Trauma

The Tenth Good Thing About Barney
Author: Judith Viorst; illustrated by Erik Blegvad

Keywords: Death of a pet, grief, bereavement

Summary:
This book is about a little boy whose cat, Barney, dies. He and his parents bury him in the garden and he wonders what will happen to Barney: will he go to heaven or stay in the ground. He eventually comes to terms with the uncertainty of what will happen to Barney and is comforted by the idea that Barney will help the plants grow in the garden.

Audience: child

Considerations: This book can be read with the help of a parent to help process the natural feelings a child has when a pet dies.

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