The Tenth Good Thing About Barney: A Sensitive Story About Grief and Healing

“The Tenth Good Thing About Barney” by Judith Viorst, illustrated by Erik Blegvad, offers a heartfelt and sensitive exploration of grief, loss, and healing through the eyes of a young boy dealing with the death of his beloved cat, Barney1236. This classic children’s book provides comfort and understanding for young readers experiencing the loss of a pet, guiding them through the initial sadness and towards a gentle acceptance of the cycle of life1456.

The story begins with the simple, yet poignant announcement: “My cat Barney died last Friday”12. The narrator, a young boy, shares his immediate feelings of sadness, expressing his lack of interest in activities he usually enjoys, like watching television or eating chocolate pudding127.

To help him cope, his mother suggests holding a funeral for Barney and encourages him to think of ten good things to say about his cat1256. The boy reflects on his memories of Barney, recalling his positive qualities: “Barney was brave… And smart and funny and clean. Also cuddly and handsome, and he only once ate a bird. It was sweet… to hear him purr in my ear. And sometimes he slept on my tummy and kept it warm”2. However, he can only come up with nine good things123.

At the funeral, attended by his family and friend Annie, he shares his nine good things1. Annie suggests Barney is in heaven with other cats, enjoying tuna and cream, but the boy believes Barney is in the ground where they buried him12. His father gently acknowledges the possibility of heaven but emphasizes that we cannot be sure123.

Later, while helping his father plant seeds, the boy learns about how things change in the ground and how Barney will become part of the earth, helping flowers grow1234. This realization allows him to discover the tenth good thing about Barney: “Barney is in the ground and he’s helping to make flowers. That’s a pretty good job for a cat”134.

Key Features:

• Sensitive portrayal of grief: Handles the topic of death with honesty and empathy36.
• Relatable characters and situations: Allows children to connect with the boy’s emotions and experiences4.
• Focus on healing and acceptance: Guides readers towards understanding the cycle of life and finding comfort in nature456.
• Discussion of afterlife: Acknowledges different beliefs about what happens after death123.
• Simple and direct language: Makes the story accessible to young children2.
• Subdued illustrations: Enhances the story’s emotional impact without being overly sentimental3.

“The Tenth Good Thing About Barney” is a valuable resource for parents, educators, and caregivers who want to help children cope with the loss of a pet or understand the concept of death56. It provides a comforting narrative that validates their feelings and offers a path towards healing and acceptance456. The book highlights the strong human-animal bond and addresses pet loss realistically and positively5.

This timeless story helps children understand that even though death is sad, it is also a part of life, and that even in death, there is a way to contribute to the world4. By focusing on the positive aspects of Barney’s life and the idea that he will continue to help things grow, the book offers a message of hope and resilience134.