Jim's Dog Muffins

by Miriam Cohen

Everyone in the first grade feels sad when they hear that Jim's dog Muffins has been killed. His friends try to help him feel better, but Jim won't talk or listen to anyone. All he can do is think about his dog.



Then Jim's friend Paul has an idea. Will Paul's plan help Jim cry and laugh about the times he shared with Muffins?

Genres: Death, Picture Books, Animals, School, Friendship, Dogs, Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1984

Reviews

[Alana · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first page is startling, in that one of the kids is almost gleefully sharing the story of his classmate's dog getting run over. Thankfully the teacher soon steps in to remind the kids that perhaps Jim is sad? How can they make him feel better? The story has several children's attempts to do what adults so often do as well: try to tell him why he shouldn't be so sad, or that it's ok, because he'll forget the dog eventually, or telling him that THEY won't die, etc. All the very unhelpful ways people try to get each other to "bounce back" when they are still trying to grieve. The teacher helpfully reminds one child that perhaps Jim just needs to be given some time to just feel sad. Jim is quiet throughout most of the book, not wanting to talk, which is a very common reaction to grief. In the end, someone finally makes him smile for a few minutes, just by spending time with him, and allowing him to recall some nice memories of his dog.

[Lynne Vanderveen · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I wouldn't use this book as a read aloud for story time, I think that it would be an excellent book for a child dealing with the loss of a pet. It's easy to feel Jim's sadness and empathize with him and with his friends as they try to make him feel better. I like that the story shows that there is no quick way to deal with the loss, that it's okay to be sad, and that eventually you will be able to move on.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is about Jim dealing with the loss of his dog muffins. It is a book that is part of an actual series - it's not just an 'issue' book written to help kids through the grief process or anything like that, although it does explore the subject.

You see the various reactions of the students around Jim as well, as they try to help in various ways (some which help more than others). When one girl goes up to Jim with the attitude, basically of "just get over it", he is understandably quite upset, and shoves her away (and off the bench). The teacher discusses this action, and explains that it's not a good way to react even though he's upset.

This book is also responsible for the weirdest quote of all the books I've read today (I was going through a box of picture books, deciding which to pass on to my cousins, so I've seen a few... interesting ones.):

"Jim's dog got killed by the garbage truck! It was all squished! Jim's not coming to school today."
Danny was telling everybody about it.

[Andrea]

I personally think that this book should be pulled out of every library. Yes it brings up death, but the language and the act of a boy pushing a girl off of a bench is certainly not something that I condone or want to teach my children! Awful book!!

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Probably good book for helping other kids understand the grief process, especially in the classroom setting.

[Paula · Rating 2 out of 5]

When Jim's dog is killed, the other first graders experience with him his natural reactions to death.

[A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story about a boy whose dog dies. He just needs some time to be sad and a friend to be there with him. (One instance where Jim says 'shut up')

[Alexandria Hiam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story about a boy whose dog dies. He just needs some time to be sad and a friend to be there with him. (One instance where Jim says 'shut up')