Goodbye, Max - Hardcover

Kindergarten-Grade 2 Ben doesn't want to look at the new puppy his father brings home. No puppy could replace Max, who had recently died. Ben emerges from his room only to deliver papers with his friend, Zach. ``For a while they didn't talk.'' Finally Zach initiates a conversation about Max and how he'd once helped deliver newspapers with the boys. Acknowledging their feelings of loss, Zach and Ben cry until they can no more. They return to Ben's house, where they greet and name the new puppy. While the theme is familiar, Keller treats it realistically and respectfully in this quiet picture book. The subdued text, with effectively-used dialogue, is complemented by softly hued black line illustrations in an open format. Other picture books with a similar theme are still available, such as Cohen's Jim's Dog Muffins (Greenwillow, 1984) and The Accident (Houghton, 1976) by Carrick, but this is still a welcome addition. Maria B. Salvadore, District of Columbia Public Library
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Author/illustrator Keller has the uncanny ability to tell an emotion-packed story with simplicity and directness. As in Geraldine's Blanket, the main character has lost something that cannot be replaced. In this story, Ben's dog Max has died the week before. His parents bring home a new puppy, but Ben won't look at it and refuses to help name it. But while Ben and his friend Zach are delivering newspapers, Zach begins reminiscing about funny things Max did: he dropped Mr. Brown's paper in a puddle ("He couldn't hold it as tight as he used to"); he ate Mrs. Murphy's TV section right after she scolded him for barking at her cat ("Max's eyes were so bad he probably didn't even see that dumb cat"). The the boys sit on the curb and cry until they can't cry any more. Then Ben decides that it's finally time to name the new puppy. A warm, tender story about love, grief and the comfort of friendship. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.