Chip — Federico Gastaldi

Atticus and his goldfish Chip share memories in this tender and beautifully illustrated picture book about losing a pet.  Atticus wakes at his usual time, ready to feed Chip. But when he reaches the fishbowl, Chip is gone. When Atticus asks his loved ones where Chip is, he gets a range of answers in the form of gentle but evasive ways of explaining the concept of death: Chip is in a better place; Chip has moved on. These ideas are confusing for Atticus.  Told from a child’s point of view, this honest depiction highlights the importance of memory as a coping strategy when grieving the loss of a loved one. Memories live in our hearts and keep our loved ones with us. This gentle story is an imaginative meditation on healing from grief.  ★ "Whimsical, appealing, and gently humorous…. Gastaldi is like a magician; both the text and illustrations retain a light touch as the child deals with his loss.... Perfectly captures a child’s response to death with respect, sensitivity, and reassuring humor." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review