I wrote this book for you. Often, the death of a beloved pet is a child's first significant loss. Through my work as a pet loss and grief counselor, I realized parents are not only uncomfortable talking with their children about pet loss, but they are also afraid. "Dear Brave Friend" not only takes that fear away, but also encourages and invites important and meaningful conversations. This gentle and heartwarming story captures the love between a boy and his dog, and the sadness that follows after his cherished dog passes away. Written in the form of a letter from the dog to the boy, the letter shares relatable, real-life examples of how the boy (and therefore anybody who has lost a dear pet) may be feeling and suggestions on what he can do to help himself get through this most difficult time. The letter also touches on simple acts of kindness that can follow the reader throughout his or her lifetime. The message in this story is applicable to young and old, girl or boy, and to any family pet that has stolen your heart. Included in Dear Brave Friend: Prompted writing exercises to encourage and express feelings Drawing pages to provide an opportunity to tune into feelings that are difficult to put into words Memory pages to add favorite pictures of a beloved pet Personalization page for gifting the book Dear Brave Friend was a 1st Place Winner and also a Finalist at the Next Generation Indie Book Awards in 2020. As one judge said, “Dear Brave Friend lovingly demonstrates healthy grieving to children who have experienced the death of a pet. Poignantly presented in the form of a letter from a pet to a young child this book deftly covers the variety of feelings that the young reader may encounter while letting them know that, whatever their emotion, it is a normal and healthy way to experience loss.The author brings her expertise as a counsellor in pet loss and grief companioning to this touching book which also provides exercises for children to express their feelings.”ASIN: 1089400691VSKU: PKV.1089400691.GCondition: GoodAuthor/Artist:Gerk, Leigh Ann|Murtha, TrishBinding: PaperbackNote: Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown. Condition Notes: A well-loved companion. Corners and cover might show a little wear, and you could find some notes or highlights. The dust jacket might be MIA, it might have been a library book and extras aren't guaranteed—but the story's all there!
