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Recommended Reading

A collection of works to help you HEAL your heart

We have selected the books listed here for you. You will find books that cater to all age groups and backgrounds as well as professional and educational works.

Please contact us if you would like assistance in choosing a book.

Cat Heaven Cat Heaven

A joyous celebration of a cat's journey after a happy life on Earth by Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant.
"The way to Cat Heaven is a field of sweet grass, where crickets and butterflies play!" With a gentle, playful rhyme,...

 Cat Lovers, Children, Illustrated, Pet Loss & Bereavement, Pre-school  Cynthia Rylant Published On August 1, 1997
Dog Heaven Dog Heaven

A comforting and playful exploration of a beloved dog's journey after a happy life on Earth.
In Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant's classic bestseller, the author comforts readers young and old who have lost a dog, as she did for...

 Children, Dog Lovers, Illustrated, Pet Loss & Bereavement, Pre-school  Cynthia Rylant Published On August 1, 1995
The Box: A cat’s tale of love, life, and goodbyes: The heart-warming memoirs of a cat reflecting on her extraordinary life and special relationship with the “Girl” The Box: A cat’s tale of love, life, and goodbyes:...

What happens when a child’s furry best friend can’t stay forever?
Will they remember the love, or only the loss?

The Box helps children cope with the difficult reality of saying goodbye to a beloved pet —...

 Cat Lovers, Children, Family, Illustrated, Inspirational, Pet Loss & Bereavement  Scott Mendelsohn Published On November 3, 2025
From the Mouths of Dogs: What Our Pets Teach Us about Life, Death, and Being Human From the Mouths of Dogs: What Our Pets Teach Us...

What is it that dogs have done to earn the title of “man’s best friend”? And more broadly, how have all of our furry, feathered, and four-legged brethren managed to enrich our lives? Why do we love them? What can...

 All Ages, Dog Lovers, Illustrated, Pet Loss & Bereavement  B.J. Hollars Published On November 1, 2015
Something Very Sad Happened: A Toddler’s Guide to Understanding Death Something Very Sad Happened: A Toddler’s Guide to Understanding Death

When a loved one dies, it can be hard to know how to explain it to a young child, particularly if you are grieving the loss yourself.

Something Very Sad Happened is intended to be read to two- and three-year-old children...

 Children, Family, Illustrated, Pet Loss & Bereavement, Pre-school  Bonnie Zucker Published On August 1, 2019
Honoring the Journey: A Guided Path through Pet Loss Honoring the Journey: A Guided Path through Pet Loss

This book is the first in the series of “Honoring the Journey” works. Capturing the reader with powerful illustrations and raw emotions, this guidebook assists with the healing process one must face when a pet dies. The book is unique...

 All Ages, Guide, Illustrated, Pet Loss & Bereavement, Self-Help  Dr. KaLee R. Pasek D.V.M. Published On April 1, 2009
Remembering Oakley Remembering Oakley

A tool to use children about death using direct language and explanations. This book was written to align with the 7 stages of grief.

 Children, Family, Guide, Illustrated, Pet Loss & Bereavement, Pre-school  Carl Schutt Published On October 9, 2018
Dear Mario Dear Mario

This heartfelt children’s book about loss helps young readers navigate their grief with
love, remembrance, and healing.

For many of us, our first experience with death and dying involves a beloved pet. Writing a
letter to...

 Children, Dog Lovers, Family, Great Gift, Illustrated, Pet Loss & Bereavement  Polly Stryker Published On March 21, 2025
Where’s Big Dog? Where’s Big Dog?

Understanding loss and moving through grief for the whole family—particularly in cases of family pets—while highlighting remembrance and healing.

“Heartfelt and real.” — Christine Taylor & Ben Stiller

“One afternoon, quickly and peacefully, Big Dog died. It was...

 All Ages, Children, Dog Lovers, Family, Great Gift, Illustrated, Pet Loss & Bereavement, Pre-school  Jessica Collins, Lisa Melamed Published On March 24, 2026
Catnip for the Cat Lover’s Psyche: a Memoir Catnip for the Cat Lover’s Psyche: a Memoir

Full Color Edition. The author, Ann Lapatka, transports the reader through adventurous, real life stories – the tragedies, the triumphs, the laughter and the tears – of her experiences with beloved companion cats. She shares with you how her cats...

 All Ages, Cat Lovers, Great Gift, Illustrated, Inspirational, Pet Loss & Bereavement, Photos  Ann Lapatka, Published On December 11, 2021
Balloons for Tiger – Mom’s Choice Award Winner Balloons for Tiger – Mom’s Choice Award Winner

How can children begin to heal after losing a pet? Balloons for Tiger takes an imaginative look at this tough topic as colorful balloons travel from the hands of children to their beloved cat who has passed on. This book lets children...

