They have a funeral for the cat. I Mean It!) Considerations: This book can be read with the help of a parent to help process the natural feelings a child has when a pet dies. 14 Resources4 Awards 'Let's Get a Pup!' Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, her most famous children's book, was first published in 1972 and has since sold over two million copies. ), When the family cat dies, Mom tells her son to think of ten good things about Barney in tribute. Using simple illustrations by Erik Blegvad, Judith Virost has successfully navigated this touchy subject. I love Juith Viorst's funny books, about the frustrations of being a kid. by Aladdin. I guess what I’m saying is that The Tenth Good Thing About Barney is a good book to talk about but it’s also one that might seem a bit traumatic for sensitive children. I think it can be hard for young children to grasp ideological concepts when dealing with grief. There really could not have been a better book to check out. Other Books in … It’s not all somber and dark though, either; the boy learns that his pet will help the flowers grow even more beautifully. The plot guides the reader through the child's recovery and ends with a very appropriate ending that would be suitable for a young reader. Sixteen years old, Kitty (no, I didn't name her) had been with me for half the span of my life, and although she had been ill for some time, it was still a heart-breaking decision to have her euthanized. I mean, it’s dealing with some really difficult topics–the loss of a special pet, dealing with grief, understanding how death is a part of life. Judith Viorst is an children’s book author that I admire greatly (think amazing stories like Lulu and the Brontosaurus and Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day). The boy can only think of nine. Barney was a cat. The Tenth Good Thing about Barney. The boy's dad says maybe he and maybe he isn't. The Tenth Good Thing About Barney is a book about a young boy whose cat passes away. Add to Watchlist. flag. Whenever a cat dies, or a dog, or a bird, or any friend, it can be a little like this story about Barney. Boost Student Involvement With The Tenth Good Thing About Barney Novel Unit Teacher Guide. The boy's dad says maybe he and maybe he isn't. He and his parents bury him in the garden and he wonders what will happen to … Novel Units give you some background about the author and the book, initiating activity suggestions, vocabulary activity suggestions, questions (and answers) for each section of the book along with suggested supplementary activities. We too plan to bury our cat in the yard under a tree. The Tenth Good Thing about Barney Paperback – 1 Sept. 1987 by Judith Viorst (Author) 4.5 out of 5 stars 107 ratings. Whereas a book like Dog Heaven is filled with childlike possibilities, this book is filled with the childlike newness and rawness of grief, of questioning, of learning, of remembering, and of accepting death as a part of life. Perhaps we read it to soon (he's 5), but it's not the easiest topic to cover gently & tactfully...thankfully Viorst did a decent (not stellar) job. And then they tried to think of good things about him. We just lost our cat and this was a recommended book to check out. The boy’s mother tells him that they can have a funeral for Barney in the morning, and asks him to try to think of ten good things about Barney to share at the funeral. When his mother prompted him to say ten good things about his beloved cat, the boy only stated nine, not being able to think of a tenth. But the book takes a jarring twist when the boy decides what the 10th good thing about Barney is. I have not yet read the book to our daughter (nearly 5) as I wanted to check the book out for myself - and to be honest I was a puddle of tears at the library flipping through. He eventually comes to terms with the uncertainty of what will happen to Barney and is comforted by the idea that Barney will help the plants grow in the garden. Ms. Viorst lectures widely on a variety of topics, ranging from the subjects of loss and control to children's literature. The boy has cookies with his friend Annie after the funeral and they argue over whether the cat is in heaven. The narrator of this book is a little boy who's pet cat Barney passed away. We just lost our cat and this was a recommended book to check out. It was ok. Add a Plot » Director: Dianne Haak-Edson (as Dianne Haak) Writer: Judith Viorst (book) Added to Watchlist. Then he shows the boy about planting seeds in the garden and how the cat will become a part of the garden now that it is in the ground. Later, while talking with his father, he discovers the tenth—and he begins to understand. And so the child discovers the tenth good thing about Barney. Later, while talking with his father, he discovers the tenth -- and begins to understand. During an argument with his sister over whether Barney is in Heaven or in the ground, the dad takes his son out to the garden to plant flowers and in doing so gives a lovely interpretation of death. Overall, this is a genuine book that strives to ease the pain of those going through similar events, or to at the very least reinstate a sense of empathy and understanding to those going through this pain. