STAY A Girl, a Dog, a Bucket List
Written by: Kate Klise
Illustrated by: M. Sarah Klise
Published by: Feiwell and Friends New York, Imprint of Macmillan Publishing Group, LLC. July 2017
Ages: 3 – 5 years
Theme: Memories, love and friendship
Opening Lines: When Astrid came home from the hospital, Eli was there waiting. He was Astrid’s first friend.
Synopsis: Astrid and Eli are best friends. Astrid is a girl and Eli is her dog. Eli’s also older than Astrid, so she decides to make a bucket list for her dearest and furriest friend. When Astrid realises her dog is getting older she decides to make a list to ensure Eli experiences everything before he gets too old. But what makes an old dog happy? In this tale, we celebrate people who love dogs and dogs who love people.
Why I like this: A very cute book with an adorable cover, this is all about heart. An emotional story simply told celebrating time spent with a friend and those we love and care about. Eli was a young dog already in the home when Astrid was bought home from the hospital. Astrid and Eli grow up together and are inseparable. I loved how Astrid realised that her dog was getting older and to ensure that he experienced everything that life had to offer she made a bucket list. When he was too old to go out they spent time together remembering the fun times. It’s only at the end when Astrid asks if there is anything else that Eli would love to do before it’s too late, do we view Eli’s thoughts. There is nothing like making the most of time spent with those we love. *reaches for hankerchief.*
Resources/Findings: Kate Klise’s website…. http://www.kateandsarahklise.com/blog
And… http://www.kateklise.com/
Reviews etc from publishers website… https://us.macmillan.com/stay/kateklise/9781250107145/
Things you could do….
Make a bucket list of activites you would love to do.
What memories you would like to make with your dog.
I’m always pleased to be able to bring you some more special books that have come my way and be able to share them with you and join other great writers over at Susanna’s Blog, where there are literally hundreds of book reviews to view. So pop over and visit the lovely author, Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and find the tab for Perfect Picture Books. Her blog is full of resources links and activities associated with books reviewed by many authors
Writer and Dreamer at work 
Thanks for sharing this book. It’s one on my bucket list to read as a mentor text for my Mayfly story.
Hi Tina. This would make a lovely mentor text. I loved how by the next page we see how Astrid and Eli become so close, and grow together. It’s full of heart. Enjoy.
I love that cover! It is a beautiful and clever approach to telling a story about aging. I really love the theme. Great choice!
Hi Pat, yes it is beautiful. The pictures are all full page, bright and has that simplicity along with the text.
I’ve read a lot of buzz for this book and I am eager to read it after your lovely review. Nice connection between girl and dog. I’ll get my tissues ready!
Hi Cathy. Yes it is lovely I can imagine there would be a lot of buzz. It touches the age theme in such a gentle way through the love between a girl and her dog. Good idea re the tissues.
ADORABLE… what a sweet message. I need to get my hand son this one.
Hi Joanna yes it should be available in every library. Has such a timeless universal theme. You’ll love it.
Awwwww, truly a book that kids with pets can relate to. I’ve got to check it out. Thanks!
You’re welcome Jilanne. Thanks for stopping by.
Now that I have a dog, this book has special meaning! I think it would make me cry.
Aww… Darlene it is a very sweet story. It doesn’t end badly, just makes you think.
Diane, this sounds like an amazing book. Added it to my library list. Thank you.
Hi Maria, it is. Glad you liked the review. Enjoy.
This looks like such a wonderful book! How creative – to make up a bucket list for a senior pet. I love it!
It is such a cute idea. Glad you liked it, Sue.
Who would think of a bucket list for a pet? wow! Great empathy model.
It is. Thanks for stopping by Beth.
Oooh! I love the cover. Looks like a dog story with a new twist!
Glad you like it Andrea.