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Synopsis
Everyone in the first grade feels sad when they hear that Jim's dog Muffins has been killed. His friends try to help him feel better, but Jim won't talk or listen to anyone. All he can do is think about his dog.
Then Jim's friend Paul has an idea. Will Paul's plan help Jim cry and laugh about the times he shared with Muffins?
Children's Literature
Jim's dog has died and he is having a difficult time returning to his regular life at school. His friends are having a hard time understanding that he needs some time and space to mourn his loss. They do not always say the right thing and Jim becomes angry that no one seems to understand how he feels. The teacher tries to comfort Jim and explain to the other children that he just needs some time to feel sad that Muffins is gone. At the end of the school day, Paul and Jim share a piece of pizza and talk about Muffins, remembering her fondly. Through tears and smiles, Jim begins to deal with his feelings for the first time and the reader is left feeling he is going to be okay. The illustrations are soft pastels that truly convey the vast number of emotions the children experience. Reviewer: Stephanie R. Pearmain