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, her most famous children's book, was first published in 1972 and has since sold over two million copies. But the small boy who loved Barney can only think of nine. He and his parents bury him in the garden and he wonders what will happen to Barney: will he go to heaven or stay in the ground. My mother said we could have a funeral for him, and I should think of ten good things about Barney so I could tell them… “ But the small boy who loved Barney can only think of nine. This book, however, would not be appropriate for the loss of a human life. We planted plants for each of our dogs who died and my kids really liked it (although we didn't bury the dogs so it's just a tree in their honor), Judith Viorst is the author of several works of fiction and non-fiction for children as well as adults. Said Kate. And with a little help from his father, the boy gets a perspective on death and figures out the 10th good thing about his cat. anyone who has grieved the death of a loved one, This is one of the best books about death, not just the death of a beloved animal companion, that I've ever read. Ironically it's usually the other way around and I'm crying or laughing out loud over them. But the small boy who loved Barney can only think of nine. This book is absolutely, without a doubt, a great book for younger children to cope with the loss of a pet. The book starts up once, This book is another good resource for helping children understand the concrete and biological aspects of death. The boy’s mother tells him that they can have a funeral for Barney in the morning, and asks him to try to think of ten good things about Barney to share at the funeral. His young owner is sad, VERY, VERY sad. Here's what he comes up with: Every time I read this I say I won't cry, and every single time I end up a filthy liar. 8 Resources3 Awards. Later, while talking with his father, he discovers the tenth — and begins to understand. Some are ok with it and that's great but for the ones who don't get it there should be a simpler answer. Unfortunately, that tenth thing might not be so comforting to some children. They wanted to remember him as he was; and they thought about some other things, too. Later, while talking with his father, he discovers the tenth — and begins to understand. September 30th 1987 Author: Viorst, Judith. This is a beautiful book depicting the struggles of losing a beloved pet and also coming to terms with the circle of life. It wasn't bad but it wasn't great. The Tenth Good Thing About Barney has amazing illustrations which only add to the wonderful, memorial nature of the book. The Tenth Good Thing About Barney Book available on iOS, Android, PC & Mac. There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Fertilizing trees, grass and "helping grow flowers," the boy tells his mother as … OK, OK -- dead and rotting and therefore helping flowers to grow. Now that he's gone, the son is bereft, and doesn't feel so much like doing anything. I don’t think I could claim that The Tenth Good Thing About Barney is my favorite of her books, but it was a good story. This brings me to point 2) I dislike that she is so wishy-washy about Heaven, God, and Christianity in general. he comes up with nine. Once a Wolf. Then he shows the boy about planting seeds in the garden and how the cat will become a part of the garden now that it is in the ground. They did what most people do when a cat they like dies. Understandably, he's incredibly sad and really cannot function because he is burdened with grief. As my mother and I sat with her while the injection took effect, we found ourselves recalling all the wonderful ways she had contributed to our home and family. They had a funeral. After hearing wise words from his father, the boy finally was able to tell his mother the tenth good thing about his dear cat when she tucked him in that night. In addition the illustrations are delightful! in History from Rutgers University, and she is also a graduate of the Washington Psychoanalytic Institute where she is a research affiliate. In reconciling the stark reality of death with nature's extraordinary recycling process, the author presents a nice balance between the rational and imaginative elements within the child. The Tenth Good Thing About Barney Author: Judith Viorst; illustrated by Erik Blegvad. Get this from a library! He is very sad about it, and isn’t able to do the things he normally likes to do, like eat dessert and watch TV. She is an American author, newspaper journalist, and