Pumpkin and Me

by Alicia Acosta, Mercé Galì (Illustrator)

Overview

When Pumpkin, my dog, died, everyone at home was sad. The next day, a dark cloud began to follow me around and it felt like I had soap in my eyes and an octopus wrapped tightly around my heart...
Written by the renowned child author and psychologist, Alicia Acosta, this uplifting, beautifully illustrated story explores themes of loss and grief and the power of memories.

También disponible en español. (Also available in Spanish.)

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9788417673925
Publisher:	NubeOcho
Publication date:	04/19/2022
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	8.70(w) x 10.90(h) x 0.40(d)
Lexile:	AD570L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Alicia Acosta is a professional storyteller from Andalusia (Spain). She works with groups of children in schools and on behalf of government organizations, combining her background as a psychologist and her love of literature to promote a love of reading in children.

Mercè Galí is an illustrator from Barcelona. She grew up surrounded by stories in her parents' bookstore. She studied illustration and Fine Arts at the University of Barcelona, specializing in engraving. She is mainly illustrates children's books and works with publishing houses in various different countries. Her books have been awarded best Toddler books at the Bologna Fair and her project ‘Petit Indi’ was a finalist in the Silent Book competition.

Editorial Reviews

Available in English and Spanish, the sketched illustrations and washes of watercolor in Pumpkin and Me follow a young girl as she grieves the loss of a beloved pet. After her dog, Pumpkin, dies, a dark cloud starts following the girl, growing larger every day; she feels as though she has soap in her eyes and an octopus squeezing her chest. In time, however, she discovers that the memories that make her sad have the power to bring her joy again, too - Foreword Reviews


Pumpkin and Me is a book about the special relationship between humans and dogs and the grief we feel when they are gone. This book does an excellent job of exploring grief in an accessible way. It will help all of us better understand why grief is necessary and that we all go through it. - NetGalley- Educator

From the Publisher

★ 03/01/2022

PreS-Gr 3—A young girl narrates as she grieves her pet dog in this heartwarming and comforting picture book. The opening spreads reveal that Pumpkin the dog is very old and very tired; one day, he closes his eyes and dies. The protagonist explains that everyone in her family is sad and misses Pumpkin. She begins to experience "strange things," such as a black cloud hanging over her head, a never-ending flow of tears, and a sensation that an octopus is squeezing her heart and making it hurt. She seeks out her family members; each adult listens to and validates her experience. After her discussions with family, the young girl dreams about Pumpkin visiting her and is reminded of how lucky she was to have had Pumpkin at all. She also acknowledges that while she may feel the cloud, tears, and octopus again, she will draw comfort in the knowledge that Pumpkin will always be with her. Acosta's straightforward and reassuring text is expertly complemented by Galí's muted cartoon illustrations. VERDICT An honest and realistic take on death and grief. A valuable addition to any collection.—Olivia Gorecke

School Library Journal