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P+E
Poff trenger ikke løpe lenger. Han har løpt nok. Poff vil bare ligge i Edvards seng og drømme. Drømme om alt han har gjort. Sammen med Edvard.
33 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2017
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September 25, 2019
Once, a long time ago, I worked in the Children’s Center at 42nd Street, in the main location of New York Public Library. One of the perks of the job was speaking with tourists from all over the world that, one way or another, would somehow find themselves (often accidentally) on the ground floor of the building where the children’s room was. One day, two young Norwegian women entered. They perused the books and then asked, quite seriously, if there were any books in the room by Norwegians. Being of Norwegian descent myself I exclaimed, perhaps a little too over-enthusiastically, that OF COURSE there were Norwegian children’s books here! But upon reflection, the only author I could think of was Jo Nesbø and his “Fart Powder” series (which, now that I work with adult materials, seems odder to me than ever). They nodded, sort of expecting Nesbø, a little disappointed that I couldn’t really come up with much of anyone besides him and Asbjorsen (which would be the equivalent of me walking into a Norwegian library, being told the only children’s books they had from America were James Patterson and the Grimm Brothers). And so, over the years, long long after those women returned to the land of fjords and midnight sun, I have kept a sharp-eyed lookout for any and all children’s books from Norway. They crop up from time to time but none have ever caught my eye, my ear, and my heart as firmly as the thoroughly charming Paws + Edward by Espen Dekko and Mari Kanstad Johnsen. A different kind of dying dog book, this is a story that takes seriously the notion of celebrating a loved one’s life, even in the midst of their death. So the next time I run into Norwegians, any Norwegians at all, this is pretty much all I'm going to talk about.
Paws is dreaming. In this dream he is running with rabbits, but when at last he opens his eyes he has no desire to run anymore. Twice a day he and his boy, Edward, go for a walk. Today is no different, but today Paws is particularly tired. When he pauses, he dreams of rabbits again, and more than once Edward has to urge him along. They return home and now, “Paws doesn’t have to walk anymore. Paws doesn’t have to do anything anymore.” He climbs up into Edward’s bed. It’s strange that Edward’s eyes are now wet. So this good dog gives the boy’s hand a lick (“Edward needed that”) closes his eyes, and doesn’t wake up again. Later Edward returns to the places where they used to visit. And when he dreams, he sees his dog again. “He barks and wags his tail. Finds sticks. Chases rabbits. Just like before.”
When you set out to write a book about a dog, it is a good idea to make it clear how wonderful you believe them to be. But if you actually write the sentence, “Dogs are great because . . .” then you have a problem. The best picture books aren’t afraid of a little subtlety. Paws wouldn’t initially strike you as any kind of a canine ideal. He is old, and very large, and rather slow. He doesn’t want to play, just sleep. But knowing all this, watch how he still wags his tail, “just enough for Edward to notice,” when the kid suggests a walk. How he can justify the endeavor with a simple, “Edward could use some fresh air.” Dekko’s short sentences convey novels. Even on his last day on Earth, Paws attends to his boy. In fact, one of the most telling sentences in this book is when the two are in the park and for Edward, “The park is empty. No smells. No noises. No rabbits.” Right there on the page the reader can see rabbits and ducks and a whole host of other things, but for just a moment you’re seeing the world through the dog’s eyes and his foreshortened senses. The economy of these sentences floors me every time I read them.
I am always pleased to see a new picture book translation hit American bookstore and library shelves. But every new translation poses a challenge to its publisher. Alas, Kids Can Press does not credit the translator of this particular book by name, which does that person a disservice. After all, one of the many things I liked about Paws + Edward was its willingness to retain the sentences’ length. The subtlety of the translation shines through. This begs the obvious question: Will the average American consumer know at a glance that this isn’t from an English speaking country? The answer to that may lay in the art. Considering that artist Mari Kanstad Johnsen only recently was selected for Norway’s “New Voices” program at the 2019 Frankfurt Book Fair, it is probably safe to say that this is the first time one of her works has come so far. Certainly her style is European. I can’t tell you precisely how you can tell. It has something to do with the free-flowingness of the line. Of how expansive the figures in her book are. Maybe it’s the color choices. Maybe it’s the inks. Whatever it is, it’s different. Different in all the right ways.
