Crystal recently wrote on Squidoo Lens Reviews of the pain of losing a much loved pet. I know the hearts of those of us who have ever shared our lives with a much-loved furred, feathered or finned companion went out to her.
The loss of a pet can leave a profound absence in your life and sometimes it is only once they are gone that you notice just how strong a bond you had formed and how much that gentle, loving presence meant to you and to the others who shared a home with them.
For children, the sudden absence of a dear friend can be confusing as well as upsetting. Often a cat, dog, or other pet will have been in the house almost as long -- or even longer -- than you have. Your pet can be every bit as much a family member to you as your siblings.
Just this week I heard a little girl across the road talking to a cat, her voice ringing out clear as she stroked it: "You're my best friend". I was instantly taken back to myself at the same age. For many kids, an animal may be their closest friend and confidante. For some, it may be their only true friend. They make no separation between two-legs and four, nor discriminate by whether their friend communicates in a human tongue or an animal one.
I think when some say that the children will soon get over the loss of such a friend, they underestimate this bond. One person, though, who understands the support kids need at such a difficult time is Molly Stevens.
You might not have met Molly yet as she is quite new to Squidoo, though has industriously been creating a collection of well-crafted children's book reviews -- and who better to do so than a children's librarian!
In Picture Books About the Death of a Pet, Molly presents us with 8 story books, each one designed to help kids deal with pet loss. And what enchanting reads they are. Girls and boys of all ages are featured in these books about death and grieving, so most children will find a character they can identify with. Cats and dogs are the main focus, but there is also a picture book about a pet mouse which ends with the poignant line: "So, maybe someday, I'll get another mouse. But not just yet."
These books, each one beautifully-reviewed by Molly, don't belittle the emotions or children but instead show them that grieving is natural and is something that can't be hurried, and that also the pain will lessen and will be replaced with happier memories and, in time, with new animal friends.
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Visit: Picture Books About the Death of a Pet
Such a thoughtful review for a well-deserved topic! I am off to read the lens now.
ReplyDeleteBooks like Molly recommends would have been great in my day. It was always so traumatic for me to lose a pet. And just reading her reviews sets me teary-eyed and makes me want to hug my little doxie for all he's worth. Reminds me of that Tennyson quote: Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.
ReplyDeleteA beautifully written review my friend!
ReplyDeleteThe dead of a pet is tragic and certainly does break our hearts. You have written such a glowing recommendation for "Picture Books About the Dead of a Pet" that I am on my way now to visit it. I shall think of my own little Sylvester as I read about the mouse.
I love this lens and you for featuring it. It shows respect for children's emotions to be thoughtful about ways to help them grieve.
ReplyDeleteMolly's article reviewing the books helping children deal with the death of a pet is wonderful. Love your review of her work too!
ReplyDeleteThank you for introducing me to this writer, Nicki. What a great niche for a librarian, recommending children's picture books. And this one on grieving the loss of a pet is such a needed topic for children and adults alike.
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