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Missing Jack
Toby's cat, Jack, is THE best cat EVER. But Jack is getting old, and Toby will miss his furry best friend terribly when he's gone.
Then Toby meets a crazy cat called Humphrey. In this charming and beautifully illustrated picture book Rebecca Elliott addresses the difficult subject of a child's first experience of the death of a pet with warmth, sensitivity and well placed humour.
2011 JUNIOR MAGAZINE DESIGN AWARDS Most Promising New Talent - SHORTLISTED 2011 NASEN AWARDS (National Association of Special Education Needs) Inclusive Children's Book of the Year - SHORTLISTED 2011 NURSERY WORLD AWARDS Three to Fives New Launch - FINALIST 2010-11 PEOPLE'S BOOK PRIZE Children's Book of the Year - FINALIST 2012 - KATE GREENAWAY MEDAL - LONG LIST 2012 - DOLLY GRAY CHILDREN'S LITERATURE AWARD - WINNER
Then Toby meets a crazy cat called Humphrey. In this charming and beautifully illustrated picture book Rebecca Elliott addresses the difficult subject of a child's first experience of the death of a pet with warmth, sensitivity and well placed humour.
2011 JUNIOR MAGAZINE DESIGN AWARDS Most Promising New Talent - SHORTLISTED 2011 NASEN AWARDS (National Association of Special Education Needs) Inclusive Children's Book of the Year - SHORTLISTED 2011 NURSERY WORLD AWARDS Three to Fives New Launch - FINALIST 2010-11 PEOPLE'S BOOK PRIZE Children's Book of the Year - FINALIST 2012 - KATE GREENAWAY MEDAL - LONG LIST 2012 - DOLLY GRAY CHILDREN'S LITERATURE AWARD - WINNER
32 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2015
1 person is currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Elliott
198 books290 followersRebecca Elliott is the author and illustrator of the best-selling Owl Diaries series (Scholastic US) & over 20 picture books including Just Because, Sometimes, Naked Trevor and Zoo Girl, for which she was nominated for the 2012 Kate Greenaway Medal.
Her new series The Unicorn Diaries (Scholastic US) & her first YA novel 'Pretty Funny ' (Penguin Random House) are out now.
Her new series The Unicorn Diaries (Scholastic US) & her first YA novel 'Pretty Funny ' (Penguin Random House) are out now.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
August 10, 2015
What a fantastic book! Short, sweet, nostalgic, and heartwarming. The pictures are fabulous. The story takes us through everything that the MC loved about his cat, how he aged, faded away, and then died. (The book states the death as fact, and doesn't go into details) The family has a service for the cat and acknowledges the loss. No cat can replace his love for the previous cat, but another comes along with his own set of attributes to love. While the new connection is made, the previous cat is still in the heart of the MC.
An amazing book for any family with a pet to have for when the inevitable happens.
This book also can transcend childhood. Any pet owner that has loved and lost a fur-child will love this book. It brought feelings of nostalgia to all the pets I've lost over the years. We all experience this transition to a new pet in a similar fashion.
Shout out to my fur-friends that have left me with wonderful memories: Fizzy, Hickadee, Hassle, Digit, and Otis.
Thank you Netgalley for a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
An amazing book for any family with a pet to have for when the inevitable happens.
This book also can transcend childhood. Any pet owner that has loved and lost a fur-child will love this book. It brought feelings of nostalgia to all the pets I've lost over the years. We all experience this transition to a new pet in a similar fashion.
Shout out to my fur-friends that have left me with wonderful memories: Fizzy, Hickadee, Hassle, Digit, and Otis.
Thank you Netgalley for a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 2, 2015
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley on behalf of the publisher
Sat down with my 4yo son to read this, & it was a hit for both of us!
He liked the bright pictures and the silliness of the cats, while I appreciated those as well, I also liked the books gentle approach to death.
My son hasn't yet had to encounter the death of a pet or family member, so I thought he may question it, but he didn't. I think I'll keep this book on hand for when that day comes.
Sat down with my 4yo son to read this, & it was a hit for both of us!
He liked the bright pictures and the silliness of the cats, while I appreciated those as well, I also liked the books gentle approach to death.
My son hasn't yet had to encounter the death of a pet or family member, so I thought he may question it, but he didn't. I think I'll keep this book on hand for when that day comes.
February 18, 2015
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Lion Hudson Plc and NetGalley.)
