Murphy and Kate

By Ellen Howard

Book Overview

Ellen Howard pens an endearing picture book illustrated by Mark Graham that tells the sweet story of a young girl, Kate, growing up with her childhood dog, Murphy.

Kate and Murphy have always been pals. Even before Kate was old enough to walk, she and Murphy had a special bond. Through the years of her childhood, Kate and her trusted dog grow together.

When Murphy dies a quiet death under the old tree swing, her family tries hard to help comfort Kate. Despite what everyone tells her, Kate finds peace in the one thing she knows is certain: she will never, ever forget Murphy.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1416961577
• ISBN13: 9781416961574
• Release Date: August 2007
• Publisher: Aladdin Paperbacks
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.34 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 8.5" x 11.0"
• Age Range: 3 to 7 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 2

Customer Reviews

Murphy and Kate

This is an excellent book for children dealing with the death of a pet, friend, or family member. I purchased a second book as a gift to our veterinarian...he shares it with clients with small children.

a great book for anyone who has lost a beloved dog

This is an absolutely wonderful book. Those who have loved and had to say goodbye to a dog will see themselves and their dear friend in these pages. I would give this book as a gift to any adult or child friend whose beloved dog has passed away. Although Murphy is a golden retriever, this book would be treasured by any dog lover. I'm a psychotherapist as well as a dog lover. Both parts of me loved this book!

sad but loving

Murphy and Kate is a bittersweet story about the relationship between a girl and her dog. The story begins when Kate is a toddler and Murphy is a puppy. It shows how the relationship grows as they both grow older, to the end when Murphy dies of old age. The story is realistic, and handles the death of Murphy in a gentle way. Anyone who has lost a pet they loved, can relate to this book.

A touching and sensitive story

This is a story of a girl's relationship with her dog as she grows into adolescence. It accurately portrays the change in the relationship, and the girls' reaction to the death of her dog at the end. I find it to be very realistic, without being graphic. It is sensitive and touching, but not overbearing. My 5 year old daughter is enamored of this book, and I know that she gets more out of it as she reads it over time.