Ben's dog Max is old and sick. One day Ben goes to school and Max dies. With the help of his friend Ben is able to remember the fun times with Max. He and his friend cry together. Great story to help children deal with the loss of a pet. ( )

Ben's old dog Max finally succumbs to old age. Ben reacts with anger to the offer to get him a new puppy, and when it arrives Ben ignores it. Ben works through his anger and grief with the help of his friend Zach. The boys do this by reminiscing about Max and, through doing so, realising that Max was old and failing. At the end of the book Ben is ready to name the new puppy. The illustrations are simple and cartoon-like. The language is easy and would be accessible to ages four and over. ( )