I don’t think the book would necessarily have worked with a different artist attached either. You’d still have Dekko’s lovely words, but it’s Johnsen’s art that conveys this bone-deep exhaustion Paws feels. Look at that picture of Paws resting while Edward chats with a friend. He isn’t just slumped against a tree. His entire body is using that tree as a sole means of support. So much so that by the time you get to the end of the book, his quiet death feels as much a relief as anything else. Even the endpapers propel the story forward. The front ones show Paws and Edward in younger, happier days. The back endpapers are seemingly bereft of the pair. Bereft, that is, until you peer closely. For the record, when the tiniest of black silhouettes on the endpapers give you a little catch in your throat, you know the artist is doing something right.
I haven’t talked much about the fact that when you get right down to it, Paws + Edward is a book about the death of a pet. We’ve had a lot of those in recent years but most, as with this year’s The End of Something Wonderful concentrate primarily on what happens when the pet is already gone. This book is a little different. It shows an old pet at the end of its days, accepting what it can no longer do, dying in comfort and peace alongside someone who loves it. Imported children’s books have always had a different attitude towards death than we tend to see in the States. Admittedly, books like the Dutch Jellybeans by Sylvia van Ommen or the German classic Duck, Death and the Tulip by Wolf Erlbruch tend to be a little too metaphorical for American readers. We do better with straightforward situations. As such, I would, without hesitation, hand this book to any kid with an elderly pet. As a means of showing them a glimpse of what is to come, there are few books to compete.
When is a book about a dog more than just a dog book? Or a book about grief more than just about death? To make their lives easier, publishers like to slot books into categories. This one goes in the pile of books about holidays, while that one is for kids afraid of getting haircuts. But no matter the type, the best picture books transcend their boxes. Paws + Edward never tries to do anything more than tell the end of the story of two best friends. It begins with a dog dreaming of running. It ends with a boy dreaming of that same dog running. It is sad and hopeful and moving. Dog lovers will love it. Dog agnostics will love it. Because in the end this isn’t about a dog dying. It’s about living a life so well that when it’s time to go, you do not hesitate.
You meet it in your dreams.
Running.
For ages 4 and up.
Paws is dreaming. In this dream he is running with rabbits, but when at last he opens his eyes he has no desire to run anymore. Twice a day he and his boy, Edward, go for a walk. Today is no different, but today Paws is particularly tired. When he pauses, he dreams of rabbits again, and more than once Edward has to urge him along. They return home and now, “Paws doesn’t have to walk anymore. Paws doesn’t have to do anything anymore.” He climbs up into Edward’s bed. It’s strange that Edward’s eyes are now wet. So this good dog gives the boy’s hand a lick (“Edward needed that”) closes his eyes, and doesn’t wake up again. Later Edward returns to the places where they used to visit. And when he dreams, he sees his dog again. “He barks and wags his tail. Finds sticks. Chases rabbits. Just like before.”
When you set out to write a book about a dog, it is a good idea to make it clear how wonderful you believe them to be. But if you actually write the sentence, “Dogs are great because . . .” then you have a problem. The best picture books aren’t afraid of a little subtlety. Paws wouldn’t initially strike you as any kind of a canine ideal. He is old, and very large, and rather slow. He doesn’t want to play, just sleep. But knowing all this, watch how he still wags his tail, “just enough for Edward to notice,” when the kid suggests a walk. How he can justify the endeavor with a simple, “Edward could use some fresh air.” Dekko’s short sentences convey novels. Even on his last day on Earth, Paws attends to his boy. In fact, one of the most telling sentences in this book is when the two are in the park and for Edward, “The park is empty. No smells. No noises. No rabbits.” Right there on the page the reader can see rabbits and ducks and a whole host of other things, but for just a moment you’re seeing the world through the dog’s eyes and his foreshortened senses. The economy of these sentences floors me every time I read them.