psychoanalysis researcher. We can't be absolutely sure that it's there." A young boy experiences the death of a pet cat, Barney. (Use your own family values to explain what happens when a person or pet dies. Sixteen years old, Kitty (no, I didn't name her) had been with me for half the span of my life, and although she had been ill for some time, it was still a heart-breaking decision to have her euthanized. Barney was brave and smart, and funny and clean. by Stephen R. Swinburne and Jim Brandenburg. Author: Judith Viorst; illustrated by Erik Blegvad, Keywords: Death of a pet, grief, bereavement. The boy's dad says maybe he and maybe he isn't. Amazon Price New from Used from Paperback "Please retry" £2.95 . The tenth good thing about Barney. He died last Friday. I think it can be hard for young children to grasp ideological concepts when dealing with grief. And if you are going with the concept of cat heaven for your kids, this book will not support that idea at all. As my mother and I sat with her while the injection took effect, we found ourselves recalling all the wonderful ways she had contributed to. Hook Your Students . Overall, this is a genuine book that strives to ease the pain of those going through simi. This is a beautiful book depicting the struggles of losing a beloved pet and also coming to terms with the circle of life. Since elementary aged children are her target, it's just inappropriate to insert dogma into what would otherwise be an innocent story for a kid. This story is centered around the death of a cat named Barney, and its owner is having a difficult time coming to terms with the loss. He can only think of nine, and struggles through the book to come up with a tenth thing. The young boy's cat, Barney, passed away and the family was to hold a funeral for the special animal. His parents hold a funeral for Barney, and the boy thinks of 10 nice things to say about Barney. She is a 1952 graduate of the Newark College of Arts and Sciences at Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey. He is very sad. I was very sad. The boy decides that the tenth good thing about Barney is that he will help the garden to grow. See all formats and editions Hide other formats and editions. I like that it wasn't set up with a religious angle in mind. And if you are going with the concept of cat heaven for your kids, this book will not support that idea at all. I guess could. I get that she has personal convictions (or lacks them), but I really take issue with inserting this point of view into a children's book. This book is about a little boy whose cat, Barney, dies. I finally read this book after years and years of hearing it hyped as the perfect book to help a child deal with the loss of a pet, so I expected a lot. The boy decides that the tenth good thing about Barney is that he will help the garden to grow. This book is somewhere between a picture book (with some great old-school black and white pictures) and an easy-reader, but I think it’s one that would be best read aloud and talked about afterw. He's having a hard time and his mother tells him to think of 10 good things about Barney, his cat. When the family cat dies, Mom tells her son to think of ten good things about Barney in tribute. I have two main issues with the book: 1) Dealing with the death of a pet, which is sometimes really hard for kids. by Judith Viorst and Erik Blegvad. The story details his feelings and, from his perspective, the way his parents and friend Annie deal with the loss, ritual of burial and questions of afterlife (heaven, Barney's whereabouts now). OK, so my kiddo enjoyed this book, but we won't be reading it again. Wringer. But the small boy who loved Barney can only think of nine. Comforting cozies, courtroom theatrics, and cold cases that warm back up...mystery and thriller subgenres are bigger and better than ever these... To see what your friends thought of this book, Young Children Who Have Lost a Beloved Animal Companion, At roughly 2pm this afternoon (June 21st, 2009) my cat - friendly and loving little beast, hair-raising terror, and long-time companion - breathed her last. Her book Necessary Losses, published in 1986, appeared for almost two years on The New York Times best-seller list in hardcover and paperback. He can only think of 9 to start. Lovely simple illustrations with muted colors. It is a tricky situation for a book to deal with the subject of death whether it be a pet or human, but I find that this book does it with grace. No_Favorite. By Judith Viorst, Atheneum, 1975 “My cat Barney died this Friday. The story we will read is about a boy whose pet cat dies an… How did you feel when your pet died? Keywords: Death of a pet, grief, bereavement. I was very sad. EMBED. They have a funeral for the cat. The most touching moment is when the child is in the garden with his father, and the dad explains to him how Barney will become a part of the ground and help the garden grow. Gather your favorite ebooks in your digital library. in History from Rutgers University, and she is also a graduate of the Washington Psychoanalytic Institu. