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Sammy In The Sky (2011)

by Barbara Walsh(Favorite Author)

4.27 of 5 Votes: 4

ISBN

0763649279 (ISBN13: 9780763649272)

languge

English

genre

Middle Grade & Children's

publisher

Candlewick Press

review 1: A well-loved dog, Sammy is simply the best hound dog in the world, and his human companions enjoy the time they spend with him. The narrator especially loves him because he stays by her side during night storms and loves to pop the bubbles she and her younger sister blow in the air. But then when Sammy turns 12, he becomes ill and begins the slow but inevitable slide toward death. The family says goodbye to him as he grows more feeble with each day. After some time has passed, the family members recollect all the happy times they shared with him, realizing that he will always be alive in their memories. This title would be useful in helping youngsters deal with loss, but even so, as I read it, I was reminded of how short the time we have with our canine and feline companio... morens often is. The illustrations are carefully drawn to show the joy and sorrow on the faces of Sammy's family, and when the children look for him in the clouds above them, even I peered carefully to see if he could be found.
review 2: Even a cold-hearted, "no more dead dogs" cynic like me felt moved by this book. Here's one that kids who have lost or will lose a beloved family dog can relate to. This is a rare book where the dog isn't "put to sleep" by the veterinarian - instead, the dog dies from its illness at home: "Sammy's breathing grew slower and slower until it stopped." I'm sure it'll be well-received by the next grown-up who comes to my library looking for a book to help explain a pet's death to a kid. less

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