What do you think?
Rate this book
Dogfish and the Goodbye Wave
40 pages, Hardcover
Published March 26, 2026
1 person is currently reading
1 person want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 22, 2026
Rita Reed has undoubtedly found her calling in writing for children, securing a permanent spot on my list of favourite authors. She doesn’t just write stories; she crafts magical adventures that truly change lives. Every masterpiece she pens is a gift to the word; overflowing with boundless heart, brilliance, and life-changing wisdom, and Dogfish and the Goodbye Wave is no exception.
Approaching grief in children’s literature is a delicate challenge, yet this is one of the best examples I have ever seen. Reed manages to keep the story wonderfully uplifting, focusing on honouring love and ensuring no one has to face big feelings alone. It feels like a fun adventure with friends, yet never shies away from the honest reality of loss. Profoundly healing, reassuring, and comforting, this book serves as the perfect bridge for parents and educators to begin those essential heart-to-heart conversations about navigating life’s hardest moments
Reed has a talent for crafting characters that children fall in love with instantly, building a bond that ensures the life lessons they learn together take root and help them grow long after the final page is turned. Resultantly, I strongly believe this book is essential reading and deserves a spot in every school, library, and home. The true testament to its impact happened the moment I brought it home: my own children read it repeatedly, completely captivated by the narrative. I am so grateful they’ve absorbed its message and will carry this story with them throughout their lives.
Altogether, I cannot recommend Rita Reed highly enough; her gift for storytelling is truly beyond compare, and Dogfish and the Goodbye Wave is a vital tool for helping children navigate their own grief or support others through loss, all while being a story they will genuinely cherish.
Approaching grief in children’s literature is a delicate challenge, yet this is one of the best examples I have ever seen. Reed manages to keep the story wonderfully uplifting, focusing on honouring love and ensuring no one has to face big feelings alone. It feels like a fun adventure with friends, yet never shies away from the honest reality of loss. Profoundly healing, reassuring, and comforting, this book serves as the perfect bridge for parents and educators to begin those essential heart-to-heart conversations about navigating life’s hardest moments
Reed has a talent for crafting characters that children fall in love with instantly, building a bond that ensures the life lessons they learn together take root and help them grow long after the final page is turned. Resultantly, I strongly believe this book is essential reading and deserves a spot in every school, library, and home. The true testament to its impact happened the moment I brought it home: my own children read it repeatedly, completely captivated by the narrative. I am so grateful they’ve absorbed its message and will carry this story with them throughout their lives.
Altogether, I cannot recommend Rita Reed highly enough; her gift for storytelling is truly beyond compare, and Dogfish and the Goodbye Wave is a vital tool for helping children navigate their own grief or support others through loss, all while being a story they will genuinely cherish.
April 6, 2026
Dogfish is back! What another beautiful story by Rita this is too!
A children's book that balances the weight of grief with the warmth of sunshine is a rare gift, and this latest installment in the series does so with breathtaking grace. The story centers on Milo and his cousin Dogfish during what should be a magical Hawaiian summer, only to have their adventure shift toward a deeper exploration of loss and emotional resilience. It asks the profound question of whether love can "wave back" when a goodbye feels as vast as the ocean, providing a gentle bridge for young readers to walk across when facing their own overwhelming feelings.
The strength of this narrative lies in its authentic portrayal of ohana as a safety net for the soul. Rather than offering easy answers, the book emphasizes that family means never having to navigate the choppy waters of sadness alone. The bond between Milo and Dogfish serves as a beautiful anchor, illustrating that while life can take unexpected turns, the support of loved ones creates a space where healing can begin. It’s a masterclass in emotional intelligence, teaching children that honoring a loss is just as important as celebrating a new beginning.
Visually and tonally, the book is a sun-soaked triumph that feels like a warm hug in literary form. The vibrant setting of Hawaii is more than just a backdrop; it acts as a rhythmic reminder of life’s natural ebbs and flows. By blending laughter and friendship with such a heartfelt subject, the author has created an essential resource for parents and educators alike. This is a must-read for anyone looking to help a child understand that even when the tide goes out, the love left behind remains as constant as the sea.
A children's book that balances the weight of grief with the warmth of sunshine is a rare gift, and this latest installment in the series does so with breathtaking grace. The story centers on Milo and his cousin Dogfish during what should be a magical Hawaiian summer, only to have their adventure shift toward a deeper exploration of loss and emotional resilience. It asks the profound question of whether love can "wave back" when a goodbye feels as vast as the ocean, providing a gentle bridge for young readers to walk across when facing their own overwhelming feelings.
The strength of this narrative lies in its authentic portrayal of ohana as a safety net for the soul. Rather than offering easy answers, the book emphasizes that family means never having to navigate the choppy waters of sadness alone. The bond between Milo and Dogfish serves as a beautiful anchor, illustrating that while life can take unexpected turns, the support of loved ones creates a space where healing can begin. It’s a masterclass in emotional intelligence, teaching children that honoring a loss is just as important as celebrating a new beginning.
