Description
TXIKI AND ME
Book Summary
A picture book that addresses the process of childhood grief following the loss of a pet with sensitivity and honesty. Through a poetic and visual narrative, the story follows a boy who, after the death of his dog, Txiki, experiences grief in a very specific way: a cloud follows him, he feels soap in his eyes, and an octopus squeezes his heart. Renowned children's author and psychologist Alicia Acosta, along with illustrator Mercè Galí, provides a tool for little ones to understand and express their emotions in the face of loss, transforming sadness into a natural healing process.
What is it about?
The work chronicles the emotional experience of a boy after the death of his dog, Txiki. Far from offering rational explanations, the book delves into the metaphorical language of children's feelings. The protagonist describes his sadness as a cloud that follows him everywhere, a sensation of having soap in his eyes that prevents him from seeing clearly, and an octopus that squeezes his heart. Throughout the pages, the child navigates these emotions without rushing, until, gradually and naturally, he finds a way to remember his pet with affection, integrating the loss into his life. The story does not avoid pain; rather, it normalizes and accompanies it, offering a safe space for young readers to recognize their own experiences.
Main themes
- Childhood grief and the loss of a pet.
- The expression of complex emotions through visual metaphors.
- The process of emotional healing and the acceptance of sadness.
- The bond between a child and their pet.
- Memory and remembrance as tools for comfort.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is recommended for boys and girls between the ages of 3 and 7 who are experiencing or have experienced the loss of a pet or a loved one. It is also a valuable tool for parents, educators, and child psychologists looking for a resource to address the topics of death and grief with the youngest children in a natural, respectful, and accessible way.
What this book offers
- Normalizes difficult emotions associated with loss, such as sadness, confusion, or nostalgia.
- Provides a metaphorical and visual language that helps children identify and express what they are feeling.
- Offers a message of hope and healing, showing that pain transforms over time.
- Fosters empathy and understanding toward the grieving process in young children.
- Serves as a starting point for meaningful conversations between adults and children about death and remembrance.
Technical specifications
- Author: Acosta, Alicia; Galí, Mercè
- Publisher: NubeOcho
- Language: Basque
- Subject: Illustrated books, activity and subject books, picture books
- Collection: Basque
- Binding: Hardcover
- Publication date: May 2021
- Number of pages: 40
- Weight: 147 g
Editorial review
A picture book of great emotional and pedagogical value, backed by Alicia Acosta's experience as a psychologist. The work stands out for its ability to translate the pain of loss into images and sensations that children can understand without feeling overwhelmed. The hardcover edition and attention to visual detail make it a durable and attractive book for shared reading. It is a highly recommended addition to any children's library seeking titles that address complex life experiences with intelligence and tenderness.