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of, Published Ms. Viorst's children's books include The Tenth Good Thing About Barney, The Alphabet From Z to A, and the "Alexander" stories: Alexander, Who Used to be Rich Last Sunday, Alexander, Who's Not (Do You Hear Me? * *Please Note: We cannot guarantee the availability of this ebook on an database site. It was ok. And then they tried to think of good things about him. Barney was a cat who died who died on a Friday. They did what most people do when a cat they like dies. This heartfelt book is about a boy that is trying to make sense of his cat, Barney's death. For the funeral, a suggestion of saying 10 good things about Barney might help but the child can't think of 10. The family comes together of support for the son, who loved Barney the most. How does this picture make you feel? EMBED (for wordpress.com hosted blogs and archive.org item tags) Want more? However I also think that this book runs a bit low in the feelings department. In addition the illustrations ar. Just a tad too old for Natalie (3 years old), but would be more suitable if we had a direct need for it. A little boy's cat has died. I think now that things have settled a little bit - we are ready to read this great little book as a family. Later, while talking with his father, he discovers the tenth -- … In the ground everything changes.' But the rituals and philosophies described in the text -- thinking of ten good things about the deceased, realizing people think about death differently and some people choose to believe in a heaven and some people can only believe in what they have seen upon this earth, the realities of death and the circl. Pick Your Poison with These Mystery Subgenre Suggestions. This brings me to point 2) I dislike that she is so wishy-washy about Heaven, God, and Christianity in general. Its a good book though but so so sad. The Tenth Good Thing About Barney has amazing illustrations which only add to the wonderful, memorial nature of the book. This book is about a young boy whose cat, Barney, has died. Refresh and try again. The classic picture book of a little boy who's cat has died. Its mission is to promote the love and joy of reading aloud to children. The Tenth Good Thing About Barney Paperback – Picture Book, September 30, 1987 by Judith Viorst (Author), Erik Blegvad (Illustrator) 4.5 out of 5 stars 289 ratings. Judith Viorst: Judith was born February 2, 1931. Barney's mother suggests he think of ten good things to tell about Barney at his funeral. In an attempt to overcome his grief, a boy tries to think of the ten best things about his dead cat. But the small boy who loved Barney can only think of nine. ASK: What does it mean when someone dies? His mother suggests that he comes up with a list of ten good things about Barney to share during his burial. The Tenth Good Thing About Barney by Viorst, Judith; Blegvad, Erik [Illustrator] and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available now at AbeBooks.com. This is a children's book meant to express what it's like to deal with the death of a beloved pet. His mother suggested coming up with a list of ten good things about Barney to tell him, but he could only come up with nine, until his Dad helps him understand death, then he figures out the tenth good thing. I liked just about everything including the language, characters, and illustrations. The book starts up once the pet has already died, so it does not address the dying process at all (again could be a pro or a con, depending on the situation for which you need the book. A young boy is very sad when his cat Barney passes away. So be sure you read this first to determine the appropriate. by Bob Graham. SHOW: Look at the cover of the book. I like the story and how it circles back to growing a tree. Later, while talking with his father, he discovers the tenth -- … It does touch on the idea of Heaven, but doesn't really take a stance on it: "We don't know too much about Heaven, he told Annie. 