I am always pleased to see a new picture book translation hit American bookstore and library shelves. But every new translation poses a challenge to its publisher. Alas, Kids Can Press does not credit the translator of this particular book by name, which does that person a disservice. After all, one of the many things I liked about Paws + Edward was its willingness to retain the sentences’ length. The subtlety of the translation shines through. This begs the obvious question: Will the average American consumer know at a glance that this isn’t from an English speaking country? The answer to that may lay in the art. Considering that artist Mari Kanstad Johnsen only recently was selected for Norway’s “New Voices” program at the 2019 Frankfurt Book Fair, it is probably safe to say that this is the first time one of her works has come so far. Certainly her style is European. I can’t tell you precisely how you can tell. It has something to do with the free-flowingness of the line. Of how expansive the figures in her book are. Maybe it’s the color choices. Maybe it’s the inks. Whatever it is, it’s different. Different in all the right ways.
I don’t think the book would necessarily have worked with a different artist attached either. You’d still have Dekko’s lovely words, but it’s Johnsen’s art that conveys this bone-deep exhaustion Paws feels. Look at that picture of Paws resting while Edward chats with a friend. He isn’t just slumped against a tree. His entire body is using that tree as a sole means of support. So much so that by the time you get to the end of the book, his quiet death feels as much a relief as anything else. Even the endpapers propel the story forward. The front ones show Paws and Edward in younger, happier days. The back endpapers are seemingly bereft of the pair. Bereft, that is, until you peer closely. For the record, when the tiniest of black silhouettes on the endpapers give you a little catch in your throat, you know the artist is doing something right.
I haven’t talked much about the fact that when you get right down to it, Paws + Edward is a book about the death of a pet. We’ve had a lot of those in recent years but most, as with this year’s The End of Something Wonderful concentrate primarily on what happens when the pet is already gone. This book is a little different. It shows an old pet at the end of its days, accepting what it can no longer do, dying in comfort and peace alongside someone who loves it. Imported children’s books have always had a different attitude towards death than we tend to see in the States. Admittedly, books like the Dutch Jellybeans by Sylvia van Ommen or the German classic Duck, Death and the Tulip by Wolf Erlbruch tend to be a little too metaphorical for American readers. We do better with straightforward situations. As such, I would, without hesitation, hand this book to any kid with an elderly pet. As a means of showing them a glimpse of what is to come, there are few books to compete.
When is a book about a dog more than just a dog book? Or a book about grief more than just about death? To make their lives easier, publishers like to slot books into categories. This one goes in the pile of books about holidays, while that one is for kids afraid of getting haircuts. But no matter the type, the best picture books transcend their boxes. Paws + Edward never tries to do anything more than tell the end of the story of two best friends. It begins with a dog dreaming of running. It ends with a boy dreaming of that same dog running. It is sad and hopeful and moving. Dog lovers will love it. Dog agnostics will love it. Because in the end this isn’t about a dog dying. It’s about living a life so well that when it’s time to go, you do not hesitate.
You meet it in your dreams.
Running.
For ages 4 and up.
March 28, 2019
A beautiful book for children about losing a beloved family pet. Originally published in Norway, both the text and the illustrations are sweet yet heartbreaking. Pets are such special part of our families and our hearts, losing them is incredibly painful even as adults. Children often really struggle to understand and deal with the death of their four-legged best friend, but this book portrays one little boy's special relationship and painful goodbye in such a way that children will be sure they are not alone in their pain.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Blog | Twitter | Bloglovin | Instagram |
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Blog | Twitter | Bloglovin | Instagram |
February 20, 2025
På svenska heter boken Puff & Edvard
En bok om en pojke och hans hund. Man förstår att hunden är gammal och trött. Han orkar inte jaga kaniner som förr. Han vill mest vila. "Edvard ropar på Puff. Puff vill inte höra. Han är inte törstig. Han är inte hungrig. Han vill inte gå ut. Puff vill bara ligga i Edvards säng".
En bok om sorg och att förlora ett husdjur och en vän.
En bok om en pojke och hans hund. Man förstår att hunden är gammal och trött. Han orkar inte jaga kaniner som förr. Han vill mest vila. "Edvard ropar på Puff. Puff vill inte höra. Han är inte törstig. Han är inte hungrig. Han vill inte gå ut. Puff vill bara ligga i Edvards säng".
En bok om sorg och att förlora ett husdjur och en vän.
