The End of Something Wonderful: A Practical Guide to a Backyard Funeral

  • Type: Books
  • By: Stephanie Lucianovic
  • Age Category: Children
  • Genre: General Fiction
  • Recommended by: Tom S.
  • ISBN/UPC: 9781454932116
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An unusual picture book about death and grief

Although there is no shortage of books for young children about the grieving process, this title is a welcome addition to such classics as The Tenth Good Thing About Barney by Judith Viorst, When Dinosaurs Die by Laurie Krasny Brown, or Cynthia Rylant’s Cat Heaven and Dog Heaven. Here, the reflective tone of more traditional titles is leavened by a generous dose of humor. For example, the author suggests that while backyard internment of a small pet is probably okay, trying to bury a hippopotamus could be problematic. She also tells her audience that once a pet is buried, you shouldn’t dig it up to “see how it’s doing.”
This book isn’t for everyone. Some will find its easygoing mood flippant and irreverent. But if you don’t mind some gentle fun mixed in with a basically respectful attitude toward life, death, and grief, this book should be worthwhile.