 Cat Lovers, Children, Family, Great Gift, Illustrated, Pet Loss & Bereavement, Pre-school  Lori Orlinsky Published On May 4, 2021
Loss of a Pet: Explaining Grief and Loss to Children Loss of a Pet: Explaining Grief and Loss to Children

Pets create great experiences for children: in taking responsibility, learning to love, care for living things and, dealing with loss and grief. Whether their pet has to move, runs away, gets sick or, dies; children will benefit from reading this...

 Children, Family, Guide, Illustrated, Pet Loss & Bereavement  Cory O'Neal Published On April 24, 2020
Saying Goodbye to Lulu Saying Goodbye to Lulu

A young girl and her lovable dog, Lulu, are the best of friends. They play games together, explore their neighborhood, and even cuddle up to read bedtime stories each night. Lulu is the best dog a girl could ever hope...

 Children, Family, Great Gift, Guide, Illustrated, Pet Loss & Bereavement, Pre-school  Corinne Demas Published On September 1, 2009
Goodbye For Now Goodbye For Now

"Goodbye For Now" is a heartwarming and poignant picture book that explores the deep bond between a child, Little Grey and her beloved German Shepherd, Teddy. When Teddy is diagnosed with a terminal illness, Little Grey and her parents face...

 All Ages, Family, Great Gift, Illustrated, Pet Loss & Bereavement  Dr. Lynsey Victoria Rinelli Published On October 8, 2024
I Remember You: A Grief Journal I Remember You: A Grief Journal

Combines beautifully illustrated journal pages with moving quotes and thoughtful, comforting advice that will support anyone working through the cascade of emotions that follows the death of someone close. Each page invites the reader to explore the thoughts and emotions...

 All Ages, Great Gift, Illustrated, Inspirational, Pet Loss & Bereavement  Laynee Gilbert Published On November 25, 2000
For Every Dog An Angel For Every Dog An Angel

For Every Dog An Angel celebrates the timeless connection between people and their "forever dogs." From the moment a puppy is born, the book tells us, a guardian angel is there to welcome the puppy into the world and to...

 All Ages, Children, Dog Lovers, Illustrated, Pet Loss & Bereavement, Spiritual  Christine Davis Published On January 2, 2004
Jasper’s Day Jasper’s Day

Today Riley's family is celebrating Jasper's Day. Everything they do will be in honor of Jasper -- sort of like a birthday. But it isn't Jasper's birthday. The old dog's cancer has gotten really bad. Riley knows they can't let...

 Children, Family, Illustrated, Pet Loss & Bereavement  Marjorie Blain Parker Published On August 1, 2002
When You Have to Say Goodbye: Loving and Letting Go of Your Pet When You Have to Say Goodbye: Loving and Letting Go...

A child’s bond with a beloved animal is a powerful one. The loss of a pet due to illness or trauma can be a troubling time in a child’s life. “When You Have to Say Goodbye: Loving and Letting Go...

 Children, Family, Illustrated, Pet Loss & Bereavement  Monica Mansfield Published On October 4, 2011
Remembering Blue Fish (Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood) Remembering Blue Fish (Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood)

Daniel Tiger learns how to process the feelings that come with losing someone you love in this thoughtful 8x8 storybook based on an episode of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.

When Daniel’s pet fish dies, he learns to ask questions about what happened...

 Children, Family, Illustrated, Pet Loss & Bereavement, Pre-school  Becky Friedman Published On August 29, 2017
A Dog to Remember A Dog to Remember

Anyone who has loved and lost a dog may experience deep and lasting grief. Memories of good times together can help to ease the pain. "A Dog to Remember" is a tribute to all dogs that brought enduring love to...

 All Ages, Illustrated, Pet Loss & Bereavement  June Greig Published On January 1, 2011

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Exclusive Members-Only Webinar:

A conversation on the human face of shelter and rescue work with Dillon Dodson

Join us for this exciting event
We are delighted to invite you to an exclusive members-only webinar featuring Dillon Dodson, veterinary social worker, Director of Social Work at the Toronto Humane Society, and Vice President of our partner organization, the International Association of Veterinary Social Work. This special event is designed to shine a light on the human side of animal welfare work in rescues and shelters.

Event Details
Date: Thursday, October 30th, 2025
Time: 7:00-8:00 PM, ET
Platform:  Zoom (registration required)

Celebrate Rainbow Bridge
Remembrance Day

Join the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement today and create a special online memorial for your pet. Enjoy 20% off a Silver or Platinum membership— offer ends September 7.

Discount is automatically applied at checkout

Rainbow Bridge
Memorial Celebration

In honor of Rainbow Bridge Memorial Day (August 28), we are offering a 20% discount on Silver and Platinum memberships throughout the entire month of August.

By joining us, you will have the unique opportunity to create a lasting online memorial for your pet, complete with photos and stories you can cherish.

This year the Association of Pet Loss & Bereavement (APLB) is participating in Giving Tuesday, December 3rd. Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement, unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. 

Please give generously. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those grieving the loss of their cherished pets.

This year the Association of Pet Loss & Bereavement (APLB) is participating in Giving Tuesday, on December 3rd. Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement, unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. 

Please give generously. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those grieving the loss of their cherished pets.