dePaola, Tomie. Where Are You, Brontë? Barbara McClintock, Illus. Simon & Schuster, 05/2025. [48]pp. Picture Book. Trade $19.99. 978-1-5344-1850-9. GRADES Preschool–3. OUTSTANDING.
Tomie dePaola writes in first person about his beloved dog, Brontë, whom he raised from a puppy for more than twelve years. Tomie reflects on their happy life full of car rides, walks, playing with toys, watching TV, and reading books together. Whenever Tomie drew a dog for one of his stories, it was always Bronte. When Bronte goes blind, Tomie worries Brontë will be sad. But he adapts easily to finding his way around. After he passes, Tomie mourns Brontë, only to realize that he’s still with him everywhere and especially in his heart forever. dePaola died before the book was completed, so Barbara McClintock drew the illustrations in his style with bright colors and distinctive lines. Give this hearfelt book to any child who is grieving the passing of a pet.
Alva Fong—San José State University iSchool Student