When Jim returns to school after his dog Muffins' death, the first graders try to share his loss and ease his pain. But Jim refuses to talk or let anyone come near him. He does not participate in any school activities and mopes about, thinking of his beloved dog. However, on the way home from school, Paul cheers up his friend by offering him a slice of pizza and the chance to talk about his dog. Through tears of joy and sadness, Jim finally opens up and shares a sweet memory of Muffins. Miriam Cohen's book deals sensitively with the effect of a favourite pet's death on a child.