Author: Cynthia Rylant
Type or emotional/crisis issue(s) addressed: Death, loss
Year of Publication: 1995
Publisher & Location: The Blue Sky Press, New York
ISBN#: 0-590-41701-0
Target Age Level: Lower Elementary
# of Pages: 30
Quality of Illustrations: Excellent, colorful paintings done by the author; depiction of various ethnicities
Brief Summary: This book discusses where dogs go when they die: Dog Heaven. In Dog Heaven, God has created a place where dogs are taken care of by angel children, given as many dog biscuits as they want, can run free in the fields, and even visit the people they love back on earth from time to time. This is a great book to address the loss of a pet and is very positive and hopeful. All dogs are well taken care of and can stay there as long as they want, waiting for old friends.
Personal Comments/Biases, and/or Things to Consider When Using This Book With Children: God is mentioned many times in connection with Dog Heaven, so consider children's religious beliefs before using this book.
Activities: Discuss children's experiences with losing a pet. Have children draw a picture or write and illustrate a short story about their own pet's heaven (e.g., Dog Heaven, Cat Heaven, Fish Heaven). Children may share their pictures/stories in small groups.
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