This was such a sweet but sad story! I felt so sorry for Toby when his cat died, but it was nice the way he got to say goodbye, and nice that he later got a new cat, even if it couldn’t replace Jack. I will definitely be using this book to teach my 4-year-old about death when it is time.
9 out of 10
This was such a sweet but sad story! I felt so sorry for Toby when his cat died, but it was nice the way he got to say goodbye, and nice that he later got a new cat, even if it couldn’t replace Jack. I will definitely be using this book to teach my 4-year-old about death when it is time.
9 out of 10
August 11, 2018
I'm going to have to make a shelf specifically for picture books that made me cry at work
November 17, 2020
This book tackles a challenging subject, losing a pet you love. It is discussed in a sensitive way as Toby gets to say goodbye to Jack in his own way. Then he is unsure about whether he wants a new cat or whether it would be seen as a betrayal. A really lovely book to share with children to introduce them to the concept of death. I liked the illustration of Jack fading, although it was unrealistic, it was a nice way of it being portrayed.
August 4, 2015
Adorable. Perfect for those that have lost their pets. Hits all the emotions - joy, sadness, hope and fun. Great illustrations - a great read aloud for the right crowd.
September 4, 2017
Hermosa historia sobre un niño que pierde a su gato y sobre cómo aprender a sobrellevar la pérdida de un ser querido, en este caso, una mascota.
Esta temática tan delicada está muy bien tratada en este relato, de una forma sencilla y tierna, enfocada desde el punto de vista del pequeño y acompañada de entrañables ilustraciones.
Puede servir a los niños para lograr entender ciertos temas de la vida difíciles de explicar, de una forma amena y agradable, realista y sin más misterio del necesario.
Totalmente recomendado.
Esta temática tan delicada está muy bien tratada en este relato, de una forma sencilla y tierna, enfocada desde el punto de vista del pequeño y acompañada de entrañables ilustraciones.
Puede servir a los niños para lograr entender ciertos temas de la vida difíciles de explicar, de una forma amena y agradable, realista y sin más misterio del necesario.
Totalmente recomendado.
February 12, 2015
This book deals with a tough subject, the loss of a pet. It teaches young children that whilst they are upset, they can move on but this doesn't mean they will ever forget their pet, and also that they won't be sad if another pet is got in their place. Its quite a bittersweet tale with a happy ending. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2015
A sad but beautifully written and illustrated story. Anyone who has ever lost a cat will understand this story - Elliott portrays the grief perfectly. This book will be extremely helpful for parents trying to help children understand their loss. Elliott's explanation of loving another pet is not betrayal to the former is perfect for children.
March 16, 2020
Kehilangan hewan kesayangan memang sediiih banget. Buat sebagian orang, saking sedihnya nggak mau memelihara hewan lagi. Buku ini dengan bagus menggambarkan pengalaman kehilangan serta bagaimana mengyikapi kematian melalui kisah Toby, Jack, dan Humphrey.
December 28, 2024
En mi búsqueda por un libro que tratara el tema del duelo, me encontré con Extraño a Jack, una obra infantil que me sorprendió gratamente. A través de una narrativa sencilla y conmovedora, el texto nos presenta la historia de una mascota que va envejeciendo y, eventualmente, desaparece de la vida del protagonista. Aunque el tema del fallecimiento no se menciona de manera explícita, la ilustración y el contexto nos permiten comprender el vacío dejado por el animal.
Este libro va más allá del duelo por la pérdida de una mascota; nos invita a reflexionar sobre la conexión profunda que compartimos con todos los seres vivos con quienes eligemos vivir nuestro día a día. Un relato tierno que nos recuerda que, aunque no siempre están físicamente con nosotros, esos seres son parte fundamental de lo que somos.
Este libro va más allá del duelo por la pérdida de una mascota; nos invita a reflexionar sobre la conexión profunda que compartimos con todos los seres vivos con quienes eligemos vivir nuestro día a día. Un relato tierno que nos recuerda que, aunque no siempre están físicamente con nosotros, esos seres son parte fundamental de lo que somos.
July 20, 2020
This is a lovely story about a boy who is dealing with the death of his pet cat. He remembers how his cat "Jack" was the best cat EVER. This is a tale of how the little boy honors the cat's memory, allowing him to work through his feelings of grief. Eventually, another cat "Humphrey" comes along and is allowed into the family, despite the fact that that "Jack" is still greatly missed. I think this is an excellent book for young children to learn how to handle loss.
