CHIP

A witty, comforting paean to a beloved lost fish.

A young boy named Atticus wakes to find that his goldfish, Chip, is no longer in his bowl. Where has he gone? Atticus’ mother points skyward and explains, “Chip lives up there now.” Atticus’ father says that Chip has “moved on.” Atticus’ favorite uncle says, “Chip is in a better place.” Whimsical, appealing, and gently humorous artwork dominated by blues and oranges shows Atticus’ confusion as he tries to make sense of these vague explanations. He imagines Chip attached to a balloon, suspended in the sky (along with his grandmother, also apparently deceased). He thinks of Chip swimming through the ocean alongside a whale, and he wonders if an amusement park would be a better place for Chip. Atticus’ mom suggests getting a new fish, but Atticus needs time to remember all that he and Chip have experienced together. Gastaldi is like a magician; both the text and illustrations retain a light touch as the child deals with his loss. The author/illustrator clearly takes Atticus’ feelings seriously, however, and he shows how treasured memories may help children cope with loss. “Chip was gone. But Atticus remembered. He would always remember.” Atticus and his family are brown-skinned. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Perfectly captures a child’s response to death with respect, sensitivity, and reassuring humor.