Stay by Kate Klise Illustrated by M. Sarah Klise c2017 Feiwel and Friends : New York

Eli has been Astrid’s companion and best dog since she was a baby. Eli watched out for Astrid, slept on her bed, ate with her, and shared her busy days. As time went on Astrid began to notice that Eli was growing into an elderly dog. She decided to savor all their favorite activities, and perhaps add a few new ones to a Bucket List for Eli.

This was a book I shared with first graders, and it usually got rapt attention. Everyone wanted to comment about a dog they owned or knew about. It is a gentle choice to introduce the topic of aging pets to young children. There are suggestions, both touching and amusing, of things one might do to enjoy time with the mature family dog.

Big Cat, Little Cat by Elisha Cooper c2017 Roaring Book Press : New York

Once there was a cat who lived happily as the only pet, watching the bird feeder, resting on the couch, giving itself a little grooming now and then. When a kitten arrived one day, the big cat began to teach it everything a cat must know, when to drink, when to rest, how to be. Time passed and the big cat got old and was no longer there. Perhaps a new little cat will come and need friendship and training from the now fully grown big cat.

This Caldecott Honor Book is perfect for the youngest children in a home with pets. The hard part of losing a pet is softened with this hopeful story about generations and new beginnings. The black and white illustrations clearly and simply evoke the daily activity and contentment in the life of a cat. It is a life-affirming story beautifully done.