A heartfelt story about grief, loss and the death of a beloved pet dog.
Love From Alfie McPoonst Plot Summary
Sadness wraps around Izzy’s home since her dog died. The story, suitable for EYFS and KS1 children, opens and continues with letters from Alfie to the little girl. The correspondence reveals that Alfie enjoys his life in heaven with friends, delicious food and absolute freedom. Towards the end, Alfie reveals the fluff hidden behind the sofa – a turning point, helping Izzy to say a farewell properly.
Themes, Illustration and Writing Style
Love from Alfie McPoonst explores a few themes, primarily loss and grief, as well as family support through hugs and connection with nature. The writer’s choice to write the story in a series of letters was thoughtful, showing the need for expression when someone is no longer present. The recurring structure of the letters provides reassurance for the young reader, while the font adds intimacy. Metola’s illustrations deepen the emotional tone through their dreamlike, childlike imagery. The choice of colour palette enhances both a sense of loss and comfort. The deep black symbolises death, and the earthy colours bring comfort, particularly in the final spread, which reveals how Izzy settles with her family.
Final Thoughts
For pet fans aged 4 to 7, Love from Alfie McPoonst offers reassurance and presents grief as a journey of overcoming loss.
Further Information:
If you loved Love From Alfie McPoonst, check out more information about its author and illustrator:
The Stats:
- Title: Love From Alfie McPoonst – The Best Dog Ever
- Author and Illustrator: Dawn McNiff & Patricia Metola
- ISBN: 978-1-4063-9421-4
- Publication Date: 2021
- Page Count: 32
- Publisher: Walker Books
- Recommended age: 4-7
- Categories/Topic: loss, grief, pets, dog, family
Where to Find it:
- Buy on: Bookshop UK
- Buy on: Amazon
More children’s picture books dealing with loss
The Garden of Hope a children’s story about the healing power of gardening and a single-parent family.
The Hole – a picture book dealing with the loss of a sibling. Read my full review here.
No Longer Alone – a KS1 story exploring the impact of the loss of a mother on a little girl. For details, read my review here.
The Gardener by Sarah Stewart, illustrated by David Small, is a picture book written in a series of informal letters.
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