Book Review of Where’s Big Dog? A Story of Loss and Love
The Children’s Book Review
Where’s Big Dog? A Story of Loss and Love
Written by Jessica Collins & Lisa Melamed
Illustrated by Carla Naude
Ages: 4-8 | 32 Pages
Publisher: Indigo River Publishing (2025) | ISBN: 978-1-964686-43-1
What to Expect: Dogs, loss of a pet, grief, healing, memories, love.
Where’s Big Dog? is a gentle and poignant story that helps children navigate the profound sadness of losing a beloved pet by discovering how memories remain present in the world around them.
After the sudden passing of Big Dog, a devoted and loyal companion, his owner and Little Dog are left in deep mourning. When a neighbor innocently asks, “Where’s Big Dog?”, the narrator is initially overcome by grief and unable to find the words to respond. However, as time passes, the narrator begins to notice Big Dog’s familiar shape and spirit in unexpected places—from the patterns of clouds in the sky to the knots in the wooden floor. This discovery leads to a comforting realization about how those we love never truly leave us.
The writing by Jessica Collins and Lisa Melamed is understated yet deeply emotional, using simple, accessible language to address the heavy topic of death. By focusing on the “worst day ever” and the physical manifestations of grief—such as crying or feeling “dark and gloomy”—the authors validate a child’s feelings of loss.
Carla Naude’s illustrations bring a sense of warmth and charm to the story. The artwork skillfully mirrors the narrator’s emotional journey, shifting from the somber, “dark and gloomy” atmosphere of early grief to the clever visual “Easter eggs” where Big Dog’s silhouette appears in household textures and nature. These engaging visual cues allow readers to participate in the narrator’s discovery, reinforcing the book’s message in a tactile, comforting way.
Where’s Big Dog? is a touching and tender resource that will be most appreciated by families experiencing the loss of a pet. It is a heartfelt tribute to the bond between humans and animals that reminds us that love simply changes form rather than disappearing.
Buy the Book
Borrow the Book
About the Authors
Lisa Melamed has written and produced television shows for network, cable, and streaming, including Nickelodeon’s Hey Dude, Golden Globe winner Party of Five, and Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings. She began her career at Scholastic Productions. This is her first book.
Jessica Collins is an Emmy Award-winning actress whose career spans over thirty years in television and film. Her many credits include Acapulco, The Young and the Restless, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings. This book was inspired by her beloved Goldendoodle Lucy.
About the Illustrator
Carla Naude is a South African artist and illustrator based in Texas, who is passionate about animals and traditional media. A lifelong book lover, she pours her heart into every story she creates, bringing characters and worlds to life with warmth and charm.
