The Invisible Leash: A Story Celebrating Love After the Loss of a Pet

In this follow-up to The Invisible String, heavy-hearted Zack can’t stop thinking about his dog, Jojo, who has just died. His parents try to offer comfort but only frustrate Zack, who struggles to process his feelings. When he confides his sorrow in his friend Emily, she blithely relays “the very best news ever”: “When our pets aren’t here anymore, an Invisible Leash connects our hearts to each other. Forever.” Irritated, Zack retorts, “I only believe in things I see.” After a day of Emily’s evangelizing, Zack feels Jojo’s presence under the gaze of a full moon. Karst’s gentle narrative guides the friends through their shared experience, and Lew-Vriethoff’s digitally rendered, loose-feeling illustrations expertly depict the wide range of emotions therein. An opaque Jojo is depicted in each spread, a constant participant. An empathy-driven resource for children reckoning with the loss of a pet. Ages 4–8. (Dec.)