My Friend, Matilda (Express Yourself Series) Book

A dog is a man's best friend, right? Allow us to introduce Matilda. The poetry that unfolds in My Friend, Matilda is a story about "petship," a word we couldn't find in the dictionary. If it were to be defined, it might look like this:
Pet-ship (pet'ship), n. 1. the state of being between a person and their pet. 2. feelings of understanding between a person and their pet.

This is a story of a young man, Chris, and his golden retriever. My Friend, Matilda is the second book in the "Express Yourself" series and is designed to provide some clues about how to extend friendship to someone who is going through a difficult time in his life. Matilda faithfully journeys with Chris though his battle with a life-ending disease.

As I watched Matilda and the companionship she provided, I observed a relationship that helped a young man through a difficult life passage. Whether you have a cat or a dog, a ferret or cockatiel, some exotic animal, or maybe just the dream of a pet, My Friend, Matilda is provided for you to experience the beauty of "petship"/friendship.

Children's Literature

It is difficult to understand the intent of this book, but one must question the style. The author, a former chaplain, uses rhyming couplets to tell the inspirational story of a dog's loyalty and friendship with his dying master. Told in the first person by the young man after his death, he relates the good times with Matilda. The two are seen playing fetch, sharing quiet moments, and even times when Matilda was scolded for chewing up a shoe. Then comes the dark time when his master was ill and Matilda would lie close to the bed or snuggle with him in a chair. Even after death, the faithful companion is seen sitting expectantly before the empty chair. This is a heartfelt testimony to the unconditional love of a pet, but the rhymes are often forced and awkward. "She's a golden retriever; at least that's what they say./ She runs and she slobbers and with toys she does play." Or "Sometimes she's annoying and I have to say, "Get!"/But I like it best when by my side she does sit." Through it all, one never doubts the sincerity of the author. Warm watercolor and pen-and-ink drawings sometimes do not match the text. When the boys say he is drowning in tears, he is shown smiling next to Matilda. The second in the "Express Yourself" series will no doubt tug the heartstrings of many and could be useful therapy to explain how to help a friend through a difficult time. Reviewer: Beverley Fahey