Mooch Forever

"Mooch Forever sensitively presents the difficult issues that arise when young children must confront the morality of those they love dearly, and on whom they depend."--Kelly L. Green "Canadian Children's Literature "

"The story itself is well done, successfully capturing Carl's anger and sorrow at the loss of a beloved friend. Loss of a pet themes are always important and needed, and this is one that a child in the second grade could read independently."--Carol De Boeck "Resource Links "

"Gilles Gauthier has taken of the formidable task of dealing with the unimaginable, the loss of a beloved animal and the pain and isolation that result from such a loss. Through Carl, his protagonist, Gauthier present in a straightforward manner the closeness, love and devotion shared by people and animals. With gentle sensitivity, Gauthier relates Carl's slow, difficult adjustment to his devastating loss. Judy helps her son to appreciate the love and joy he shared with Mooch, explaining that nothing can take that away from him. She suggests that through the creative process of writing Mooch's story, Carl will enable Mooch to live forever. Pierre-Andre Derome's images of Mooch Forever are particularly creative and evocative."--Leonore Loft "Canadian Children's Literature "

"This novel makes us cry but also makes us love life."--Journal De Montreal

"An amazing feat, wonderfully and successfully done!"--Vie Pedagogique

"Carlís dog Mooch has died, and his heart is breaking. He spends all his time daydreaming about his lost friend. He doesnít care about anything anymore, about food, about school, about his friends. First he lost his dad, then MoochóCarlís afraid of what he might lose next. Carl especially doesnít care about Garyís annoying puppy, Dumpling. Carl and Gary didnít get along at all, but since Mooch died heís been coming over to Carlís with Dumpling, trying to cheer him up. When Gary offers to give Dumpling to Carl, he realizes the puppy isnít as stupid as he looks. Carl soon finds that although heís lost one friend, heís gained another. Mooch Forever is a touching story of one boyís loss, and how it is tempered by friendship."