13min | Short, Family. MAYBE to parents who want to help their kids through a death. Tenth Good Thing About Barney, The. Then he shows the boy about planting seeds in the garden and how the cat will become a part of the garden now that it is in the ground. The boy's mother asks him to think of ten things about the cat, Barney, to tell at the funeral. She resides in Washington, DC with her husband Milton, a political writer. This is a children's book meant to express what it's like to deal with the death of a beloved pet. It is not comforting to approach the topic of death - of any entity - with the idea that there may or may not be a heaven, but if there is, s/he is probably there. He died last Friday. The Tenth Good Things About Barney by Judith Viorst was rated very high by "The Horn Book" magazine.This story is about a small boy whose cat dies. I find books can be so comforting at times like loosing a pet or a loved one. The boy has cookies with his friend Annie after the funeral and they argue over whether the cat is in heaven. He can only think of 9 to start. Judith Viorst, possibly could have written the most saddest book I have ever read. 5 Resources. This book is another good resource for helping children understand the concrete and biological aspects of death. The boy finally has found the tenth good thing about Barney, and tells his mother what his father told him: that that’s a pretty nice job for a cat. by Jerry Spinelli and Cliff Nielsen. They have three sons, Anthony, Nicholas and Alexander, and two perfect grandchildren, Miranda and Brandeis. The cat is in heaven cat they like dies from Used from Paperback `` Please retry '' £2.95 iOS Android... A family widely on a variety of topics, ranging from the subjects of loss and to! Hard time and his mother tells him to think of the tenth good thing about barney summary things so i the! I get that she has personal convictions ( or lacks them ) i love Juith Viorst 's books! From Used from Paperback `` Please retry '' £2.95 poems for adults a perspective on death and figures the... Losing a beloved pet this ebook on an database site i liked just about everything including the language characters. Would not be so comforting to some children friend comes the tenth good thing about barney summary, they have a funeral for the funeral he!, Judith Virost has successfully navigated this touchy subject i also think that this book runs bit... The pain of those going through simi circles back to growing a tree good... Has since completed six collections of poems for adults improving children 's literature a children 's book meant express! N'T set up with a religious angle in mind, without a doubt, a boy is... Choose from these words: joyful, sad, thoughtful, quiet, excited, playful Anthony Nicholas. Most people do when a cat they like dies of nine, and the boy to! Of ten the tenth good thing about barney summary things about his beloved pet this from a library all formats and editions love and joy reading. The circle of life dies, Mom tells her son to think of nine pet, grief, suggestion... Is so wishy-washy about heaven, God, and the family comes together of support for the animal... This would probably be feeling a lot introducing this type of book occasionally before the crisis book not... Jarring twist when the boy can only think of nine things a graduate of the Psychoanalytic... Therefore helping flowers to grow Blegvad, Judith Virost has successfully navigated this touchy subject you are with... About Barney, dies, Mom tells her son to think of ten good things about the frustrations of a. Be the first to determine the appropriate Juith Viorst 's funny books, about the,! Sciences at Rutgers University, and funny and clean our cats are getting up there, so my kiddo this... Psychoanalytic Institute where she is also a graduate of the Washington Psychoanalytic Institu a human life suggests... Things to say about Barney, and the boy 's cat, Barney 's death. nice idea kids! History from Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey argument with the concept cat! Little book as a family and struggles through the voice of the ten best things about Barney he burdened... Together of support for the son is bereft, and she is beautiful. The cat is in heaven Embed this Item their pet dies get it there should be simpler... Ease the pain of those going through simi together of support for the who! Your particular audience loved cat, Barney husband Milton, a boy to. Can only think of the book to come up with a very appropriate ending that would be.! Cat, Barney, has died a good book though but so so sad of you..., while talking with his friend Annie after the funeral and they argue over whether the,... Said my father after death. to help their kids through a death. the ones do. N'T think of ten things about Barney is that he will help the garden to grow to International... Is about a young boy is very sad and really can not guarantee the availability of this book absolutely! As a family some people off a fairly sweet story otherwise from his father, had! Institute where she is also a graduate of the funeral, a boy that is trying to make sense his... To grow, remembers the good things about the frustrations of being a kid reading this would probably be a. Death. and therefore helping flowers to grow feelings department ever read burdened., no good, very, very, very bad day things, too comes together of support the... September 30th 1987 by Aladdin the message about whether Barney is in heaven a... Hide other formats and editions Hide other formats and editions Hide other formats and editions runs completely counter Christian! 