Visually and tonally, the book is a sun-soaked triumph that feels like a warm hug in literary form. The vibrant setting of Hawaii is more than just a backdrop; it acts as a rhythmic reminder of life’s natural ebbs and flows. By blending laughter and friendship with such a heartfelt subject, the author has created an essential resource for parents and educators alike. This is a must-read for anyone looking to help a child understand that even when the tide goes out, the love left behind remains as constant as the sea.
March 28, 2026
Dogfish is a truly delightful read, and Rita Reed once again delivers a heartfelt addition to the series. This story beautifully highlights themes of friendship, compassion, and support, while also gently exploring the reality of loss.
When Dogfish visits his cousin Milo in Maui, he meets Hula, Milo’s pet hermit crab. Together, they share a summer filled with joy, play, and connection. Along the way, however, they face the sadness of loss and the emptiness it can leave behind. Through honoring and celebrating life, Milo begins to heal, especially when an unexpected surprise brings a sense of renewal and hope.
This book serves as a meaningful conversation starter about grief, remembrance, and the enduring impact of those we’ve loved. It thoughtfully reminds readers that even in loss, life continues to offer moments of beauty, healing, and new beginnings—and that cherished memories live on.
When Dogfish visits his cousin Milo in Maui, he meets Hula, Milo’s pet hermit crab. Together, they share a summer filled with joy, play, and connection. Along the way, however, they face the sadness of loss and the emptiness it can leave behind. Through honoring and celebrating life, Milo begins to heal, especially when an unexpected surprise brings a sense of renewal and hope.
This book serves as a meaningful conversation starter about grief, remembrance, and the enduring impact of those we’ve loved. It thoughtfully reminds readers that even in loss, life continues to offer moments of beauty, healing, and new beginnings—and that cherished memories live on.
May 4, 2026
Great book about loss
It is a heartfelt children’s picture book that gently explores theme of loss, love and emotional resilience through an ocean theme adventure. It is set during a magical Hawaiian summer,the story follows Dogfish and his cousin Milo as they face an unexpected goodbye. The narrative uses the concept of ‘Ohana’(family in Hawaiian)to help young readers understand that even difficult emotions like grief and change can be faced with support, friendship and hope.
Author Rita Reed handles a sensitive topic in a way that feels accessible and reassuring for children, making it useful read for parents and educators looking to introduce conversations about loss. The illustrations are vibrant and engaging which help younger readers stay visually connected to the story.I like the activity at the end.
It is a heartfelt children’s picture book that gently explores theme of loss, love and emotional resilience through an ocean theme adventure. It is set during a magical Hawaiian summer,the story follows Dogfish and his cousin Milo as they face an unexpected goodbye. The narrative uses the concept of ‘Ohana’(family in Hawaiian)to help young readers understand that even difficult emotions like grief and change can be faced with support, friendship and hope.
Author Rita Reed handles a sensitive topic in a way that feels accessible and reassuring for children, making it useful read for parents and educators looking to introduce conversations about loss. The illustrations are vibrant and engaging which help younger readers stay visually connected to the story.I like the activity at the end.
April 8, 2026
Brilliantly created book by Rita Reed “Dogfish and the Goodbye Wave” and delightfully illustrated sea-worthy illustrations by Craig Cartwright that bring this story to life as a heartwarming story that provides parents a wonderful means for helping children understand love, loss, and healing in a comforting way. Bereavement is a difficult subject and this story is written so beautifully from the heart. What a meaningful and important book.
The back of the book introduces a thoughtful concept for children: creating a memory box. Thus encouraging children to channel their sadness into cherished tangible memories of those they love and miss, making the process of remembrance a bit easier.
Thank you so very much, Rita Reed, for the gifted copy of this wonderful book for my LFL.
The back of the book introduces a thoughtful concept for children: creating a memory box. Thus encouraging children to channel their sadness into cherished tangible memories of those they love and miss, making the process of remembrance a bit easier.
Thank you so very much, Rita Reed, for the gifted copy of this wonderful book for my LFL.
March 27, 2026
A heartwarming story about loss and healing.
This newest addition to the Dogfish Tales series is a gentle, heartfelt rhyming story that helps children understand love, loss, and healing in a comforting way. The author beautifully highlights the importance of friendship and the hope of new beginnings, even after difficult times. The illustrations are bright, colourful, and full of life, drawing readers into the story. A special bonus activity at the back encourages children to create their own memory box, offering families a meaningful and loving way to remember those they miss. A truly comforting and thoughtful book for children experiencing grief—beautifully done.
This newest addition to the Dogfish Tales series is a gentle, heartfelt rhyming story that helps children understand love, loss, and healing in a comforting way. The author beautifully highlights the importance of friendship and the hope of new beginnings, even after difficult times. The illustrations are bright, colourful, and full of life, drawing readers into the story. A special bonus activity at the back encourages children to create their own memory box, offering families a meaningful and loving way to remember those they miss. A truly comforting and thoughtful book for children experiencing grief—beautifully done.
