Goodbye Mousie

A boy discovers his pet Mousie won't wake up and has died — moving through disbelief, anger, and sadness before a burial and goodbye help him begin to heal.

For the family facing a child's first real loss, this book sits right beside them in the hard, honest middle of it.

• Big idea: Grief isn't one feeling — it's disbelief, anger, and sadness all taking their turn, and moving through all of them is how healing starts.
• Vibes: Tender, quiet, and honest, with room to feel everything before it feels better.

• are working through the death of a pet
• are learning to name and express big feelings
• respond well to stories that validate anger and sadness
• benefit from gentle language around death and saying goodbye

• Feelings & empathy: Why do you think the boy got so mad at Mousie for dying?
• Story & problem-solving: What did the boy do to help himself feel better about losing Mousie?
• Real-life connection: Have you ever felt sad, mad, and confused all at the same time?
• Imagination: What would you want to put in a special box to say goodbye to a pet?
• Real-life connection: Who could you talk to if you ever felt as sad as the boy did?