He's Gone

By Federico Gastaldi

Book Overview

Atticus and his goldfish Chip share memories in this tender and beautifully illustrated picture book about losing a pet.

Atticus wakes at his usual time, ready to feed Chip. But when he reaches the fishbowl, Chip is gone. When Atticus asks his loved ones where Chip is, he gets a range of answers in the form of gentle but evasive ways of explaining the concept of death: Chip is in a better place; Chip has moved on. These ideas are confusing for Atticus.

Told from a child's point of view, this honest depiction highlights the importance of memory as a coping strategy when grieving the loss of a loved one. Memories live in our hearts and keep our loved ones with us. This gentle story is an imaginative meditation on healing from grief.

★ "Whimsical, appealing, and gently humorous.... Gastaldi is like a magician; both the text and illustrations retain a light touch as the child deals with his loss.... Perfectly captures a child's response to death with respect, sensitivity, and reassuring humor." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0316381845
• ISBN13: 9780316381840
• Release Date: October 2023
• Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books-Little Brown and Hach
• Length: 40 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 10.2" x 10.2"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3