• Age: 3 to 5
• Grade: p to k
• Reading age: 3 to 5

This heartfelt imagining of what happens when a beloved pet dies offers children a caring introduction to the emotions of grief and loss, from a perspective of love and healing.

Shay and their dog Fluffy are best friends. Through the years they are each other’s source of comfort and companionship in times of both sadness and joy. When Shay learns that Fluffy is sick and they must say goodbye, they feel angry and scared. But Fluffy offers a gentle reassurance—as she always has—and Shay reflects on the meaningful bond they have shared with their friend and the love for her that they will hold in their heart forever.

T'áncháy Redvers is a Dene/Métis two-spirit writer, creator, speaker, advocate and multidisciplinary performer belonging to Deninu K’ue First Nation in Treaty 8 territory. They have been nationally and internationally recognized for their work and advocacy across many forms. T’áncháy co-founded We Matter, a national Indigenous-led organization dedicated to Indigenous youth hope and life promotion. T’áncháy has recently been enjoying screenwriting youth content for networks such as Apple TV+ and PBS Kids. They can usually be found dreaming up diverse stories and cuddling on the couch with their partner and their dogs, Yákay and Mocha, in Tkaronto (Toronto).

T’áncháy Redvers' profile page

Roza Nozari is a queer illustrator and writer of color. She is most known for her bold designs and diverse depictions of community and is a firm believer that we should all see ourselves meaningfully reflected in art. In her illustrations, she centers those often at the margins of the art world—BIPOC and 2SLGBTQ+ people, among others. Roza passionately illustrates on topics related to community, mental health and social justice. Through illustration, she envisions a world that is affirming, compassionate and uplifting to all. Roza lives in Tkaronto/Toronto with her partner, their quirky dog named Bones and their bonus kid, Ollie.

Roza Nozari's profile page

• Long-listed, First Nation Communities Read Awards (FNCR) - Children’s
• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens
• Commended, TD Summer Reading Club Recommended Reads

“An explanation of grief that is perfectly childlike, but never trivial….Easy to share in groups or one on one.”

School Library Journal

“A beautiful way to talk about death with young children while having an authentic representation of a young nonbinary person of colour. It will be helpful to children dealing with grief and is an important addition to elementary school classrooms and libraries. Highly recommended.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“It can be difficult for a child when it is the pet's time to move on from this world. The way the author explains how the child is shown to understand is something that can be very powerful for another child that is having to learn and go through the same thing.”

Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)