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)

PreS-Gr 3 —A young dog owner who presents as Asian features in the illustrations and anticipates the death of her beloved pet by spending the day saying goodbye to all of the things, sounds, and activities they have enjoyed together. In her debut picture book, Wu's gorgeous digital illustrations allow readers to see and feel the warmth of the sunlight the pet enjoyed in the past, which is in contrast with the snowy day of the present in a comfortable suburban setting, surrounded by loving family. The story's message, to enjoy each last moment together and say goodbye while knowing that the one that is dying will remain in one's heart forever, is told in the second person. The "you" addressed, however, is the dying dog. This authorial choice sometimes comes across as an adult's need to creatively express rather than a deep consideration for the youthful audience: "It paints you like a Monet" and "they dance to the spring waltz, just for you." Still, for libraries where there is demand for sensitive stories about preparing for loss and death that feature a middle grade narrator, this book may be a necessary purchase. VERDICT Don't let readers mistake the sun-dappled girl and her dog in a meadow on the cover for a happy book about pets instead of the tearjerker it is; it's a beautifully rendered, lyrical depiction of the feelings of a child as their pet's life nears its end.—Jessica Fenster-Sparber