Additional information
by Polly Stryker (Author), Carol Collier (Illustrator)
A touching story of grief and remembrance for any child who has had to say goodbye to a
beloved pet.
For many of us, our first experience of loss involves a pet. Writing a letter to that pet can help us
process our feelings. That is what you'll discover in Dear Mario, a heartfelt book about animal
friendship and saying goodbye.
In this story of a young boy facing grief for the first time, Peter writes a letter to Mario, the family
Chihuahua, because he needs to tell him a few final things. Like how much he loved rubbing Mario's
belly and watching him run in the park. And how amazing it was that Mario knew whenever Peter
didn't feel well. But most of all, Peter wants Mario to know that he loves him and misses him and
will never forget him.
Dear Mario is a perfect dog memorial book for families coping with grief over the loss of a pet.
"Whether your own Mario is a big shaggy one or a little bundle of affection, this touching tale helps kids
and grown-ups come to terms with the loss of their own Mario. Someone once said a dog's life lasts just a
few years of ours, but we're here for all of theirs. Peter and Mario show us that even after we are parted,
the love never leaves us."
-Patt Morrison, author, broadcaster, dog devotee
