With warmth and welcome delicacy, Cook, a grief coach and counselor, introduces these topics to young readers through the endearing central friendship, showing how George navigates stages of grief and the heavy emotions that come with them. Anastasia Merzlaya’s touching illustrations suggest life’s passages with clarity and everyday understatement, capturing the animals’ connection, George’s loneliness, and at last—after a simple but resonant spread charting the turn of the seasons through the silhouette of that oak–—healing and a rousing embrace of life. “He would want you to be happy and find another friend,” a human says to George, who at first just shakes his head.
Eventually, though, George learns how to work through his pain from his human companions who loved Jack just as much as he did. George the Duck and His Day of Big Grief is an impactful story that is equal parts moving and endearing, centered on animal friends whose relationship shines through on every page. Perfect for young readers struggling with grief or loss, or parents wanting to expose their children to the heavy subject of death, George's story is informative and a sensitive exploration of an uncomfortable topic.
Takeaway: Touching story of friendship and loss, introducing young readers to handling grief.
Comparable Titles: Patrice Karst's The Invisible String, Debi Gliori's No Matter What.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: B
Illustrations: A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A-
