Goodbye Mousie

One morning, a young boy wakes up to find his beloved pet mouse, known as Mousie, asleep. No matter what the little boy does, Mousie just won't wake up. His Father informs him that young Mousie has died. The young boy doesn't want to believe his Father. After all, little Mousie was fine the day before, and he was a very happy mouse. The boy is soon overcome with anger that Mousie has left him without any warning, and feels very sad. But after talking about the good times he shared with Mousie, and creating a special box for Mousie's burial that is filled with all kinds of goodies for Mousie to enjoy once he gets to mouse-heaven, the boy begins to feel a lot better about the loss of his beloved Mousie. Robie H. Harris has done a marvelous job in creating a book for young children, that will explain to them easily why their pet had to die. The prose is wonderful, and possesses an easy-to understand format, while each page is filled with gorgeous full-color illustrations by Jan Ormerod. GOODBYE MOUSIE is a spectacular book that should occupy a space on everyone's bookshelf. Especially for those who have young children, and own pets. Erika Sorocco Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper

I checked this book out at the library not knowing the subject. The cover shows a small boy playing with his mouse, but the first page starts out with the boy waking up to find his mouse "asleep". Written in the first person (of the boy), this book is sensitive and realistic in how a parent might help a young child deal with the death of a pet. It relates the father's tenderness in talking with his son, who goes through the range of emotions, including denial, sadness and anger. The boy appears to be of the preschool age, and while he seems to understand the finality of death, he also wants his mousie friend to be warm, well fed, and entertained after they bury him. The words are comforting to read and the illustrations are simple and beautifully done. My 3 yr old boys have not personally experienced the death of a pet, but they've asked to read it several times. Our next door neighbor's dog died this summer and relate the mouse and the dog. They are very aware of the fact that the mouse died and is gone to "mousie heaven" (their words, not the books). They ask questions and empathize with and comfort the boy. We personally have an older bunny and dog, so I will certainly have this book in mind when they pass on.

I work as a therapist, and I think this is a great book to help to "normalize" (as much as possible) the process of losing a pet. I think this book can also serve as a springboard for children and parents to talk openly about loss. Robie Harris' book is a hit!

Today I read ten books for children on death and loss at my local book store. GOODBYE MOUSIE by Robie H. Harris was selected for its clear, realistic emotions experienced by a young boy when his pet dies. The book was purchased to place in an elementary school library in memory of a first grade teacher who unexpectedly passed away recently.