BELLA'S LIGHT

Kusserow’s children’s book follows a small dog as she comes to terms with life’s journey before becoming a star in the night sky to comfort her grieving sister.

Sisters Lucy (white with black patches, green neckerchief) and Bella (black with white patches, red bandana) are a mix of Pekingese and miniature poodle breeds (“Peekapoos”) whose small stature evokes a puppylike quality. Throughout their lives, the sisters have been inseparable; Lucy has always looked after Bella. When Bella feels a warm spark growing inside her chest, she leaves Lucy behind and sets out bravely on a journey of discovery. (“She does not know where she is going. She only knows something is calling her forward.”) She meets an alligator, who exemplifies patience; a cow, whose contentment rests upon an appreciation of the simple things; a monkey, who advocates joyous living; a mother bear, whose love for her cub evinces closeness and caring; and a bison, whose connection to the land speaks of timelessness. With each encounter, Bella comes to realize how Lucy, through play and comfort and unflagging companionship, has already taught her these lessons. After returning to her sister, Bella dies, and the spark in her blossoms into a golden star. Lucy is sad, but with Bella’s light shining brightly in the sky above, she comes to recognize that ache as enduring love. Kusserow relates Bella’s story in straightforward prose that’s cleverly formatted with his double-page illustrations to provide a sense of story progression. Though the text may prove a bit wordy for young readers, the illustrations are soft and dreamy, offering solace even while dealing with a difficult, emotional subject. Kusserow makes astute use of dark shades to mirror the fading of life and to underscore the growing, glowing heart, which may be interpreted as both the progression of Bella’s ailment and her understanding and acceptance of what’s to come. While the Peekapoos don’t vary much in how they’re depicted, they’re nonetheless adorable in their simple, wholehearted expression of feeling. Both children and adults will take heart from their sisterly bond.

A sweet story that turns the sadness of loss into the comfort of remembered love.