Beginnings and endings by Jan Stradling and Jedda Robaard

Jemima, Humpty, Big Ted and Kiya are all on their way to the home of Little Ted. His pet goldfish has just died and they want to help him feel better. At the house, Little Ted is very sad and feeling heavy because he is holding back tears but his friends tell him it is OK to cry as this shows the love that existed between Little Ted and his friend. Jemima suggests that they create a scrapbook and they find photos of Swish to include in the pages. Each photo brings back memories of the little fish and the group tell each other stories about Swish. Little Ted feels better knowing that when his friends are not there he can look at the scrapbook and recall the stories of his pet.

Feeling hungry they decide to go on a picnic and spend the day playing games and eating. When they return they find a flower has bloomed in the aquarium. They say their goodbyes to Little Ted, promising they will return tomorrow. Little Ted goes to bed with his scrapbook, remembering the support his friends have given him and smiling at his recollections of Swish.

A disarming story of how friends can help and support someone in need, the tale of the loss of Swish is a prefect vehicle for talking to children about death. Swish has died and Little Ted feels lost and sad. The intervention of his friends creates an atmosphere where he can talk about his pet to people who also knew the goldfish. They create a scrapbook, sharer memories and are there for Little Ted offering support. All the things that people do to help another at this time in their lives is shown through the Play School characters, ones that the readers will know and love.

The soft illustrations reveal the characters that kids will know and love, helping to create a warm and comforting backdrop to the story.

Themes: Death, Support, Grief, Friends.

Fran Knight