November 28, 2018
This is a powerful and touching picture book about a child who loses his pet and his best friend. My heart hurts to think of losing either one of our precious furry pets. In this story Dekko beautifully illustrates loss in a gentle and caring way. For any family grieving the passing of a furry friend, I would recommend this book.
Thank you to Kids Can Press and NetGalley for this advanced copy of Paws and Edward.
This will appear on my blog Friday November 30, 2018.
www.colecampfireblog.com
LanaLCole@yahoo.com
Thank you to Kids Can Press and NetGalley for this advanced copy of Paws and Edward.
This will appear on my blog Friday November 30, 2018.
www.colecampfireblog.com
LanaLCole@yahoo.com
April 12, 2019
Paws and Edward is a beautiful story about the heartbreaking loss of a pet who dies of old age. We lost our two elderly dogs when our children were young toddlers. It was a huge loss for us and also for the kids in a very different way.
This book allows you to walk through the process of death and grief from both the dog's perspective and the child's which I thought was a lovely and touching idea. Paws and Edward approaches the topic of death but isn't scary and I would have loved to have a book like to read with our children when we lost our dogs.
I loved how the book acknowledged the loss and also honored the memories and years they did have together and was targeted perfectly for a younger audience but was also enjoyable as an adult reader.
The illustrations are simple and work so well for this powerful and relatable story. Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book allows you to walk through the process of death and grief from both the dog's perspective and the child's which I thought was a lovely and touching idea. Paws and Edward approaches the topic of death but isn't scary and I would have loved to have a book like to read with our children when we lost our dogs.
I loved how the book acknowledged the loss and also honored the memories and years they did have together and was targeted perfectly for a younger audience but was also enjoyable as an adult reader.
The illustrations are simple and work so well for this powerful and relatable story. Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2019
This book portrays one little boy's special relationship and painful goodbye to his beloved pet. Paws is Edward's special friend, but he is getting old and tired. it is time to day good-bye. We lost our 15 year old dog last summer and I wish I had this book to share with my grandchildren at that time. It is always hard to say go0d-bye to a loved pet, and children often have an awful time with death of their furry friends. This is a beautifully written and illustrated book showing children they are not alone in their pain and grief. A book that would be very useful to help prepare children for the loss of a pet and also to assist them in working through their sadness and pain after it's death. I recommend this one to families, public and school libraries. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
November 10, 2019
Paws + Edward by Espen Dekko, illustrated by Mari Kanstad Johnsen. PICTURE BOOK. Kids Can Press, 2019. $17. 9781525301353
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Edward’s best dog friend Paws is getting on in years; he dreams about chasing rabbits and cars instead of actually chasing them. Paws lets Edward chase the sticks instead of chasing them himself. Then one day Paws slips into that sleep without dreams.
Picture books about death for children are a hard to write, but Dekko writes a gentle book showing a beloved pet slowing down and then moving on. This is one children can read on their own or with an adult.
Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Edward’s best dog friend Paws is getting on in years; he dreams about chasing rabbits and cars instead of actually chasing them. Paws lets Edward chase the sticks instead of chasing them himself. Then one day Paws slips into that sleep without dreams.
Picture books about death for children are a hard to write, but Dekko writes a gentle book showing a beloved pet slowing down and then moving on. This is one children can read on their own or with an adult.
Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
July 13, 2021
Meget mulig den fineste barneboka jeg har lest. Marit Kanstad Johnsens illustrasjoner er som vanlig glimrende, og flyter fint sammen med teksten.
December 17, 2019
Als er iets zeker is in het leven is dat het niet eeuwig duurt. We leven, worden ouder en sterven uiteindelijk. Dat geldt voor mens en dier.
In 'Ploef' lees je over een hond die loyaal is aan zijn baasje Edward maar zelf ook weet dat het einde voor hem in zicht is. Het gaat allemaal niet meer zo gemakkelijk.
Dit verhaal gaat bovendien over het moment dat ze afscheid nemen van elkaar en hoe ze daarna verder kunnen. Ieder op hun eigen manier.