July 3, 2017
Boo-hoo-hooooo! It doesn't take much to set me off. A child reminisces about his relationship with the perfect cat, Jack. The cat grows old even in the child's lifetime and eventually dies. No cat could ever replace Jack, but when a new one enters his life it turns out to be cool in a different way. The illustrations are simple and charming.
Where's my hankie? Boo-hoo-hooooo!
Where's my hankie? Boo-hoo-hooooo!
October 8, 2017
This actually made me cry because my cat did pass away and he was a grey cat too. It's very a gentle stry from the kid's POV on death of a pet in the family and the good memories that came with the fluffy buddy...plus moving on yet remembering that special friend even with a new friend in the family.
July 9, 2023
A gorgeous and heartbreaking book about Toby's beloved cat Jack. Jack had a great life and his passing is upsetting and I totally get Toby not wanting to rush into getting a new cat. Sometimes we don't get to choose when animals come into our lives. However, Jack telling stories to the mice is very funny and super cute.
June 24, 2025
A nice little story about the loss of a pet, then getting another, and acceptance of both the loss and the new. Images large and simple, and text okay for beginner readers to have a go at. Parent maybe needed to aid through the death of the pet, but it is done with care and kindness, and foreshadowing.
June 8, 2018
A beautiful story to help children learn and cope with grief. Toby doesn't forget Jack; he just creates more room in his heart for a new feline family member.
May 31, 2019
Impressive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 10, 2020
A lovely story about a pet cat growing old, and the eventual adoption of a new cat. Simple, sparse text highlights the emotion of the narrator.
July 19, 2022
Made me cry
July 9, 2023
Prepare to cry.
A beautiful story about loss. The drawings are just as sweet.
🐈⬛🐈
A beautiful story about loss. The drawings are just as sweet.
🐈⬛🐈
March 16, 2016
The loss of a loved one for anybody is such a painful experience, and it is difficult to know how to approach such difficult subjects with young children. This picture book considerately introduces loss and would be a great starting point to use with children who have suffered loss for the first time. This is a fantastic picture book that sensitively looks at a young boy who loses his pet cat called Jack, who he loved dearly and missed very much.
Just looking at the front cover of this book can generate conversation and children can predict what the story maybe about. The title of the book is called 'Missing Jack', and a picture of a young boy and a cat, both who have their eyes closed are on the front cover. I noticed a clever idea where a paw print was placed above the a in Jack on the title of the front cover. The endpapers show Jack in a semi circle upon a white background, with the rest of the page in different tones of blue, which gives the reader a chill and sense of coldness, especially as again Jack has his eyes closed. This could perhaps signify to the the reader that the cat has already passed, as the title of the book suggests. However, for some young children they may not understand the meaning of these small subliminal images within the illustrations. An experienced practitioner who has knowledge of picture book codes can develop children's knowledge so they can understand and apply meaning to picture books. This could be achieved by talking aloud and sharing books with others so alternative perceptions and viewpoints can be observed.
However, the final endpapers, are completely different. The use of bright yellow and red instantly give the reader a sense of warmth and comfort. A different cat is positioned in a semi circle this time with his eyes wide open who appears friendly and likeable, and the reader instantly feels drawn to this cat who appears warm due to his orange tones and a bright blue bow tie. The beginning and endpapers both allow the reader to fell different emotions.
The book is written in third person narrative with a combination of tenses, which is useful for children to understand there is a difference, and this book provides some good examples of this. I really enjoyed the variety of text, and the size is ideal for anybody to read and the book contains mostly simple sentences. The name 'Jack' is consistently larger than other words in the same sentence, and a different font is used which suggests that Jack is of great importance in this book. In parts of the book adjectives are used to emphasise certain words with alternative and bigger sized font, such as 'snooty' and 'boring'. This is interesting and the reader or practitioner could really emphasise these words when reading this story, where children can appreciate a variety of emotion and variety of language used for expression.
The very first and last page have a bleed effect over the guttering of both the verso and recto. The first page is very similar to the front of the book where the boy is cuddling Jack the cat and both have their eyes closed, but both look very happy. The last page in the book shows the boy sleeping with his new cat sleeping on his bed, yet the boy dreams of Jack. Although this picture book does not say the words, the illustrations suggest that happiness can be found again despite the loss of somebody you love, just because somebody has passed away does not mean that you can not think of them. Memories and dreams can provide great comfort to a person, and a person can never be replaced but it does not mean you can not be happy, it is okay to move on.