April 20, 2026
Rita Reed never disappoints, and The Goodbye Wave completely stole our hearts. It takes the heavy topic of loss and wraps it in warmth, love, and the gentlest kind of hope. When Milo loses his sweet little companion, Hula, the story doesn’t shy away from grief—but instead meets it with friendship, “ohana,” and the healing power of remembering. The lyrical rhyme flows effortlessly, and the vibrant, sun-soaked illustrations are pure joy. The memory box activity is such a meaningful touch. It’s tender, comforting, and deeply moving—a truly special book that stays with you and encourages you to hug your Dogfish stuffie just a little tighter.
March 28, 2026
beautiful and touching story.
What an absolutely beautiful and touching story. This is such a gentle way to talk to children about loss. It is so sensitively done and also still a fun and happy story whilst honouring the meaning of the book. Rita Reed really manages to capture true emotions in her books, we really enjoy them.
The illustrations in this are spectacular too, my kids were captivated by how magical each page was and had fun finding all the little sea creatures.
What an absolutely beautiful and touching story. This is such a gentle way to talk to children about loss. It is so sensitively done and also still a fun and happy story whilst honouring the meaning of the book. Rita Reed really manages to capture true emotions in her books, we really enjoy them.
The illustrations in this are spectacular too, my kids were captivated by how magical each page was and had fun finding all the little sea creatures.
March 30, 2026
Death is a difficult topic for everyone including children, so having beautiful stories like ‘Dogfish and the Goodbye Wave’ are so important to help children process death. Written in a way that is gentle and engaging for the little ones to understand with beautiful colourful illustrations. This is another wonderful story added to Rita’s meaningful collection of books. Filled with friendship and love.
March 31, 2026
Dogfish and the Goodbye Wave by Rita Reed is a wonderful addition to her heartwarming Dogfish series. In this beautiful book, with clever rhyme and gorgeous yet whimsical illustrations, Rita explores the poignant themes of loss, love, and hope in a "kid-friendly" way. If I could give this endearing book more than five stars, I absolutely would! I'm looking forward to Dogfish's next ocean adventure.
April 9, 2026
adorable as always
This book — and the entire Dogfish series — makes my heart sing. What a beautiful introduction to Hawaii (wish I had this during our trip several years ago) as well as a lovely addition to your child’s social and emotional learning toolbox. Stunning, primary color illustrations help make this bittersweet (and then sweet) story come to life. Highly recommended for all ages!
This book — and the entire Dogfish series — makes my heart sing. What a beautiful introduction to Hawaii (wish I had this during our trip several years ago) as well as a lovely addition to your child’s social and emotional learning toolbox. Stunning, primary color illustrations help make this bittersweet (and then sweet) story come to life. Highly recommended for all ages!
March 26, 2026
Another lovely book in this series.
This sweet story gently introduces children to loss and grief in a soft, reassuring way, highlighting that loved ones can be remembered, honoured, and celebrated after loss. The story reminds children that they never have to be alone in their feelings, and that even after goodbye, connection remains.
A lovely book for opening conversations about loss.
This sweet story gently introduces children to loss and grief in a soft, reassuring way, highlighting that loved ones can be remembered, honoured, and celebrated after loss. The story reminds children that they never have to be alone in their feelings, and that even after goodbye, connection remains.
A lovely book for opening conversations about loss.
March 28, 2026
Sweet book to share with children! I really appreciate how this book deals with the topic of loss of a loved one. It’s absolutely beautiful and well done! I love the memory box idea at the end as well. Beautiful illustrations, unique characters, and great writing! Highly recommend this important book about celebrating life!
March 29, 2026
Touching celebration of life
What a beautiful example of celebrating life under the sea! I love all of Reed’s imaginative storylines. Her creative writing brings us under the sea and where we expand our hearts. This will make a wonderful addition to any bookshelf, especially for those managing grief and celebrating a lost life.
What a beautiful example of celebrating life under the sea! I love all of Reed’s imaginative storylines. Her creative writing brings us under the sea and where we expand our hearts. This will make a wonderful addition to any bookshelf, especially for those managing grief and celebrating a lost life.
March 28, 2026
Dogfish and the Goodbye Wave is a beautiful picture book by Rita Reed and illustrated by Craig Cartwright. This is a sweet picture book with a deep theme and discussion with children. If you have pets, this is definitely a picture book for you to own. I highly recommend this book.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 27, 2026
Another great book by this author. A beautiful story that teaches kids about bereavement in a clever way. I highly recommend this author and all her books and beautiful illustrations. Loved it!
March 29, 2026
What a sweet story
What a lovely story with such a wonderful way to remember those dear to us with a “memory” or “treasure” box.
What a lovely story with such a wonderful way to remember those dear to us with a “memory” or “treasure” box.
April 24, 2026
Such a great way to teach kids about loss. Dogfish is a great character and kids will easily relate to him. If I knew someone going through this, I would gift them this book.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews