Goodbye, Max

A parent should reach for this book when their child is processing the death of a pet, especially if their grief is coming out as anger or blame. Ben's beloved dog, Max, dies of old age and illness. Overcome with sadness, Ben lashes out, blaming his parents. When they try to help by bringing home a new puppy, Ben rejects it completely. This story gently validates a child's complex feelings, showing that anger is a normal part of grieving and that healing takes time. For ages 5 to 8, it’s a quiet, powerful tool for acknowledging a child's pain and opening a conversation about how love for a new pet doesn't replace the memory of the one who is gone.