A young boy describes the final day of his dog’s life, a day his family has proclaimed Jasper’s Day. Their aging, beloved pet has cancer, and they have decided to end his suffering. But first, they spend a day doing many of the things Jasper has loved over the years. Then the boy and his mother wait at home while their father takes Jasper to the vet. When he returns, the family buries Jasper in their yard. “Today was the hardest day of my life,” the boy says. “But I’m glad we celebrated Jaspers Day. Because it was a good day, too.” Marjorie Blain Parker’s sensitive, realistic story about the illness and death of a pet addresses the topic with emotional honesty. The story is illustrated in full-color art done in chalk pastels. (Ages 4-8)