By ISBN: 9780689712036
A small boy’s cat died. We all know how sad it is to loose a well-loved pet, and how kids might feel like doing nothing but cry… The boy’s mother encourages him to think about 10 good things he can mention when they have a funeral for Barney, but he can only think of nine. This task, however, helps him remember the things he liked about his cat and takes his mind off the pain he feels.
While the boy helps his dad in the garden to plant seeds, his dad explains to him that “in the ground everything changes”, and helps his son understand how Barney is helpful to the environment even after his death. This serves as basis for the tenth good thing about Barney the boy comes up with, and he rests with the idea that it is “a pretty nice job for a cat”.
It is a great book to help younger children cope with the loss of a pet, and older readers to understand that we have to honour the grieving process and questions children may have as they mourn their beloved pet, and learn to let go. Time in itself is a physician if only we’re supported through the process.
It teaches readers that focusing on the positive things associated with a not-so-ideal situation makes it easier to deal with. One might realize that every problem within itself contains its solution, if only one would look for it and focus on the good.
The book also opens up conversation as to what happens in the hereafter, or what readers think might happen to pets when they die. Judith Viorst touches on religious questions without trying to answer them, but leaves room for each family to have their own interpretation of death, and the story might encourage a child to talk about his feelings.
Originally published in 1971, The tenth good thing about Barney is a timeless classic.
