Make room for feelings
Big Feelings & Brave Hearts
Books that open gentle conversations about courage, kindness, friendship, belonging, and being yourself.
Sometimes a story gives a child words for a feeling that’s hard to explain. Sometimes it simply offers a quiet moment beside someone who cares. There’s room for both here.
Our first book makes space for missing a beloved pet, remembering happy moments, and talking about love.
Pet loss · Friendship · Remembering
The Invisible Leash
Written by Patrice Karst
Illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff
A story about love after the loss of a pet.
After his dog dies, Zack’s friend Emily offers him the idea of an invisible leash: a way to picture the love he still feels for his pet.
That image can give you something gentle to talk about together. What do we remember? What do we miss? How do we carry love with us?
Before you read: This story addresses a pet’s death directly and uses an imagined connection as a source of comfort. Take a look first so you can decide whether it fits your child and your family’s beliefs.
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See The Invisible Leash on AmazonChoose the edition and format you prefer, or ask for the book at your local library.
Through my teacher’s lens
Leave room for the child’s response.
You don’t have to ask every question or find something cheerful to say. A child may want to talk, look at the pictures, or simply sit close. Let the story be an invitation.
For a child who hasn’t lost a pet, this can also open a conversation about being a caring friend when someone else is sad.
A little conversation
Choose one if it feels right. It’s fine to stop with the story.
- What do you notice about the way Emily tries to help Zack?
- What could you do to be a kind friend to someone who is missing a pet?
- Is there a memory of an animal you’d like to tell me about?
Make a memory page
If your child would like to, invite them to draw a pet or choose a favorite photograph. Add a name, a funny habit, or something they loved doing together.
You can write down the child’s words, let them draw, or just listen. There’s no need to finish it all at once.
For the child who wants to go deeper
Ask, “Why do you think the author chose a leash to represent love?” Invite your child to imagine another way to show a connection we feel but cannot see.
Book details and further resources: visit the publisher’s page.
This shelf has room to grow.
I’ll be adding more stories about courage, kindness, friendship, belonging, and being yourself. For now, I hope this one gives you a gentle place to begin.
Looking for a story about a little girl with a big spirit? Visit Read-Aloud Favorites for Madeline.
Back to Audrey’s Bookshelf