The Tenth Good Thing About Barney

Rating:
Summary: An educational tool for the coping skills dealing with loss
Review: This has been one of my favorite books, for myself, my friends, and for use in my work with children. The story is simple, touching, and gives a beautifully positive way to cope with any loss--remembering the good things. The story specifically deals with the death of a young boy's cat and the funeral that follows, as well as the concept of the circle of life. The mother in the story asks her son to think of ten good things about the cat. This task helps him remember the things he liked about his cat and takes his mind off the pain he feels. The concept of concentrating on good memories about someone who is gone is excellent, and an easy way to begin the healing process and encourage a child to talk about his feelings. I've even used the idea when I've had to separate from the children I've worked with. I tell them the ten good things I will remember about them. Outstanding book--timeless!!

Rating:
Summary: Excellent book for helping kids with the loss of a pet
Review: When our four year old son's fish died, we were surprised by the strength of his reaction. His nursery school teacher recommended "The Tenth Good Thing About Barney". We all loved it very much, and I believe that Judith Viorst has presented young (and old) kids a model for processing loss and learning how to mourn and let go. She touches on religious questions without trying to answer them, but leaves room for each family to have their own interpretation of death. And as in all her writing her characters are delightfully realistic and fun. We buy this book for friends whenever a pet dies.

Rating:
Summary: good--with important caveat
Review: When our third child died, my husband and I looked for books to help us talk with our older children, then 5 and 4, about death, and this book was recommended to us. It's a really nice book if a pet has died, but since the tenth good thing is that as Barney rots he helps the flowers grow, it's not the best for dealing with the death of a person--the thought of a loved one rotting can be really disturbing for a child.