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Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite
In Here Comes Bella by Seth Karnes, young readers meet Liam, who has suffered a loss that changes him from fun-loving to a very sad little boy. His parents gently reassure him that it’s okay to feel the way he does, which offers him some comfort. One day, while Liam is sitting on the steps of his porch, a small dog peeks through a hole in their fence. Then she slowly makes her way into the backyard and up to Liam. He learns that her name is Bella. Each day she comes back, they grow closer, and his grief slowly softens. Soon, he discovers that with Bella’s help, he can begin to heal and open his heart to happiness again. What caused Liam’s sadness at the start of the story? And will Bella continue to bring light into his life?
Here Comes Bella by Seth Karnes moved me in a quiet, gentle way. I appreciated that Liam’s grief isn’t rushed or quickly “fixed.” Instead, the story shows that love remains and that a new friend can help ease the pain. For children who are grieving, this book is a comforting tool for starting conversations about loss at home. Families might extend this experience by creating a memory box that includes written reflections, drawings, and photos to honor what they’ve lost. Nadica Zlatkova’s soft, expressive artwork wraps the story in warmth through its gentle color palette. I especially loved the illustrations of Liam giving Bella tummy rubs. This is a good book for those searching for a heartfelt, pet-centered story that handles tough feelings with hope and honesty.
