Details for 'Goodbye Hobbs' by Emma Bettridge and illustrated by Josephine Birch

Goodbye Hobbs

by Emma Bettridge and illustrated by Josephine Birch
Recommended age: 3+
The most beautiful illustrations and a charming and touching story about coping with grief and loss through two friends, the dogs called Merlin and Hobbs.
Goodbye Hobbs
by Emma Bettridge and illustrated by Josephine Birch
My review:

Merlin is lying in his bed. He doesn't want to go out for a walk, he doesn't want to do anything without his friend Hobbs.

But his human calls him again and again so reluctantly he gets up and they go out together into the countryside, on their usual route.

And as they walk past the trees and the bushes, Merlin sniffs and realises he can smell the messages left by Hobbs. And Hobbs is telling him that he's OK, it was time for him to leave and Merlin mustn't worry or be sad, and when he needs to remember him, Merlin can come out here again and remember Hobbs in all their familiar favourite places.

Oh my word, this story has me in bits every time. But it's so lovely and the illustrations are just wonderful. A picture book to help express the emotions of loss and grief with young children, but anyone of any age will love to pick up this book and meet Merlin and Hobbs.

Date of my review October 2022
Book publication date: 11th October 2022