I'll Always Love You

Author: Hans Wilhelm

Type or emotional/crisis issue(s) addressed: Death, loss, pets

Year of Publication: 1985

Publisher & Location: Scholastic; New York, NY

ISBN#: 978-0517556481

Target Age Level: Lower and Upper Elementary, Pre-K

# of Pages: 32

Quality of Illustrations: simple, colorful

Brief Summary: "In this gentle, moving story, Elfie, a dachshund, and her special boy progress happily through life together. One morning Elfie does not wake up. The family grieves and buries her. The watercolor illustrations, tender and warm in color and mood, suit the simple text perfectly."--School Library Journal.

Personal Comments/Biases, and/or Things to Consider When Using This Book With Children: Good, simple book about death, loss and grieving. Although the death is of a pet, it can be transferred over to human death and loss.

Activity:
Talk about each stage with the boy and the dog. Discuss how people reacted differently to the dog. Discuss why they think the boy told the dog he loved him, even though the dog can't understand him. Talk about ways to show someone that you love them. Have the children write a note to someone (including pets) whom they love (alive or dead).