About This Book
A parent might reach for this book when their child is feeling anxious about family arguments or is navigating the early stages of a parental separation. "I, Cosmo" tells the story of a loyal golden retriever, Cosmo, who is determined to keep his family together by winning a dog dancing competition with his best friend, a 12-year-old boy named Max. Told from the dog's warm, funny, and sometimes confused perspective, the book gently explores themes of family change, loyalty, and enduring love. It's an ideal choice for ages 8-12 because the animal narrator provides a safe, comforting distance from the difficult topic of divorce, allowing children to process complex emotions through a hopeful and heartwarming lens.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The primary sensitive topic is parental separation and divorce. The approach is indirect and metaphorical, filtered through Cosmo's canine understanding of "pack" dynamics. He doesn't grasp the adult complexities, which softens the topic for young readers. The resolution is realistic, not a fairytale reunion. The parents do separate, but the ending is hopeful, emphasizing that love and family connections persist even when a family's structure changes. The book also gently touches on aging and mortality through Cosmo's own declining health, but this is handled with warmth, not fear.
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