A parent should reach for this book when their child is facing the painful uncertainty of a lost pet or the definitive grief of a pet's death. This tender, realistic story by acclaimed author Michael Morpurgo honors the deep bond between a child and an animal, validating the powerful emotions that come with loss. The story follows a young boy named Alex whose beloved dog, Alfie, goes missing. It chronicles the family's desperate search and Alex's refusal to give up hope. Suitable for ages 6 to 9, this gentle chapter book doesn't offer a simple, happy ending. Instead, it provides something more valuable: a truthful, comforting exploration of grief, the importance of closure, and the way love and memory endure. It’s a powerful tool for helping a child navigate a very difficult life moment with honesty and compassion.
The book deals directly and realistically with the death of a pet. The approach is secular. Alfie is not found alive. The resolution is sad but ultimately gentle and focused on the importance of closure. The driver who caused the accident is portrayed as kind and remorseful, which softens the traumatic nature of the event. The narrative is hopeful in its handling of grief and memory, emphasizing that love for a pet continues after they are gone.
Ideal Reader
This book is for a child, age 6 to 9, who is experiencing the specific pain of a lost or deceased pet. It's particularly suited for a child who needs a story that acknowledges the harsh reality of loss, rather than offering a magical or unrealistic fix. It would resonate with a sensitive, empathetic child who feels animal bonds very deeply.
Parent Prep
A parent MUST preview the ending (the last two chapters). The story builds a strong sense of hope that Alfie will be found alive, and the reveal of his death could be a shock. A parent needs to be prepared to read this part with their child and be ready for a difficult but important conversation about death. This is not a book to be read cold or left for a child to read alone if they are currently grieving. A family pet has gone missing, and the child is consumed with worry and 'what ifs'. Or, a pet has recently died (especially in an accident), and the child is struggling to process the finality and find closure. The parent hears: "Is he scared?" "Will he ever come home?" "Where did he go?"
Age Experience
A younger reader (6-7) will connect most with Alex's love for Alfie and the simple, sad fact that he is gone. They will understand the comfort of saying a final goodbye. An older reader (8-9) will better appreciate the nuances of the emotional journey: the tension between hope and realism, the role of the community, and the complex concept of finding peace through closure.
What Makes It Special
In a sea of lost pet stories that end with a joyful reunion, this book's unique strength is its courage to tell a different, more common, and ultimately more difficult truth. Michael Morpurgo's masterful, gentle prose treats a child's grief with the utmost seriousness and respect, providing a story that is more about emotional honesty and healing than wish fulfillment.
Read plot summary
Young Alex is devoted to his dog, Alfie. When Alfie bolts into the woods during a storm and doesn't return, Alex and his family begin a desperate search. They put up posters, talk to neighbors, and follow every slim lead, with the story focusing on Alex's emotional state: his unwavering hope, his deep sadness, and his quiet determination. The search stretches on, testing the family's resilience. The story culminates not in a happy reunion, but with a phone call from a man who regretfully explains he accidentally hit Alfie with his car and buried him respectfully. The family visits the spot, allowing Alex to say a proper goodbye and begin to heal.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Alex and his family put up posters all over town to find Alfie. How did the actions of their neighbors and friends help them, even when they couldn't find Alfie alive?
2
When the man called to tell them what happened to Alfie, it was very sad news. Why do you think it was still important for Alex to know the truth?
3
At the very end, Alex's family decides to get a new puppy. How can someone love a new pet while still remembering and loving the pet they lost?
4
Alex never gave up hope while searching. What does it mean to have hope, even when you are also feeling sad or scared?
