When Jim returns to school after his dog, Muffins, is hit by a garbage truck and dies, the first-graders try to share his loss and ease his pain. But Jim refuses to talk or even let anyone come near him. He does not participate in any school activities and mopes about, thinking of his beloved dog. Jim does not even choose a book when everybody else sits down to read! The wise teacher points out that Jim may need more time to feel his grief. However, on the way home from school, Paul cheers Jim up by offering him a slice of pizza and the chance to talk about his dog. Through tears of joy and sadness, Jim finally opens up and shares a sweet memory of Muffins. This reissue deals sensitively with the way children are affected by loss. New watercolor illustrations by Ronald Himler give the children unique personalities and help readers empathize with the characters.
