Dog Heaven

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.

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).

Annie's Monster

Author: Barbara Corcoran

Type or emotional/crisis issue(s) addressed: Mental Illness, Adolescence, Caregivers, Death, Pet Care, Family Relationships, Mental Health Facilities

Year of Publication: 1990 (out of print, but available used)

Publisher & Location: Macmillian, New York

ISBN#: 0689316321

Target Age Level: Upper Elementary

# of Pages: 188

Quality of Illustrations: None

Brief Summary: Annie gets a new dog and when they are out one day, they stumble across a homeless woman who Annie tries to help.

Personal Comments/Biases, and/or Things to Consider When Using This Book With Children: