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Where's Big Dog?
A Story of Loss and Love
By Jessica Collins and Lisa Melamed
Illustrated by Carla Naude
Published by Indigo River Publishing
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
Table of Contents
About The Book
Understanding loss and moving through grief for the whole family—particularly in cases of family pets—while highlighting remembrance and healing.
“Heartfelt and real.” — Christine Taylor & Ben Stiller
“One afternoon, quickly and peacefully, Big Dog died. It was the worst day ever.” If you’ve ever loved a pet, Where’s Big Dog? was written for you.
When we lose our pets–and it always happens too soon–it’s devastating. Where’s Big Dog? takes us on a journey to “find” them again: in the clouds in the sky, in the trunk of a tree, in the swirl of a marble countertop. Thoughtfully illustrated and sensitively told, this story is a reminder that, even after goodbye, your best friend will always be by your side.
“... not only moving, it's comforting and restorative as well. You don’t have to be a dog-lover to love Where’s Big Dog? You just have to be human.” — Peter Parnell, award-winning author, And Tango Makes Three
Where’s Big Dog? is recommended reading by the Association for Pet Loss & Bereavement for those moving through the grief of their missing furry family member.
“Heartfelt and real.” — Christine Taylor & Ben Stiller
“One afternoon, quickly and peacefully, Big Dog died. It was the worst day ever.” If you’ve ever loved a pet, Where’s Big Dog? was written for you.
When we lose our pets–and it always happens too soon–it’s devastating. Where’s Big Dog? takes us on a journey to “find” them again: in the clouds in the sky, in the trunk of a tree, in the swirl of a marble countertop. Thoughtfully illustrated and sensitively told, this story is a reminder that, even after goodbye, your best friend will always be by your side.
“... not only moving, it's comforting and restorative as well. You don’t have to be a dog-lover to love Where’s Big Dog? You just have to be human.” — Peter Parnell, award-winning author, And Tango Makes Three
Where’s Big Dog? is recommended reading by the Association for Pet Loss & Bereavement for those moving through the grief of their missing furry family member.
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.
Product Details
- Publisher: Indigo River Publishing (March 24, 2026)
- Length: 36 pages
- ISBN13: 9781964686431
- Grades: K and up
- Ages: 4 - 99
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- Children's Fiction > Social Themes > Death, Grief, Bereavement
- Children's Fiction > Social Situations > Death & Dying
- Children's Fiction > Social Situations > Emotions & Feelings
- Children's Fiction > Animals > Dogs
Raves and Reviews
"A tender exploration of love, loss, and acceptance.”
– Kirkus, Starred Review
“Wow, this book got to me. So simple, but so true.”
– Marlee Matlin
“Having loved and lost our own Big Dogs over the years, this one hit home. Heartfelt and real.”
– Christine Taylor & Ben Stiller
“Especially and unreservedly recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library collections.”
– Midwest Book Review
"Understated yet deeply emotional.”
– Children's Book Review
“Reading this was like hugging Fiona again. It reminded me that the love we feel for them never disappears—it just changes form. This book made me smile as I remembered that she lives in every corner of my heart.”
– Eugenio Derbez
"A lovely book for anyone, young or old, who has experienced the heartbreak of losing a dog. Touching and tender, with engaging illustrations, Where's Big Dog? will remain on my coffee table for a long time to come as a reminder of my missed furry family members."
– Holly Goldberg Sloan, New York Times bestselling author, Counting By 7s
“Jessica Collins and Lisa Melamed have written a gentle, quiet book that will steal your heart. Carla Naude’s illustrations complement their words beautifully. How do we heal after saying goodbye to someone we love? The book’s answer is not only moving, it's comforting and restorative as well. You don’t have to be a dog-lover to love Where’s Big Dog? You just have to be human. Wonderful.”
– Peter Parnell, award-winning author, And Tango Makes Three
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
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Book Cover Image (jpg): Where's Big Dog?
Hardcover 9781964686431
Where's Big Dog?
A Story of Loss and Love
By Jessica Collins and Lisa Melamed
Illustrated by Carla Naude
Published by Indigo River Publishing
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
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