Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 4--Shay, a nonbinary child with tan skin, a long braid, they/them pronouns, and a loving mom, is inseparable from their companion Fluffy. She's the best dog, always up for adventure, and they have pledged to remain together forever. But forever comes early when Fluffy gets sick. The first morning that Fluffy isn't around, Shay feels physically ill. The empty food bowl and water bowl are visceral reminders of an absence that hurts to their very core. One night, though, Shay dreams of Fluffy playing with other dogs among the stars and sky. It's such a joyful scene that Shay can't help but be cheered up; after that, they look to the stars whenever they miss Fluffy. Redvers, a Dene/Métis member of the Deninu K'ue First Nation, writes with a light hand of Shay and Fluffy's attachment; this is a bond every child will understand and an explanation of grief that is perfectly childlike, but never trivial. Nozari creates scenes in paintbox-bright colors that boldly show the skies where Fluffy lives on as well as the landscapes she and Shay share before the dog gets too old. VERDICT A generous look at loss and mourning, scaled to young survivors, easy to share in groups or one on one.--Kimberly Olson Fakih
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