Review - Where Lily Isn't

Where Lily Isn't
by Julie Paschkis
illustrated by Margaret Chodos-Irvine
Date: 2020
Publisher: Henry Holt & Company
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Where Lily Isn't is Julie Paschkis and Margaret Chodos-Irvine's beautiful bereavement picture book celebrating the love of a lost pet.

Lily ran and jumped and barked and whimpered and growled and wiggled and wagged and licked and snuggled.

But not now.

It is hard to lose a pet. There is sadness, but also hope--for a beloved pet lives on in your heart, your memory, and your imagination.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a bittersweet picture book that explores the emotions of a young girl after the loss of her dog, Lily.

Lily once used to play and wag and wiggle and snuggle, but now that Lily's gone, there are so many places where she isn't: under the table, waiting for food to fall; barking at the mailman; getting excited to go outside when the girl puts on her coat; and waiting to greet the girl when she comes home. But there is one place where Lily still is, and that's in the hearts of those who loved her.

Where Lily Isn't would be a valuable book for anyone who's lost a pet, especially a dog. It's sweet without being too saccharine, and captures the bittersweet act of remembering in a way that's easily accessible, even for very young readers.

I would definitely recommend this one, especially to those who are at a moment in their lives when they might need to hear its message.

Quotable moment:

Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 4 out of 5