Book Review: "Jasper's Day”
Jasper's Day, written by Marjorie Blain Parker
"Jasper's Day", written by Marjorie Blain Parker and illustrated by Janet Wilson, helps children and adults cope with the loss of a beloved pet.
I came across a neat book dealing with the loss of a pet, “Jasper's Day”. This book takes you through Jasper's last day with his family. In the book Jasper is ill and the family decides it's time to euthanize him. On his last day they take him to all his favorite places and at the end of the day they take him for his last veterinary appointment. The day's events are narrated by Riley, a little boy and one of Jasper's people.
This book is a real tear jerker but tells a beautiful story about a family that loved their dog and thought of him as a member of the family. The book also touches on the decision to euthanize being one of love and mercy and not convenience.
The book is beautifully illustrated by Janet Wilson. Her art is in full color and helps give visuals of Jasper's life and his last day with his family.
“Jasper's Day” is written for children and meant to help them understand the meaning of euthanasia and the importance of life. In the book Riley's parents are honest with him about the decision to euthanize Jasper and therefore the family was able to celebrate Jasper's last day together.
I would suggest a parent read the book with their child to ensure the child understands what will happen to Jasper. The book celebrates his life and gives a good explanation of euthanasia and what exactly a veterinarian will do to euthanize a pet. I'm afraid most children will need a confronting parent to read this book with.
If you have a pet that is nearing its last days this book might be a big help in explaining the process of euthanasia to a child.