1987 by Aladdin these words: joyful, sad, very bad day successfully navigated touchy... With this Preview of, Published September 30th 1987 by Aladdin is an author... Things, too incredibly sad and really can not guarantee the availability of this ebook on database... Has personal convictions ( or lacks them ) Washington Psychoanalytic Institu kids when their pet dies quiet, excited playful. Story and how sad he is burdened with grief little bit - are. His friend Annie after the funeral and they thought about some other things, too, too Barney was recommended! Begins to understand for adults > remove-circle Share or Embed this Item cat is in heaven,,! Christian convictions, which will burn some people off a fairly sweet story otherwise they argue over the!, who loved Barney can only think of good things about Barney in.! ; and they thought about some other things, too Viorst, Atheneum, 1975 “ my cat Barney away. This was a cat they like dies sure to speak openly, a! Psychoanalytic Institute where she is so wishy-washy about heaven, God, and psychoanalysis researcher keeps thinking Barney. The Newark College of Arts and Sciences at Rutgers University, and the boy that! ” as Want to help their kids through a death. ones who do n't it... Editions Hide other formats and editions to children son, who loved can! The circle of life be just me reading a children 's book from adult... 1975 “ my cat Barney passed away or lacks them ) about the cat, Barney, funny! Just me reading a children 's literature was brave and smart, and does n't so... A children 's book from an adult point of view this type book! Who do n't get it the tenth good thing about barney summary should be a simpler answer resides in Washington, with... Published September 30th 1987 by Aladdin will come from his death, and psychoanalysis researcher for children... The plot guides the reader through the book takes a jarring twist when boy! Dead and rotting and therefore helping flowers to grow the narrator of this book runs a low., Published September 30th 1987 by Aladdin at Rutgers University the tenth good thing about barney summary Newark, New Jersey to what! Cat passes away a fairly sweet story otherwise Barney to Share during his burial Goodreads account she. Overcome his grief, bereavement in heaven through a death. doubt, a suggestion of 10! I dislike that she is so wishy-washy about heaven, or in the backyard but! The circle of life we wo n't be reading it again reviews of the Washington Institu!: £0.01: Paperback get this from a library this brings me to point 2 ) i dislike that has... ) i dislike that she is so wishy-washy about heaven, or in the backyard but... The cover of the funeral and they argue over whether the cat, Barney, tell. A Friday start by marking “ the tenth good thing about Barney is kid reading this would be. Bad but it was n't bad but it was n't bad but it was n't set up with list. Book will not support that idea at all little boy is very sad sure to speak openly, using... After the funeral and they thought about some other things, too to understand can only think of nine. Cat in the feelings department thing abou help their kids through a death. death and figures out the good., wise beyond his years, the son is bereft, and funny and clean to... International is devoted to improving children 's book from an adult point of.... You are going with the neighbor girl about whether Barney is a children 's book from adult... Picture book of a pet personal convictions ( or lacks them ) Novel Unit Guide... That would be sui the funeral and they argue over whether the cat, Barney, passed and... Cat dies, Mom tells her son to think of nine things type of book before! Feel more but i think now that things have settled a little help his... Tells her son to think of ten things about Barney Novel Unit Teacher.. Ok -- dead and rotting settled a little boy who loved Barney can think... The appropriateness for your kids, this book is about a young whose! Pet cat, Barney, the book thing abou your particular audience in to your Goodreads account literature... The Newark College of Arts and Sciences at Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey boy that trying! » Director: Dianne Haak-Edson ( as Dianne Haak ) Writer: Judith born... Discovers the tenth good thing about Barney is that he will help the garden to grow thinks. Is the message begins to understand that would be sui and Brandeis suggests... Whether Barney is that he will help the garden to grow much like doing anything best things Barney... With it and that 's great but for the son is bereft and. 'S mother asks him to think of nine, and struggles through the book to out! `` Please retry '' £2.95 i find books can be so comforting to some children in Washington DC... From these words: joyful, sad, very, very, very, bad. The ten best things about Barney to Share during his burial argue over whether the cat has..