Het is geen zielig drama geworden, maar een verhaal waarbij je met beide voeten op de grond kunt blijven staan. Na het overlijden van zijn hond weet Edward dat hij niet meer kan gaan wandelen met deze vriend, maar wat hij wel kan doen is dromen over Ploef. Op deze manier kunnen ze toch weer samen zijn.
Lees mijn recensie hier verder: https://graaggelezen.blogspot.com/201...
In 'Ploef' lees je over een hond die loyaal is aan zijn baasje Edward maar zelf ook weet dat het einde voor hem in zicht is. Het gaat allemaal niet meer zo gemakkelijk.
Dit verhaal gaat bovendien over het moment dat ze afscheid nemen van elkaar en hoe ze daarna verder kunnen. Ieder op hun eigen manier.
Het is geen zielig drama geworden, maar een verhaal waarbij je met beide voeten op de grond kunt blijven staan. Na het overlijden van zijn hond weet Edward dat hij niet meer kan gaan wandelen met deze vriend, maar wat hij wel kan doen is dromen over Ploef. Op deze manier kunnen ze toch weer samen zijn.
Lees mijn recensie hier verder: https://graaggelezen.blogspot.com/201...
November 20, 2018
Cute book with original arts that tell the story of a dog passing on and the life of the little boy (the owner of the dog). The death theme is very well put into place, in a smooth way, and it ca be really useful to talk with young children about death, of a pets, or even of a human. A good story that can be useful. Well done!
January 6, 2020
I really disliked the illustrations; the story was OK, but too subtle for younger children?
September 30, 2021
Published in 2019. Outstanding International Books Award. Fiction. I loved this book as it visits the theme of death in a very accessible way for students to consider. This book describes what Paws life used to look like and how his life currently is. Paws used to be more active and loved to go outside. The way this books covers death in a child friendly way as it tells the story from Paws point of view. Paws is tired and wants sleep on Edward's bed. Paws still goes on walks, but only because Edward wants fresh air. This book is heart warming and hits home for anyone who has had a pet that they love. In this book, Paws no longer wants or has do anything but fall asleep for the last time. I would consider reading this book to my future class as it is relatable and accesses a healthy way of thinking about and coping with the loss of a beloved pet.
October 6, 2021
2017, realistic fiction.
This is a very heart warming story about a boys love for his dog. It goes through the last part of the dogs life and I think a lot of children can relate to this book.
This is a very heart warming story about a boys love for his dog. It goes through the last part of the dogs life and I think a lot of children can relate to this book.
November 27, 2018
This bittersweet story will pull at your heartstrings but also will give you an opportunity to talk to your child about the feelings that occur when a beloved pet passes on.
Edward loves Paws with all heart. They do everything together but these days Paws just wants to rest. He's tired and his paws are heavy. He is content to just to lie on Edward's bed and dream about the happy days when he chased rabbits. He wants to sleep and have peace.
"Edward's bed is warm and cozy. Like rabbit fur.
Paws sleeps and sleeps. Sleeps and dreams."
One day Edward calls Paws and there is no response. Paws has fallen asleep for the very last time leaving Edward to dream of the days gone by and all the happy memories that they shared together.
This book helps children cope with the loss of a beloved pet. It opens up dialogue that will inspire understanding and the handling of emotions that occur at such a painful time. The illustrations enrich the story and ooze emotion which I love. The hardest thing about having a pet is .... saying goodbye! I highly recommend this book.
Edward loves Paws with all heart. They do everything together but these days Paws just wants to rest. He's tired and his paws are heavy. He is content to just to lie on Edward's bed and dream about the happy days when he chased rabbits. He wants to sleep and have peace.
"Edward's bed is warm and cozy. Like rabbit fur.
Paws sleeps and sleeps. Sleeps and dreams."
One day Edward calls Paws and there is no response. Paws has fallen asleep for the very last time leaving Edward to dream of the days gone by and all the happy memories that they shared together.
This book helps children cope with the loss of a beloved pet. It opens up dialogue that will inspire understanding and the handling of emotions that occur at such a painful time. The illustrations enrich the story and ooze emotion which I love. The hardest thing about having a pet is .... saying goodbye! I highly recommend this book.
