Title: Sammy in the Sky

Author: Barbara Walsh

Illustrator: Jamie Wyeth

Publisher: Candlewick (2012)

ISBN: 9780763649272

 

“All I knew was that I loved Sammy and Sammy loved me.” Sammy was “the best hound dog in the whole world” to his family, especially a young girl. When he becomes ill and eventually dies the girl’s mother helps her prepare for what will happen next. “When he leaves, his body will be like an empty shell, but his spirit will be everywhere… All the good things about Sammy, like his love for you, will be yours to keep forever.” The family keep his memory alive and process their grief by celebrating his love of wind-blown bubbles, keeping guard and having his tummy scratched.