I would certainly recommend this book should a child need comfort for the loss of a pet or family member, and should I need to do this with my two young sons, this would definitely be a book I would use.
Just looking at the front cover of this book can generate conversation and children can predict what the story maybe about. The title of the book is called 'Missing Jack', and a picture of a young boy and a cat, both who have their eyes closed are on the front cover. I noticed a clever idea where a paw print was placed above the a in Jack on the title of the front cover. The endpapers show Jack in a semi circle upon a white background, with the rest of the page in different tones of blue, which gives the reader a chill and sense of coldness, especially as again Jack has his eyes closed. This could perhaps signify to the the reader that the cat has already passed, as the title of the book suggests. However, for some young children they may not understand the meaning of these small subliminal images within the illustrations. An experienced practitioner who has knowledge of picture book codes can develop children's knowledge so they can understand and apply meaning to picture books. This could be achieved by talking aloud and sharing books with others so alternative perceptions and viewpoints can be observed.
However, the final endpapers, are completely different. The use of bright yellow and red instantly give the reader a sense of warmth and comfort. A different cat is positioned in a semi circle this time with his eyes wide open who appears friendly and likeable, and the reader instantly feels drawn to this cat who appears warm due to his orange tones and a bright blue bow tie. The beginning and endpapers both allow the reader to fell different emotions.
The book is written in third person narrative with a combination of tenses, which is useful for children to understand there is a difference, and this book provides some good examples of this. I really enjoyed the variety of text, and the size is ideal for anybody to read and the book contains mostly simple sentences. The name 'Jack' is consistently larger than other words in the same sentence, and a different font is used which suggests that Jack is of great importance in this book. In parts of the book adjectives are used to emphasise certain words with alternative and bigger sized font, such as 'snooty' and 'boring'. This is interesting and the reader or practitioner could really emphasise these words when reading this story, where children can appreciate a variety of emotion and variety of language used for expression.
The very first and last page have a bleed effect over the guttering of both the verso and recto. The first page is very similar to the front of the book where the boy is cuddling Jack the cat and both have their eyes closed, but both look very happy. The last page in the book shows the boy sleeping with his new cat sleeping on his bed, yet the boy dreams of Jack. Although this picture book does not say the words, the illustrations suggest that happiness can be found again despite the loss of somebody you love, just because somebody has passed away does not mean that you can not think of them. Memories and dreams can provide great comfort to a person, and a person can never be replaced but it does not mean you can not be happy, it is okay to move on.
I would certainly recommend this book should a child need comfort for the loss of a pet or family member, and should I need to do this with my two young sons, this would definitely be a book I would use.
April 8, 2015
This is a truly delightful, beautifully illustrated story! I loved it! It shares a young boy’s happy memories of a much beloved pet, Jack the cat who has sadly died. It also tells how his parents want to get a new cat but initially the boy is reluctant, he wants Jack back.
It then shows him meeting Humphrey and that it is ok to love another pet. The new pet won’t every replace the memories of the one that died but it is still ok to love again. This is superbly and sensitively told, sad but with such a positive ending that will really help youngsters cope with the traumatic experience of losing a much loved pet.
The illustrations are superb and really enhance the whole book. I believe this will be great for helping children talk about their feelings, it is nostalgic but helps them move on. It could also be very useful in school, too, for helping children articulate their feelings and prompting discussions on a very sensitive topic. Brilliant!
Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too for letting me read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It then shows him meeting Humphrey and that it is ok to love another pet. The new pet won’t every replace the memories of the one that died but it is still ok to love again. This is superbly and sensitively told, sad but with such a positive ending that will really help youngsters cope with the traumatic experience of losing a much loved pet.
The illustrations are superb and really enhance the whole book. I believe this will be great for helping children talk about their feelings, it is nostalgic but helps them move on. It could also be very useful in school, too, for helping children articulate their feelings and prompting discussions on a very sensitive topic. Brilliant!
Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too for letting me read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 14, 2015
Anyone who has children with a cat who is dying or dead, this book might be helpful by explaining the life and death cycle and the possibility of loving a new cat again; not replacing but welcoming a new different pet. It does not include religious beliefs; only a burial with the whole family gathered and song. I love how both the passed on and new cat clearly are different and their differences are described and physically apparent. I love that being okay with a new pet does not mean forsaking the old one but rather honoring their memory. The language is very simple and says the most without being overly wordy. It's beautifully illustrated. If something happened to our Autumn in the next couple years while the reading level is still appropriate, this would be the book I'd read to my boys.
