A Kids Book About Saying Goodbye to a Pet by The Dodo

Losing a pet is often a child’s first encounter with grief—a confusing, overwhelming experience that can leave them feeling lost. A Kids Book About Saying Goodbye to a Pet by The Dodo is a tender, honest, and beautifully crafted guide that helps children navigate this painful transition. Unlike traditional storybooks, this one leans into raw emotion, offering validation and comfort without sugarcoating the reality of loss.

As someone who has both experienced pet loss as a child and now as an adult guiding young ones through it, I found this book to be an invaluable resource. It’s not just a story; it’s a conversation starter, a safe space, and a gentle hand to hold during a difficult time.

---

The book doesn’t follow a traditional narrative but instead takes a direct, heartfelt approach. It acknowledges the deep bond between a child and their pet, validating the pain of loss while celebrating the love that remains.

Through simple yet profound language, the book walks children through:

• The inevitability of pet loss (aging, illness, or accidents)
• The emotions they might feel (sadness, anger, confusion)
• Ways to remember and honor their pet (photos, drawings, rituals)
• The idea that grief is okay and necessary

It doesn’t shy away from hard truths but presents them in a way that feels manageable for young readers.

---

Since this isn’t a fictional story, the "character" here is the child reader themselves. The book speaks directly to them, making them feel seen and understood. It doesn’t dictate how they should feel but instead reassures them that whatever they’re experiencing is valid.

The absence of a fictional protagonist is actually a strength—it allows every child to insert themselves into the narrative, making the advice and comfort feel deeply personal.

---

The Dodo (known for its heartwarming animal stories) brings its signature warmth to this book. The writing is:

• Clear and concise – No flowery metaphors that might confuse kids.
• Conversational – It feels like a trusted adult speaking gently to them.
• Interactive – Encourages kids to reflect, draw, or talk about their feelings.

The lack of illustrations might seem unusual for a kids' book, but it serves a purpose: it keeps the focus on the emotions rather than a specific visual narrative, making it universally relatable.

---

The book normalizes crying, anger, and confusion, reassuring kids that these feelings are part of saying goodbye.

While the pet may be gone, the love shared doesn’t disappear. The book helps kids find ways to keep that love alive.

A subtle but crucial message: kids don’t have to process grief alone. Encouraging them to talk to adults is woven throughout.

---

As someone who struggled with pet loss as a child (and watched younger relatives go through the same), I wish this book had existed back then. Many children’s books on pet loss either oversimplify grief or wrap it up too neatly with a "they’re in a better place" ending.

This book does something different—it lets grief exist without rushing to resolve it. That’s a rare and invaluable approach.

---

Most children’s books about pet loss fall into two categories:

1. Fictional stories (The Tenth Good Thing About Barney by Judith Viorst)
2. Workbook-style guides (When a Pet Dies by Fred Rogers)

This book blends the best of both—it’s direct like a guide but carries the emotional weight of a story. Unlike some books that focus on religious or afterlife concepts, this one stays neutral, making it accessible to all families.

---

• Authentic and validating – Doesn’t downplay grief.

• Inclusive – Works for any type of pet loss (dogs, cats, rabbits, etc.).

• Great for discussions – Perfect for parents/teachers to read with kids.

• No illustrations – Some kids might miss visual engagement.

• Very text-heavy – Younger readers may need an adult to guide them.

---

• Children ages 5-10 (best read with an adult for younger kids)
• Parents, teachers, or counselors looking for a tool to discuss grief
• Adults who want to revisit pet loss in a gentle way

---

"It’s okay to cry. It’s okay to be angry. It’s okay to not know how you feel."

"Your pet was so lucky to be loved by you."

These lines hit hard—they’re simple but carry so much emotional weight.

---

Pet loss is often dismissed as "just an animal," but modern psychology recognizes how profound this grief can be for children. The Dodo, with its expertise in animal-human bonds, brings credibility and sensitivity to the topic.

---

This book doesn’t just help kids say goodbye—it helps them keep loving, keep remembering, and keep healing. It’s a rare gem that balances honesty with hope.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

---

• How did you cope with losing a pet as a child?
• What’s one way you’ve honored a pet’s memory?
• Do you think books like this help kids process grief better than vague reassurances?

I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below! 💬

Get this book on Amazon

For more great reviews and book recommendations, visit Books By Order.

For more great reviews, visit Book Book Owl.