"Where Are You, Brontë?" by Tomie dePaola: A Tender Goodbye to Our Beloved Friends
- Kim Bartosch
- 59 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Some books leave a mark on your heart long after you turn the last page, and Where Are You, Brontë? is one of those special stories. Written by the legendary Tomie dePaola and beautifully illustrated by Barbara McClintock, this picture book is a love letter to Tomie dePaola's readers' heartfelt goodbye since he passed away on March 30, 2020, and for anyone who's ever loved and lost a pet.
Thank you to the author - may he rest in peace - the illustrator, and Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers for the book and my honest review.
Title: Where Are You, Brontë?
Author: Tomie dePaola
Illustrator: Barbara McClintock
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Reader
Date: May 6, 2025
Audience/Genre: Contemporary Picture Book
Synopsis:
“A gentle delight, simultaneously honoring both the dog dePaola lost and the artist we lost in turn.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
This touching story about love, loss, and remembrance in the wake of losing a beloved pet is the final completed book written by beloved creator Tomie dePaola, with art by award-winning illustrator Barbara McClintock.
Where are you, Brontë?
The day you left me, I knew I would miss you.
And I did. Every day, every night.
But then, I knew you were right here, still with me, in my heart forever.
Children’s book legend Tomie dePaola tells the emotional and deeply personal story about overcoming his grief after the loss of his beloved dog, Brönte.
Download "A guide to using books about feelings and emotions in your classroom" from Simon & Schuster for Young Readers to help you get the most out of this book!
My Review of "Where Are You, Brontë?" by Tomie dePaola, Illustrations by Barbara McClintock
In Where Are You, Brontë?, Tomie shares his deeply personal journey through grief after the passing of his beloved dog, Brönte. Told as an intimate goodbye letter, the story is gentle, emotional, and achingly real. It's a heartfelt meditation on loss, remembrance, and the comforting idea that love never truly fades — our cherished ones stay with us, always, tucked safely within our hearts.
Barbara McClintock’s illustrations are the perfect companion to Tomie's words. Soft, expressive, and simply poignant, the artwork enhances every line of the text, bringing warmth and understanding to a subject that can be so hard for little ones (and grown-ups) to grasp. Each page feels like a quiet embrace — a reminder that even in the saddest moments, there is beauty, love, and hope.
What made Where Are You, Brontë? especially touching for me was how authentic and accessible it felt. After reading it, I had to hug my own dog a little tighter and shower her with kisses. 💕 This book isn't just for children who've lost a pet — it’s a beautiful tool for talking about any kind of grief and a gentle entry point for discussing memories, love, and healing.
This tender story is also a meaningful capstone to Tomie dePaola’s incredible career. As the world celebrates the 50th anniversary of his classic Strega Nona, this final offering reminds us why dePaola’s voice has always been a treasure in children's literature — full of kindness, honesty, and a deep understanding of the human heart.
If you're looking for a compassionate and reassuring book to help navigate the tender topic of loss, or simply want a moving addition to your library, Where Are You, Brontë? is a must-read. It will tug at your heartstrings, bring a few tears, and ultimately leave you feeling grateful for all the love that remains.
⭐ My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars!)
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Meet the author and illustrator:
Tomie dePaola (1934–2020) was the beloved author and/or illustrator of more than 270 books for young readers, including the children’s classic Strega Nona. He was the recipient of the Newbery Honor, Caldecott Honor, and the 2011 Children’s Literature Legacy Award for “significant and lasting contribution to children’s literature.” A native of Connecticut, Mr. dePaola studied at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, and spent much of his life in New London, New Hampshire. Visit his work online at Tomie.com.
Barbara McClintock is an American illustrator and author of over forty books for children. Her books have received numerous awards and selections, including five New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book Awards, four ALA Notable Book selections, a Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor Award, a China Times Open Book Award, and a British Fantasy Award. One of her books is a bestselling title in Japan. She has lectured about her work nationally and internationally and is currently teaching classes on creating children’s books at Wesleyan University. Originally from New Jersey and North Dakota, she now resides in northeastern Connecticut with her partner, the illustrator David Johnson, and their three overly helpful cats.