad while introducing the comforting idea that life continues in the cycle of nature, the book bridges the gap between grief and acceptance. It is a timeless choice for children ages 4 to 9, offering a realistic yet hopeful framework for saying goodbye and honoring a bond that meant the world to them.
