Remembering Honey

Deborah Dowson is a Canadian children’s librarian in North Wales,
Pennsylvania.

The twins, Brandon and Bhriegh, decide to name their new pet puppy
“Honey,” “because she was the sweetest puppy they had ever
seen.” Over the years Honey becomes a loving playmate and companion,
though she remains small enough to fit in a shoe box. One day Honey
becomes sick and the veterinarian tells the family that she will soon
die. The children are shocked and upset. While Honey is sick, Bhriegh
often cries alone in her room and Brandon becomes mean and angry. After
Honey dies, the family buries her under a tree in their backyard and
remembers with fondness what a wonderful companion she had been.

The title and cover illustration clearly suggest that the subject of
this picture book is the death of a family pet. The easy-flowing
narrative is gentle yet truthful, and the soft, serene illustrations of
the idyllic family with their beloved pet complement perfectly the
peaceful tone of the book. The author describes without judgment what
the children say and do during their time of grief, leaving it up to the
reader to surmise what the characters are feeling.

Remembering Honey is a sensitive story presented in an attractive
format. The author has succeeded in creating a story to help young
children express their grief after the death of a loved one.
Recommended.