Wonderful goodbyes

A family says goodbye to a beloved pet. An unnamed child eyes the fluffy white dog resting nearby: "You have been sleeping more but eating less, playing less, even barking less," the young narrator observes. The little one is aware that the canine "will be going somewhere far" and only wishes "I could hold you forever." As the methodically paced narrative continues, the child decides to fill the dog's remaining days with "wonderful goodbyes." A pattern is established as the duo visit favorite places and objects for a formal farewell. "Do you see your toys bowing their heads? Goodbye, toys." "Perhaps you'd like a car ride around our hilly town, through the tunnel of trees?" "Goodbye mellow breeze." Warm, blended colors, textured with soft lines, create a sentimental tone in sync with the emotional weight of the subject. The narrator reflects on a peaceful moment: "Remember when we'd fall asleep under the summer clouds, the sun hugging us with its gentle rays?" The repeated goodbyes guide young readers along as the narrator plays a favorite song before the dog closes its eyes, "falling asleep. / Goodbye, songs and heartbeats." After the dog's passing, the child notes that the dog's memory will live on, "in all the wonderful hellos and goodbyes. And always with me. / Hello, my dearest. Goodbye." Human characters present East Asian. Deftly crafted and poignant, a loving guide to farewells. (Picture book. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.