My cat Barney died this Friday. I was very sad. My mother said we could have a funeral for him, and I should think of ten good things about Barney so I could tell them... But the small boy who loved Barney can only think of nine. Later, while talking with his father, he discovers the tenth -- and begins to understand.

Judith Viorst?writes in many different areas: science books, children’s chapter and picture books—including the beloved?Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day,?which has sold some four million copies; adult fiction and nonfiction including the?New York Times?bestseller,?Necessary Losses; poetry for children and adults; and four musicals. Her most recent books of poetry include?What Are You Glad About? What Are You Mad About??and Nearing Ninety.Erik Blegvad was born in Denmark and studied at the School of Applied Arts in Copenhagen. Mr. Blegvad has illustrated more than one hundred children's books, including Twelve Tales by Hans Christian Andersen, Riddle Road by Elizabeth Spires, Hurry, Hurry, Mary Dear! by N. M. Bodecker, and Sea Clocks: The Story of Longitude by Louise Borden. The Blegvads divide their time between England, France, and Wardsboro, Vermont.