Pumpkin and Me - by Alicia Acosta (Hardcover)

About the Book

A poetic and delicate picture book to help children deal with the
pain of losing a pet and celebrate the memories left behind when a loved
one dies. Pumpkin and Me will bring comfort to both children and grown-ups.

Book Synopsis

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.

También disponible en español. (Also available in Spanish.)

Review Quotes

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

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

Acosta's straightforward and reassuring text is expertly complemented by Galí'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


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

"An honest and realistic tale on death and
grief. A valuable addition to any collection". - Starred review. School Library
Journal

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


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