Charlie Says Goodbye to Toby: A Gentle Children’s Story About Pet Loss, Grief, and Healing by Dawn Espaillat

Losing a pet can be confusing and overwhelming for children. This gentle story helps kids understand and process the loss of a beloved dog—while giving parents simple, supportive ways to guide meaningful conversations through grief. Created by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and early childhood special education teacher, this story is designed to help children understand grief while giving parents simple ways to support them. Specifically designed for children experiencing pet loss Helps kids understand big emotions like sadness and confusion Supports parents with simple, meaningful ways to talk about grief Offers comfort while building emotional awareness Charlie is a playful young pup when he meets Toby—a wise and loyal dog who quickly becomes his very best friend. Together they explore the world, chase adventures, and discover what it means to be brave, kind, and loyal. Toby teaches Charlie everything: how to play, how to protect, and most importantly, how to love. Read more