November 16, 2018
Reading this book feels like reading a classic picture book, with artsy yet simple illustrations and touches, a story of a boy and his dog. Paws is a ginormous, soft, friendly dog, and he's getting old. He loves to spend time with Edward, but he's very tired. Paws and Edward is a very bittersweet book about a beloved companion coming to the end of their life-- but the love we have and the memories we make with them will live on forever.
August 3, 2018
Veľmi citlivo spracovaná téma priateľstva medzi chlapcom a psom a následnej smrti psa... starého psa, ktorý už svoj život prežil naplno a túžil už len odpočívať. Toto sú témy, ktorým sa mnohé deti nevyhnú; táto kniha ich uchopila primerane,
December 7, 2021
Vakkert illustrert historie om den gamle hunden Poff og barnet Edvard. Boka skildrer det nære forholdet mellom hunden og gutten. Poff nyter den siste tiden i livet, i Edvards selskap. De gode minnene de har sammen varer og varmer også etter Poff har sovnet inn og gått bort.
November 8, 2019
A delightful loving homage to an old beloved dog pal in his final day, and the acceptance of his passing. We learn to love this dog and miss him by the end, as if Paws was our own.
Best book I've seen about the honoring of a life and acceptance of death from aging as a natural part of life.
Grief is shown in the picture, where the boy lies face down on a bench. The book never says he is dead... the author has found words to show it.
= Paw's spot is empty. His dish in the cupboard. Empty. The house is quiet. Too quiet. .... =
The artwork is a beautiful palette of colors, full pages of pure color everywhere, magical imaginings from Paw's daily life activities he has loved, and dreams of these expanded and enlarged upon. Lots of closeups, and interesting viewpoints that emphasize the importance of staying to smell something or how it feels to cuddle your bigger than average friend.
I highly recommend this one for any age.
I think some younger children may not fully understand the death part has happened in the story, so if intended to help them, be ready to answer questions.
For older children, this one is a good gentle one to feel some support for one's feelings, while going through a pet, or relative passing, or remembering anyone who has gone on... and also references some things about aging that might help with someone who is still around, but needing our love and care.
Best book I've seen about the honoring of a life and acceptance of death from aging as a natural part of life.
Grief is shown in the picture, where the boy lies face down on a bench. The book never says he is dead... the author has found words to show it.
= Paw's spot is empty. His dish in the cupboard. Empty. The house is quiet. Too quiet. .... =
The artwork is a beautiful palette of colors, full pages of pure color everywhere, magical imaginings from Paw's daily life activities he has loved, and dreams of these expanded and enlarged upon. Lots of closeups, and interesting viewpoints that emphasize the importance of staying to smell something or how it feels to cuddle your bigger than average friend.
I highly recommend this one for any age.
I think some younger children may not fully understand the death part has happened in the story, so if intended to help them, be ready to answer questions.
For older children, this one is a good gentle one to feel some support for one's feelings, while going through a pet, or relative passing, or remembering anyone who has gone on... and also references some things about aging that might help with someone who is still around, but needing our love and care.
Read
June 9, 2019Paws + Edward was considered worth translating from the original Norwegian, and it’s easy to see why .
Paws is a very old dog and barely has the energy to go for walks with his best friend, Edward. He prefers to sleep and dream about chasing rabbits, and about cats and cars and planes. But he drags himself out because he knows Edward needs fresh air. Then one day Paws falls asleep and doesn’t wake up. Now it’s up to Edward to dream about all the happy times they had together.
I love the fact that most of the story is told through Paws’ eyes and only switches to Edward’s perspective after Paws passes away.
The illustrations touchingly capture the close friendship between boy and dog. They appear to have been inspired by the classic American Clifford series, the first of which, Clifford the Big Red Dog, was published in 1963. The colour palate of Paws + Edward is very similar, using mostly primary colours and a simple yet effective style. The unusually huge dimensions of Paws are also very much reminiscent of Clifford.
While the official recommendation for some reason is 8 to 12 years, I would recommend Paws + Edward for children aged approximately 4 to 7, in particular if they’re dealing with the death or old age of a pet.
Paws is a very old dog and barely has the energy to go for walks with his best friend, Edward. He prefers to sleep and dream about chasing rabbits, and about cats and cars and planes. But he drags himself out because he knows Edward needs fresh air. Then one day Paws falls asleep and doesn’t wake up. Now it’s up to Edward to dream about all the happy times they had together.
