Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)At first, I though this book was about dog treats. After all, the title reads, "Jim's Dog Muffins," not, "Jim's Dog, Muffins." I picked the book for my son because it was on the required reading list for first grade. He started reading and became upset immediately. The first sentences, "Jim's dog got killed by the garbage truck! It was all squashed." Perhaps a little too graphic? Maybe it was my fault for not reading the book before checking it out but I had no idea the book was about death. The title doesn't exactly reveal what the book is really about. Close to the end, my son said, "This is such a sad book. I don't know why someone would write it."
Having experienced death and loss in our family, I have read several children's books dealing with these issues. If you're looking for a book to help your child learn about the grieving process, I'd recommend, "What is Heaven Like," by Beverly Lewis. It is much more gentle and explains death in a more complete way than this book attempts.
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When Jim returns to school after his dog, Muffins, is hit by a garbage truck and dies, the first-graders try to share his loss and ease his pain. But Jim refuses to talk or even let anyone come near him. He does not participate in any school activities and mopes about, thinking of his beloved dog. Jim does not even choose a book when everybody else sits down to read! The wise teacher points out that Jim may need more time to feel his grief.However, on the way home from school, Paul cheers Jim up by offering him a slice of pizza and the chance to talk about his dog. Through tears of joy and sadness, Jim finally opens up and shares a sweet memory of Muffins. This reissue deals sensitively with the way children experience loss. New watercolor illustrations by Ronald Himler give the children unique personalities and help readers empathize with their experiences.
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