Common Sense Media Review
By Regan McMahon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mister Rogers walks kids through grief in helpful guide.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
WHEN A PET DIES uses photographs of diverse families with dogs and cats to show realistic scenes of kids playing with and feeding pets, taking them to the veterinarian when they're sick, dealing with their emotions (sadness, anger, loneliness) after the death of a pet, and, in one case, burying the pet in the yard. It also deals with what dying means, acknowledges that people "often wish they could have done something to stop their pets form dying .. even when there was nothing they could have done. Or might wish they could find a way to make their pet come alive again -- even though that can't happen." And it reassures kids that they won't always feel bad, and one day, when you're ready, "you may even feel that you want to have another pet."
Is It Any Good?
This clear, simple, and sensitive guide helps kids though the grieving process. In a matter-of-fact way, it first shows kids having fun and caring for their pets, what to do if a pet gets sick -- go to the vet -- and how to process the anger and sadness When a Pet Dies.
Author Fred Rogers, as always, respects kids' feelings and gives readers room to feel them, as well as the hope that they won't feel this way forever. And he encourages kids to talk about their feelings with someone they love.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what it's like to love -- and lose -- a pet. Have you ever experienced the kind of loss described in When a Pet Dies? How did it make you feel? What helped you feel better?
What's the best thing about having a pet? What kinds of things can you do together that you both enjoy? What do you miss most when your pet is gone?
Have you felt that your pet is your best friend? What made you feel that way?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Advice
- Topics : Animals
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Perseverance
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publisher : Puffin Books
- Publication date : April 13, 1998
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 3 - 6
- Number of pages : 32
- Available on : Paperback, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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