Love from Alfie McPoonst, The Best Dog Ever

This is a sad but comforting tale that mixes the raw emotions of loss and grief with the humour of what a dog might enjoy in dog heaven. * Juno *Double-page spreads lend a pace to the story that encourages stillness and meditation on the emotional images, which would be particularly beneficial for any young readers contemplating the death of a much-loved pet. * The Irish Times *This is a story deals with the very real, very raw pain of loss while injecting gentle humour and a sense of enduring love. The illustrations have a softness and dream-like quality that beautifully compliment the emotional content. You will want to have the tissues ready. Simply a lovely, kind story that is most comforting, cosy and genuine. * Fallen Star Stories Blog *There is nothing forced or didactic about this gem of a book. Patricia Metola’s illustrations perfectly reflect the emotions of Izzy… It is worth noting that Dawn McNiff previously worked as a bereavement counsellor, adding professional weight to what is an exceptionally comforting book, perfect for young ones experiencing loss for the first time. Every library should have a copy. * The School Librarian *

Dawn McNiff worked as a bereavement counsellor, a copywriter, a teaching assistant and a children’s bookseller before enrolling on Bath Spa University’s MA course in Writing for Young People. She is the author of three middle-grade novels, How Not to Be Weird, Little Celeste and Worry Magic, and the author of one picture book, Mummy’s Little Monster, illustrated by Kate Willis-Crowley. Born by the sea in Sussex, Dawn now lives in Gloucestershire.

About the illustrator

Patricia Metola is an illustrator from Madrid, Spain. After studying Graphic Design, she spent several years working as an art director before focussing on her own illustration. Since then, she has illustrated more than fifteen books and her art has been displayed internationally, at the ABC Museum, the Madrid National Library and the Itabashi Art Museum of Japan. Love From Alfie McPoonst will be her first picture book in English.