Jasper's Day [Hardcover]

Marjorie Blain Parker (Author), Janet Wilson (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up

Today Riley's family is celebrating Jasper's Day. Everything they do will be in honor of Jasper -- sort of like a birthday. But it isn't Jasper's birthday. The old dog's cancer has gotten really bad. Riley knows they can't let him suffer any longer, but letting go will be the hardest thing he's ever had to do. Marjorie Blain Parker's tender story is filled with smiles, tears and the joy of special memories, and Janet Wilson's gentle pastels capture the depth of love shared by a boy and his dog. Together, they speak of acceptance, remembrance and the importance of cherishing life's every moment.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3-Knowing that their beloved dog Jasper, now close to death from cancer, must be euthanized, a family takes a day to celebrate their pet's life and what he has meant to them. The difficult situation is described gently, but realistically. The chalk-pastel illustrations match the tone of the narrative and help project an atmosphere of warmth and affection. Riley understands that Jasper's illness has affected his sight, hearing, and freedom of movement. He is sad, but agrees with his parents that the animal is in pain and he should not have to suffer. On Jasper's Day, the family takes him to several places they have enjoyed together-a stream, the ice-cream store, and Grandma's house. Riley's dad then drives the dog to the veterinarian, who "is going to give Jasper a shot. It will be quick and gentle. For Jasper, it will be just like going to sleep. He won't be asleep, though. Jasper will be dead." Later the family buries him in the backyard. The end of the story acknowledges and validates Riley's feelings about the loss of his pet. This book would be helpful bibliotherapy for children in similar situations. For those with healthy pets, however, the story may be upsetting. Adults should evaluate whether a particular child would benefit from the story.
Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 1-3. This poignant picture book will touch a chord with anyone who has ever lost a pet. At first, it's not clear exactly what is happening, and that is intentional. Children only know that it's Jasper's day, and everything the family has planned is in honor of the sweet Golden retriever. When Riley, the young narrator, explains, "Jasper's cancer has returned," things become clearer. Jasper is spending his last day doing all the things he loves: eating bacon and eggs (with pain pills hidden in his food); going for a ride to a favorite stream; taking a trip to Grandma's house with a stop for ice cream along the way. The family brings a camera to record all the happy moments. Then it's time to go to the clinic. Parker does not sugarcoat the fact that Jasper is being put down: "[the shot] will be quick and gentle. For Jasper, it will be just like going to sleep. He won't be asleep, though. Jasper will be dead." But the happiness of the day and the genuine emotions portrayed in Wilson's affecting pastel art soften the blow. A celebration of life that will remind children to make the most of every moment with those they love. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Kids Can Press (August 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1550749579
• ISBN-13: 978-1550749571
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 9.7 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,368,849 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

MARJORIE BLAIN PARKER was born, raised and educated in Alberta (Edmonton and Calgary). In grade 3 she wrote her first poem, The Monkey, which was published in the school newsletter AND won a ribbon (which she still has, of course). MANY years and three children later, she lives in Denver, CO and is the award winning author of numerous picture books and early readers (A Paddling of Ducks, Mama's Little Duckling, Jasper's Day, and others) with more on the way.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You can't read this story without a tissue., October 28, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Jasper's Day (Hardcover)

This is a touching story about a boy Riley who wants to make his retriever Jasper's last day very special. Together the family celebrates what a great companion Jasper has been by visiting many of the places that have been special to him. I would read this story along with my child. Although sad, it is a sweet story of a family's love and respect for a dog they certainly viewed as a member of the family.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Saying Goodbye to a Friend, February 9, 2008

By 

BeatleBangs1964 (United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Jasper's Day (Hardcover)

This box of Kleenex book is about Riley, a young boy who is very attached to his beautiful golden retriever, Jasper.

As Jasper ages, he can no longer romp and play. He also has cancer and is very limited in what he can do.

As the dog's impending death draws near, the boy's family talk to him seriously about having Riley euthanized. I like the gentle and honest explanation of euthanasia the boy is given. I also like the way Riley is made part of that final decision.

Just before Jasper's train makes its last stop, Riley takes him to all their favorite places so they can recapture some happy memories they had together.

A beautiful story that will undoubtedly make you cry, this is a wonderful book for all ages. For anybody who has ever had to make the agonizing decision of having a pet euthanized, this book will provide some comfort.

A good companion to I'll Always Love You]; [[ASIN:0316702781 Saying Goodbye to Lulu; The Rainbow Bridge: Pet Loss Is Heaven's Gain and Old Dog and the Christmas Wish.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 5 hankie book, December 16, 2003

By 

RenoDogmom "Forgotten more than Cesar will ev... (Sparks, NV) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jasper's Day (Hardcover)

If you are a dog lover, I recommend you buy this book. I also recommend you read it in private so you can cry in peace. It is a beautifully written account of the last day of a Golden Retriever who's family is giving him one special day before he must take one last trip to the vet. Written from the perspective of Jasper's "boy", it is heart warming and realistic in dealing with the pain of losing a beloved dog.