Karen Struck

This story is for the younger set, and explores the concept of death through a tale of animal friends and family. Cappy is an elder among them, and is reaching a time in his life where adventures here on earth, are coming to an end. The journey he's about to take is solo, and while not something looked forward to, he understands and wants to make it easiest for those he loves...hence his trek to the Secret Cave. When his absence is noted, his friends and family are at a loss as to where and why he went, but following in his hoof-steps, they discover not only the reason behind his leaving, but how to move forward.

I admit, when this one came around for a read/review option, I was curious to see how things would be handled on such a sensitive subject with the intended audience. The story itself jumped around a bit at first, almost as if there were pieces cut before publishing that might have lengthened the tale, but made the transitions smoother, however when the time came for this mystery of life to be explained to his young granddaughter, I was in tears. It was beautiful and touching, and delivered with such tender simplicity. Scarlet would still miss her beloved grandfather, but she now understood it was something unavoidable that didn't just signify a loss, but a celebration of all the times they shared, and that in remembering, he'd be forever with her.


**copy received for review; opinions are my own… (más)