"When I got home, Meg was taking a nap.
I stood in the kitchen making a sandwich.
I could hear Eddie saying, "The first bite
is with the eye, Dad."
Meg looked up and said, "Do you know
where Eddie is?"
I thought about it.
I said, "Eddie hasn't gone, has he?"
He's here, isn't he?"
This companion book to Michael Rosen's Sad Book (2005) continues the story of losing his son Eddie. As a tall, grey-haired man walks into the kitchen, then stands silently there, he wonders where Eddie is, and if he is somewhere nearby. As the cat Meg walks toward him he speaks to her, asking the question that haunts him.
"Eddie's not coming back, is he, Meg?"
Meg gently reminds him that it isn't the end; rather, it is the beginning. She suggests he always look for Eddie. Though he won't be as he was, he will still be there. The man's daily travels carry many strong memories of Eddie and the wonderful times they spent together. He meets people who knew Eddie and they also share thoughts of their time with him, and what was so special about him. Returning home, he tells Meg what he has learned on his day out.
While Eddie is no longer here, he lives in the memories of all who knew and loved him, including Meg. This book is a look at the grieving process through a first-person voice, accompanied by mixed-media artwork that is emotional and bittersweet, yet hopeful. Memories are powerful reminders of those we have loved and lost. Michael Rosen's own experience is shared honestly with readers in hopes they will find some solace as they adapt to a life that is markedly different, but ultimately filled with moments of joy.
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