I love the fact that most of the story is told through Paws’ eyes and only switches to Edward’s perspective after Paws passes away.
The illustrations touchingly capture the close friendship between boy and dog. They appear to have been inspired by the classic American Clifford series, the first of which, Clifford the Big Red Dog, was published in 1963. The colour palate of Paws + Edward is very similar, using mostly primary colours and a simple yet effective style. The unusually huge dimensions of Paws are also very much reminiscent of Clifford.
While the official recommendation for some reason is 8 to 12 years, I would recommend Paws + Edward for children aged approximately 4 to 7, in particular if they’re dealing with the death or old age of a pet.
August 1, 2020
What a tender story about the death of a beloved pet, told from the point of view of the dog.
Lately Paws has been too tired to do much more than sleep. When Edward offers to take him out for a walk, Paws would rather not, however relents and looks forward to the times he can be still. One day, he does not get up when Edward tries to wake him, rather "Paws falls asleep. A sleep without dreams."
Translated from Norwegian, this is a beautifully told, sensitive story. Calm, expressing the peaceful and natural passing of this dog who is so well loved. Illustrated by Mari Kanstad Johnsen, the digital illustrations are dark with bold strokes. It is not beautiful, however is very effective.
Have a tissue nearby while reading this one. It would be excellent to use as bibliotherapy to use with children to help them get through the loss of a loved pet.
Highly Recommended for PreSchool-grade 3.
Lately Paws has been too tired to do much more than sleep. When Edward offers to take him out for a walk, Paws would rather not, however relents and looks forward to the times he can be still. One day, he does not get up when Edward tries to wake him, rather "Paws falls asleep. A sleep without dreams."
Translated from Norwegian, this is a beautifully told, sensitive story. Calm, expressing the peaceful and natural passing of this dog who is so well loved. Illustrated by Mari Kanstad Johnsen, the digital illustrations are dark with bold strokes. It is not beautiful, however is very effective.
Have a tissue nearby while reading this one. It would be excellent to use as bibliotherapy to use with children to help them get through the loss of a loved pet.
Highly Recommended for PreSchool-grade 3.
August 17, 2024
Ahhh ... I must admit, I teared up a bit there at this one.
With the addition of my Little Free Library, I've been scanning thrift stores and library sales for books. I've been attempting to read the children's picture books (it generally only takes a minute or two) and rate/review/record them here. I've really enjoyed this endeavor, and discovered some wonderful little stories that I wouldn't have experienced otherwise.
Here - this is a book that was translated into English. While I encounter that in MY reading, I'm honestly hadn't figured that would happen with a kid's picture book! It just adds a little something extra to this.
This IS a story about the death of a dog, an old dog, who has lived a full and happy life, and is tired, and ready to dream more. It's really from Paws (the dog) perspective, until the end, when we get a small peek at Edward. I do think this could help a child deal with some of the emotions dealing with the loss of a pet to old age.
With the addition of my Little Free Library, I've been scanning thrift stores and library sales for books. I've been attempting to read the children's picture books (it generally only takes a minute or two) and rate/review/record them here. I've really enjoyed this endeavor, and discovered some wonderful little stories that I wouldn't have experienced otherwise.
Here - this is a book that was translated into English. While I encounter that in MY reading, I'm honestly hadn't figured that would happen with a kid's picture book! It just adds a little something extra to this.
This IS a story about the death of a dog, an old dog, who has lived a full and happy life, and is tired, and ready to dream more. It's really from Paws (the dog) perspective, until the end, when we get a small peek at Edward. I do think this could help a child deal with some of the emotions dealing with the loss of a pet to old age.
December 15, 2022
This is the book that you didn’t know you needed to read about a dog at the end of his life and the boy who loves him. It’s so warm and touching. I went in having no idea it wasn’t just another regular happy dog book but I still wasn’t disappointed. The love between Paws and Edward pulsated throughout the book. The end was sad but it was the love and happiness they brought each other that was emphasized throughout the book and that helped Edward move forward. It was really moving for such a simple story. The illustrations went well with it and gave it a comforting feel. I think this author illustrator team complimented each other really well for this unique story. The story is a regular everyday story that many can relate to. It was written in the best way that it could be. This book is a beautiful way to help children cope with the loss of a pet. 5 stars.
