Jim's Dog Muffins [Paperback]

Miriam Cohen (Author), Lillian Hoban (Author)

Book Description

Series: Picture Yearling Book

Everyone in the first grade feels sad when they hear that Jim's dog Muffins has been killed. His friends try to help him feel better, but Jim won't talk or listen to anyone. All he can do is think about his dog.



Then Jim's friend Paul has an idea. Will Paul's plan help Jim cry and laugh about the times he shared with Muffins?

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Numerous books have dealt with the effect of a pet's death on a child, but few are as true to a child's feelings as the latest work by the author and artist of many previous stories about Jim and his classmates."
--The Horn Book

"A useful book for children coping with the trauma of a pet's death."
--School Library Journal

From the Publisher

"Numerous books have dealt with the effect of a pet's death on a child, but few are as true to a child's feelings as the latest work by the author and artist of many previous stories about Jim and his classmates."--The Horn Book

"A useful book for children coping with the trauma of a pet's death."--School Library Journal

Everyone in the first grade feels sad when they hear that Jim's dog Muffins has been killed. His friends try to help him feel better, but Jim won't talk or listen to anyone. All he can do is think about his dog.

Then Jim's friend Paul has an idea. Will Paul's plan help Jim cry and laugh about the times he shared with Muffins?

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Yearling (June 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0440411246
• ISBN-13: 978-0440411246
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 6.9 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,158,331 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Horrible book for children, July 28, 2010

By 

Nicksdad "Nicksdad" (Seattle, WA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jim's Dog Muffins (Paperback)

At first, I though this book was about dog treats. After all, the title reads, "Jim's Dog Muffins," not, "Jim's Dog, Muffins." I picked the book for my son because it was on the required reading list for first grade. He started reading and became upset immediately. The first sentences, "Jim's dog got killed by the garbage truck! It was all squashed." Perhaps a little too graphic? Maybe it was my fault for not reading the book before checking it out but I had no idea the book was about death. The title doesn't exactly reveal what the book is really about. Close to the end, my son said, "This is such a sad book. I don't know why someone would write it."

Having experienced death and loss in our family, I have read several children's books dealing with these issues. If you're looking for a book to help your child learn about the grieving process, I'd recommend, "What is Heaven Like," by Beverly Lewis. It is much more gentle and explains death in a more complete way than this book attempts.

5.0 out of 5 stars I read this book when I was young..., November 10, 2008

By 

Avid Reader who loves Buffy and Angel - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jim's Dog Muffins (Paperback)

I can see the other reviewer's point of view in feeling that this book may be inappropriate for her first grader but I read this book when I was young. I was probably about the same age. I believe it is an excellent book that helped me to understand death and the feelings and actions that go with it before I actually experienced it. I think it is better for children to read it and understand it before they NEED to read it. It opened up a forum for great conversation with my parents and helped me understand the cycle of life. I think it is an excellent book and not inappropriate at all. Again, I stress that every child should read a book like this before they NEED to read it.

4.0 out of 5 stars Understanding grief, February 20, 2008

By 

Elcee (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jim's Dog Muffins (Paperback)

Even if a child has been lucky enough not to experience the loss of a loved one (or a pet), someone they know might well have. Perhaps even a classmate. This wonderful book helps children understand the sadness that comes with loss and, most importantly, that recovery comes with time and good friends. A sensitive treatment of an important issue.