Kermie: A Story about Death, Dying and Hope

Kermie: A Story about Death, Dying and Hope was written by Dr. Christine Gillan Byrne. Told in first person from a child's point of view, the book tells the story of Kermie, a beloved dog. Kermie is old and sick and won't be with the family much longer. The text explains what the child's mother has said about Kermie and what the family is doing to prepare for his death. The child shares her feelings.

The book then transitions into a section about biblical stories of death: Jarius's daughter, Lazarus, and Jesus's Resurrection. The child finds hope in knowing that Kermie will get a new, healthy body and that she will see him again in Heaven one day.

Full-color photos of Kermie, the author's dog, and the family serve as visuals throughout the book. Traditional illustrations, as found in older children's Bibles, are provided in the section about the Bible stories.

Bonus materials include a note to parents, a guide to grief in young children, blank memory pages for readers to decorate, ideas for creating memories and how to say good-bye. A "Verses to Learn" page features quotes from Revelation 21:4 and Isaiah 25:8, 9. Readers are also encouraged to discover 1 Corinthians 15 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13--18.

What I Like: This book is very well written! It presents a gentle, loving tone. I think it would be tremendously helpful for children struggling to articulate their thoughts and feelings when facing such a situation. I especially like all the bonus material provided for parents and caregivers: the memory verses, guides to helping children deal with grief, and the memory pages.

What I Dislike: The book targets families dealing with the loss of a loved one or a pet, but I feel that is too broad a focus. It's a wonderful book for those facing a beloved pet's death, but feels inadequate for handling the death of a family member. I just don't see it as the same thing.

I understand the costs of self-publishing, but feel $16 is just too high for a 28-page paperback.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: 8 and under

Publisher Info: Xlibris Corporation, 2011; ISBN: 1456836153; Paperback; 28 pgs., $15.99

Buy it Now at Amazon.com for $15.99.

Special Info: This book and its author clearly assert that pets go to Heaven after they die. Not all denominations agree with this theology. If you or your church believes differently, you should consider the questions that may arise and any confusion that may be caused by conflicting doctrine.