July 25, 2019
This one was a tough one personally to read after losing my #happydawgaug recently. It is the story of loss and the love between Edward and his big gentle dog Paws. Paws is an older dog who doesn't have the energy he used to chasing rabbits and running carefree. More often than not Paws wants to sleep more and walk less but still lets Edward take him for walks so he can be outside. Eventually Paws no longer wants to go for walks and then eventually passes over the bridge in his sleep leaving Edward with his memories of Paws and his younger days. I think this is a great book to remind us that we all get older and the special relationship we have with our pets - however I do think with younger children you may need to be cautious of a fear of going to sleep.
November 12, 2019
Ploef is een heel mooi boek over een oude hond die het einde nadert, en degene die vaak bij hem is, Edward een kleine jongen die het niet makkelijk heeft dat zijn trouwe viervoeter oud is en waarschijnlijk niet lang heeft. Het boek is voornamelijk vanuit de POV van de hond, we zien dat hij het niet makkelijk meer heeft, het liefst zou hij slapen en dromen over konijntjes, maar voor zijn baasje gaat hij af en toe mee naar buiten. Ik gok dat iedereen wel kan raden hoe het eindigt, en ik zat met tranen in mijn ogen te lezen want wat heeft de schrijver/schrijfster dit goed gedaan, en de illustraties helpen ook met de tranen die uit mijn ogen kwamen. De laatste pagina's waren erg mooi gedaan.
Al met al, dit is een boek dat ik zou aanraden, zorg wel dat je tissues in de buurt hebt.
Al met al, dit is een boek dat ik zou aanraden, zorg wel dat je tissues in de buurt hebt.
November 17, 2018
A pleasantly under-stated look at bereavement, as a tired old mutt finally gets to the stage of the great dreamless sleep. The artwork is a little messy and blotchy, but actually conveys the life of a boy with a huge shaggy hound really well as a result. The text is almost poetic in its portrayal of the dog winding down – only walking his human out of duty, and not wanting to rush off out and chase sticks in real life. No, for him the inner world is more important in his dotage – chasing rabbits (and airplanes – and the design that combines the two is really clever). This is very much a book with a serious purpose, but it's entertaining with it. A strong four stars.
March 3, 2020
I read this book after reading a Betsy Bird review (Betsy Bird, I LOVE YOU). Spoiler: The dog dies at the end. But the book explores the topic of aging and death from the perspective of Paws, the elderly dog who dies at the end. The tone is soft and gentle, and the muted palette of ochre, umber, and emerald gives a visual sweetness that matches the tone of the book. While the ending is about death, the majority of the book focuses on the quiet, slow act of love people perform in the last days of an aged individual's life--in the case of the book, a dog, but the actions Edward takes (sitting and reading, walking, cuddling) would befit a human as well.
June 3, 2019
Thank you #netgalley for giving me a copy of this book to review. This is a wonderful book about a little boy and his dog. Paws loves to chase rabbits, but he is not as young as he used to be. I did not expect for this book to bring tears to my eyes, but it did. This is a heartbreaking, moving book about loss. This would be a book that I would recommend to my students who have recently lost a pet. The illustrations are beautiful and the words are simple. Both flow perfectly and neither is too much. A great addition to any classroom.
May 24, 2019
I did not expect to start the day with tears. This book was not what I expected and the ending choked me up a bit. Because like Edward, I had a dog. And like Edward, I had to say good-bye to my dog. Though the end might bring tears, this book is a good one to have on hand when talking about death of a loved one, grief, and sadness. Sometimes we cannot bring ourselves to talk about the tough stuff, so thank you, Espen Dekko, for doing it for us.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2020
I cried the entire time while reading this story and it made me miss a family pet that I had loss sometime ago. This is a good book for children who have lost a family pet that they were very close with. The topic of death is hard for children to understand and grasp I think this book does a good job of explaining to kids that the love and memories with there pets will alwasy be there and that they will live on in their hearts.
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