The tenth good thing about barney - Judith Viorst

In simple phrases narrated by a child whose cat, Barney, has just died, the author succinctly and honestly handles both the emotions stemming from the loss of a beloved pet and the questions about the finality of death which naturally arise in such a situation.

An unusually good book that handles a difficult subject straightforwardly.

--The Horn Book.

My cat Barney died this Friday.

I was very sad.

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.

Later, while talking with his father, he discovers the tenth -- and begins to understand.