Paws + Edward

Paws and Edward are best friends who spend all of their time together. They have an unspoken bond like many pets and pet owners do. Paws is getting older, and his body begins to slow down. He still goes on walks, but only because he knows that Edward enjoys them. Paws prefers to spend his time dreaming about rabbits, cats, cars, and planes. But mostly rabbits. Eventually, the inevitable day comes when Paws does not awaken from his sleep. Edward feels lonely doing things that he used to do with Paws, but now Edward is the one dreaming. He dreams of Paws in a happy place where Paws is wagging his tail and chasing rabbits.

This soft story puts a gentle twist on the heartbreak involved in losing a beloved pet. Hearing Paws’ perspective throughout the story helps to teach that sometimes death allows animals to be in a better place. Although Paws loved spending time with his companion, Edward, there came a point where he physically couldn’t do it anymore. Edward will never forget about Paws because they are together in his dreams.

The full-page illustrations build a greater understanding of the emotions felt by both Paws and Edward. Paws, a larger-than-life dog, looks fatigued and weary in images but puts on a smile for Edward’s sake when doing things that he wants. Edward, portrayed as a small young boy, looks at Paws with warm-hearted, loving eyes. The final page of the story shows Edward contentedly dreaming while laying on Paws’ ginormous body.

Both the author and illustrator of Paws + Edward live in Norway. In addition to being an author, Espen Dekko has worked as a puppeteer and instructor and has directed numerous theatrical performances. He is a graduate of puppetry school as well as the Norwegian Institute for Children’s Books.

Artist and story illustrator Mari Kanstad Johnsen has recently received recognition for her literary talents at the 2019 Frankfurt Book Fair. She has also written multiple children’s books which have been translated to French, Spanish, and Swedish.

Paws + Edward is highly recommended for anyone who has an elderly pet or had a pet that recently passed away. The book’s contents can help children to cope with the loss of a beloved companion and remind them that they will always be together in spirit. The memories made together will last a lifetime.