February 17, 2015
This is a beautiful book that will be perfect for any family that suffers the loss of a pet no matter how big or small. I wish I had it last year when we lost not only our dog but our cat and our goldfish! My granddaughters were devastated and this book would have been a good way of getting a child to talk about their feelings of loss and guilt for living any new pet.
This went down well with my 4 year old granddaughter and is certainly one she will like to have read to her again. I also now have Rebecca Elliots "My stinky new school" which we have read together already and will be handy to keep for when she starts school in September.
I received a copy of this book via netgalley in return for an honest review so many thanks to the publisher for the ARC.
This went down well with my 4 year old granddaughter and is certainly one she will like to have read to her again. I also now have Rebecca Elliots "My stinky new school" which we have read together already and will be handy to keep for when she starts school in September.
I received a copy of this book via netgalley in return for an honest review so many thanks to the publisher for the ARC.
March 12, 2015
Toby was sure that his cat, Jack, was the best cat in the whole world. He wasn't snooty, he was very friendly, and he didn't scratch even when Toby's little brother pulled his whiskers. Best of all, he was never boring, and bounced around like a Lion who was king of the jungle. But Jack got older and slowed down, and finally he died. Toby isn't sure he'll ever get over Jack's death, but then he meets Humphrey. Humphrey is awesome, and finally Toby realizes that he doesn't have to forget Jack in order to welcome Humphrey.
This is a lovely book with wonderful illustrations, and perfect for any young child dealing with the death of a pet, or even a pet who is growing older. I would strongly recommend it for children from two years up to Kindergarten.
This is a lovely book with wonderful illustrations, and perfect for any young child dealing with the death of a pet, or even a pet who is growing older. I would strongly recommend it for children from two years up to Kindergarten.
June 19, 2015
Death is a difficult subject to explain to a child, and the death of a beloved pet can be devastating. This illustrated and easy to understand book is about a little boy, Toby, and his cat, Jack. The little boy loved Jack and we learn through the book what made the cat so special to him. As the cat grows older, the cat is less active, and when Jack dies, the family has a special ceremony for him.
Even though Toby's parents offer to get him another cat, Toby doesn't want one at first because the cat wouldn't be Jack. However, in the end, he does find a new pet, that isn't quite like his first one, but Toby accepts him anyway.
The author did a very nice job of handling this difficult subject, and I think this is a good book for a young child who has an older pet.
Even though Toby's parents offer to get him another cat, Toby doesn't want one at first because the cat wouldn't be Jack. However, in the end, he does find a new pet, that isn't quite like his first one, but Toby accepts him anyway.
The author did a very nice job of handling this difficult subject, and I think this is a good book for a young child who has an older pet.
February 23, 2015
4 Bittersweet Stars
I really liked this story. It was sad but it had a positive outcome. My boys liked it a lot too. In fact, I had to read it several times before bed. Definitely a keeper!
**ARC graciously provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
June 29, 2015
Toby loves his cat, Jack, for so many reasons. But when Jack gets old and passes away, what is Toby supposed to do? This is a heartwarming and easy to comprehend story about love, loss, and moving on. Any family with a pet needs to read this story to prepare or recover from its death. It also teaches children that getting a new pet is not about "replacing" the old one, which is a very valuable lesson.
I received a free digital ARC from NetGalley to review. I was not required to post a positive review.
I received a free digital ARC from NetGalley to review. I was not required to post a positive review.
March 11, 2015
***I received a digital copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review***
Losing a pet is never easy, no matter what age, and sometimes adults don't always know how to best explain the loss to a child. Missing Jack shows the transition from loving pet to the gradual aging and eventual death of the family pet. But what adds to this book is that it lets our young children know that even after a loss it's ok to make a new friend when the time is right. And the story format makes it easy for both children and adults to celebrate the life of a pet.
Losing a pet is never easy, no matter what age, and sometimes adults don't always know how to best explain the loss to a child. Missing Jack shows the transition from loving pet to the gradual aging and eventual death of the family pet. But what adds to this book is that it lets our young children know that even after a loss it's ok to make a new friend when the time is right. And the story format makes it easy for both children and adults to celebrate the life of a pet.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews