Publisher Description

When Pumpkin, my dog, died, everyone at home was sad. The next day, a dark cloud began to follow me around and it felt like I had soap in my eyes and an octopus wrapped tightly around my heart...
Written by the renowned child author and psychologist, Alicia Acosta, this uplifting, beautifully illustrated story explores themes of loss and grief and the power of memories.
Tambin disponible en espaol. (Also available in Spanish.)

Author Biography

Alicia Acosta is a professional storyteller from Andalusia (Spain). She works with groups of children in schools and on behalf of government organizations, combining her background as a psychologist and her love of literature to promote a love of reading in children. Mercè Galí is an illustrator from Barcelona. She grew up surrounded by stories in her parents' bookstore. She studied illustration and Fine Arts at the University of Barcelona, specializing in engraving. She is mainly illustrates children's books and works with publishing houses in various different countries. Her books have been awarded best Toddler books at the Bologna Fair and her project 'Petit Indi' was a finalist in the Silent Book competition.

Review

Available in English and Spanish, the sketched illustrations and washes of watercolor in Pumpkin and Me follow a young girl as she grieves the loss of a beloved pet. After her dog, Pumpkin, dies, a dark cloud starts following the girl, growing larger every day; she feels as though she has soap in her eyes and an octopus squeezing her chest. In time, however, she discovers that the memories that make her sad have the power to bring her joy again, too - Foreword Reviews

Pumpkin and Me is a book about the special relationship between humans and dogs and the grief we feel when they are gone. This book does an excellent job of exploring grief in an accessible way. It will help all of us better understand why grief is necessary and that we all go through it. - NetGalley- Educator

A really good story on pet death. It doesn't shy away from the harsh feelings that might come with death, but explains them and gives them purpose. I loved this story and the comfort it gives. – NetGalley- Bookseller

It's a great resource for children who have suffered loss of any kind as the narrator deftly illustrates the feelings of grief in an approachable and age appropriate way. Highly recommend this book, and cannot wait to add it to our school's library collection. – NetGalley- Librarian

This book is a lovely way to discuss how to handle the emotions associated with the death of a dear loved one.  The illustrations are simple and very kid-friendly.  "Pumpkin and Me" will be very relatable if your child ( and your entire family ) have experienced the loss of a beloved pet family member.  I love the book and highly recommend it. – Storywraps Blog

Acosta's straightforward and reassuring text is expertly complemented by Gali's muted cartoon illustrations.VERDICT An honest and realistic take on death and grief. A valuable addition to any collection. – Starred Review. School Library Journal

Book Crush of the Week – Let's Talk Picture Books

Why this book is helpful:

• It explores grief in the eyes of a young child.
• It illustrates the physical and emotional symptoms that can occur when one is grieving.
• The feelings and emotions of the young child are validated and explained by each member of her family.

Raising Readers to Become Leaders

A 2023 CBC Teacher Favorites Winner – Children's Book Council

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Long Description

When Pumpkin, my dog, died, everyone at home was sad. The next day, a dark cloud began to follow me around and it felt like I had soap in my eyes and an octopus wrapped tightly around my heart... Written by the renowned child author and psychologist, Alicia Acosta, this uplifting, beautifully illustrated story explores themes of loss and grief and the power of memories.

Review Text

"An honest and realistic tale on death andgrief. A valuable addition to any collection". - Starred review. School LibraryJournal

Review Quote

Why this book is helpful: It explores grief in the eyes of a young child. It illustrates the physical and emotional symptoms that can occur when one is grieving. The feelings and emotions of the young child are validated and explained by each member of her family. Raising Readers to Become Leaders

Description for Sales People

Pumpkin and me walks kids through the grieving process after losing a pet . Follows the arc of loss : First the sadness can be a little overwhelming. Over time, our main character realizes how lucky she was to have Pumpkin as a pet, and slowly the sadness starts to go away. Alicia Acosta, storyteller and psychologist , uses her special skillset to demonstrats what how a child feels when they lose a pet, while maintaining a child-like perspective. Available in both Spanish and English . Social-emotional literacy. Accessible, touching illustrations .

Details