Sunflower Mountain

Christine Linge is a past director of the Toronto & District Parent
Co-operative Preschool Corporation and a freelance writer.

Trevor enjoys biking through the park, especially when he encounters Mr.
Pete, an oldster who reminds him of his recently deceased grandpa.
Together the two sing silly songs and play with Pete’s beloved St.
Bernard, Governor. One day Pete is alone and despondent: his dog has
died. Trevor sadly listens to Pete’s words about the “circle of
life.” When sorrow renders Pete mute, Trevor is reminded of the pain
he felt when his Grandfather died.

He shares the news with his sympathetic family, who suggest he plant
some sunflowers in memory of Governor. After dreaming of happy
sunflowers dancing around Mr. Pete, Trevor realizes he will always
treasure happy memories of Governor—and his granddad.

Medical professionals (including veterinarians), pet owners, parents,
and members of the “sandwich” generation all need to understand the
grief process. Foster-Morgan, a psychotherapist and grief educator, has
fashioned a gentle tale for all ages that facilitates this
understanding. The clever interweaving of Trevor’s grief for his
grandpa and his feelings for Governor and Mr. Pete presents the reader
(or listener) with many avenues of approach to what is usually a
difficult subject. In her introduction, the author emphasizes that the
loss of a pet is often a child’s first experience of death, and one
that is often poorly handled by the child’s caregivers.

A four-page appendix includes grief ceremonies, a gallery for special
memories, and answers to common questions. Novice illustrator
Loverock’s watercolors combine sensitivity, technique, and brightness
in perfect balance. Highly recommended.