Book Title:  Dear Brave Friend by Leigh Ann Gerk
Category:  Middle-Grade Non-Fiction (8 to 12) ,  49 pages
Genre: Self-Help
Publisher:  Golden Harvest Publishers
Release date:   August 2019
Content Rating:  This non-fiction, self-help book is rated G. Appropriate for all audiences

This gentle and heartwarming story captures the love between a boy and his dog, and the sadness that follows after his cherished dog passes away. Written in the form of a letter from the dog to the boy, the letter shares relatable, real life examples of how the boy (and therefore anybody who has lost a dear pet) may be feeling and suggestions on what he can do to help himself get through this most difficult time. The letter also touches on simple acts of kindness that can follow the reader throughout his or her lifetime. The message in this story is applicable to young and old, girl or boy, and to any family pet that has stolen your heart. Story starters, drawing pages, and a place to add pictures of your own beloved pet are also included in the back of the book.

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My Review

Dear Brave Friend is written for middle grade readers to help them deal with the loss of a pet. It shares all of the stages of grief and explains that these feelings are okay. It’s beautifully illustrated and is a great book for anyone of any age who is dealing with losing their pet.

At the end of the book are pages to draw pictures, prompts for writing to your pet, and places to put pictures of your pet with an area to explain the picture. These encourage the reader to deal with their grief by writing about their pet. The book also encourages talking to someone about their feelings.

I definitely recommend Dear Brave Friend for anyone who is grieving the loss of a beloved pet.

About the Author

Leigh Ann Gerk MA, LPC has been in the counseling field for over eleven years. She is certified in Pet Loss & Grief Companioning and the founder and owner of Mourning to Light Pet Loss providing individual and family counseling for anyone grieving the loss of a pet. She currently offers 3 free pet loss support groups in Northern Colorado and is excited to branch out and offer more. Having grown up on a farm, Leigh Ann’s childhood playmates included baby calves, horses, bunnies, dogs, and 32 cats that set up house in a boxcar that also served as her playhouse. This upbringing introduced her, at a very young age, to the human-animal bond and instilled in her a deep understanding of, and love for, this extraordinary relationship. Leigh Ann and her husband, Andy, live in Loveland, Colorado, and are the proud parents of identical twin daughters, Heather and Heidi. Their family is made complete by their first grandchild and their cherished therapy dog, Gracie. Visit Leigh Ann online at MourningToLightPetLoss.com.

connect with the author:  website  ~  facebook  ~  goodreads

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