Audrey Penn (with help from illustrator Barbara L. Gibson) has written an important children's book that lets children (and yes, we adults too) see death in a different light.

Chester Raccoon has lost his friend in an accident. Chester does not understand an accident much less death. The questions that Chester asks about the death of Skiddil Squirrel are the same questions that young readers ask when faced with the death of a friend.

Mrs. Raccoon leads Chester in the right direction by suggesting that he make a memory of his friend that he can keep forever. As the reader follows Chester in his quest for things to include in his memories, he is treated to a superb illustrations on every page. The full page illustrations are bright and beautiful and hop right off the page.

This is a book that needs to be read to a young reader, especially when the child is having trouble dealing with the death of a friend.