Where Are You, Brontë?

by Tomie dePaola, Barbara McClintock (illustrator)

This touching story about love, loss, and remembrance in the wake of losing a beloved pet is the final completed book written by beloved creator Tomie dePaola, with art by award-winning illustrator Barbara McClintock.

Where are you, Brontë?
The day you left me, I knew I would miss you.
And I did. Every day, every night.
But then, I knew you were right here, still with me, in my heart forever.

Children’s book legend Tomie dePaola tells the emotional and deeply personal story about overcoming his grief after the loss of his beloved dog, Brönte.

Genres: Picture Books, Dogs, Death, Grief, Animals, Childrens, Love

48 pages, Hardcover

Published May 6, 2025

About the author

Tomie dePaola (pronounced Tommy da-POW-la) was best known for his books for children.

He had a five-decade writing and illustrating career during which he published more than 270 books, including 26 Fairmount Avenue, Strega Nona, and Meet the Barkers.

Tomie dePaola and his work have been recognized with the Caldecott Honor Award, the Newbery Honor Award, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, and the New Hampshire Governor's Arts Award of Living Treasure.

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the age of 53, I was new dog mom for the first time in my life. We got an 8 week old puppy about 2 years ago and she changed me for the better, in every way.

Unrelated, I was looking for a cheap way to fill a reading challenge this year that included “crossover” as a prompt.

This tiny book showed up. I thought I could read this, then something by one of the Brontë sisters and call it good.

As an aside, we’re about to foster a terminally ill dog. And this tiny book gave me a ton of perspective.

I’ve never heard of the author before but now I need to read everything.

This illustrator is truly incredible. Really, pay attention, watching how she develops a tiny puppy to a 12+ dog.

I wouldn’t change a thing about loving my Sunny and Khaleesi. But my heart will fracture each time we experience this loss.

And I’m not prepared. 🥲🐾

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devastatingly good.

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Tomie DePaola’s final children’s book, he shares the personal story of losing his faithful companion, Brontë. This moving story will be a comforting read for kids who have lost a pet or even a family member or friend.

For twelve and a half years, Tomie and Brontë did everything together, including sleeping next to each other every night. Brontë loved to go for walks with Tomie, and they had a very special bond. He even drew Brontë into some of his books.

As Brontë grew older, he became blind, yet he was still able to find his dog dish and his way around the house. After Brontë was gone, Tomie was sad and missed him very much. He wondered, Where is Brontë? At the end, after all the sadness, he realizes Brontë is everywhere he is, always in his heart.

This special story of a man and his dog will resonate with kids and families who have their own special pet. McClintock’s illustrations take us into dePaola’s life with Brontë and their years together, with each section focusing on a different stage in their life.

Brontë was born in 2004 and died in 2016. Tomie dePaola was writing this story about his dear companion, and had started illustrating it when he went into the hospital. Tomie dePaola died at the age of 85 on March 30, 2020. Illustrator Barbara McClintock includes a note at the end of the book. She shares about her working relationship with Tomie and how special it was to work alongside his manuscript to create the illustrations for this book. Just like Tomie had Brontë forever in his heart, we will forever have the precious stories the dePaola shared with us. His stories have impacted children for many years, and his talents will be greatly missed.

[Beth Reynolds Winters · Rating 5 out of 5]

So simply written but very heart felt. We had a double winker that adapted well too after being completely blind. She enjoyed life nonetheless. Our dogs are amazing.

[Vincent Desjardins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tomie dePaola's last manuscript, beautifully illustrated by Barbara McClintock in a style reminiscent of dePaola's own drawing style is a heartfelt and moving story covering the life of dePaola's beloved dog, Brontë. It is a story about love and loss and anyone who has loved an animal companion will be moved by this sweet and lovely book. Two months ago, I had to say goodbye to my dog of 15 years and since the pain of losing her was still so raw, I put off reading this book for a while. After letting some time pass, I finally read it and I'm glad I did. As Tomie concludes at the end of this book, our friends never truly leave us, as long as their memories are still with us, they will always be with us in our hearts. This book belongs on a shelf next to Cynthia Rylant's "Dog Heaven," and Judith Viorst's "The Tenth Good Thing About Barney."

[Bethe · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars. A heartfelt tribute to a beloved dog. Fans of Tomie dePaola will adore his final text. McClintock merges her illustration style to dePaola’s, even including a tableful of his well known characters. You don’t have to be a dog lover to need a hankie while reading this tender story. Illustrator note explains how book came to be and includes a photo of dePaola and Bronte.

[Sutton Eleanora · Rating 5 out of 5]

TRIGGER WARNING: the dog is f*cking dead. Good lord a little heads up would have been nice. It took 1.5 pages before I burst into tears and could barely read aloud the rest of the book.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Copy provided by Young Adult Books Central

Picture book author Tomie dePaola wrote and illustrated a large number of books, starting in the 1960s, and had an impressive output right up to his death in 2020 at the age of 85. He also illustrated books written by other people, and the last creation he left behind was the text for this book. McClintock (who also illustrated Aylesworth's The Mitten) has taken this story and illustrated it in a style reminiscent of dePaola's work while still bearing her hallmarks.

Starting when Brontë was a puppy and arrived at dePaola's home, we see how the two of them bonded. Whimpering puppies are of course allowed into one's bed, even if they spend the next twelve and a half years sleeping there. Brontë loved his toys, and would often bring them to dePaola's writing studio. The two played games, went on walks, and clearly spent a lot of time together, enjoying each other's company, even when the dog lost his sight. After Brontë's death, the refrain "Where are you, Brontë?" becomes poignant and nostalgic. Even though he misses his faithful companion very much, dePaola is comforted by the idea that Brontë will always stay with him in his memory.

We miss dogs because they become a part of us. When they die, it feels like something is missing. This approaches the idea of death very gently, saying only "The day you left me, I knew that I would miss you", and showing dePaola looking wistfully at Brontë's food dishes and collar. After a few other lonely panels, we see an image of Brontë in the clouds, and dePaola feels that the memory of his dog is a good one that will bring him comfort.

McClintock's artwork even includes a picnic table with many of dePaola's characters sharing a meal with him, which was a interesting touch! She clearly could have drawn his style perfectly, but the mix is perfect. The colors seem reminiscent of dePaola's work, and she does give the illustrator some wonderful scarves!

There are a variety of picture books about death, including the one I think about most, Viorst and Blevgard's 1971 The Tenth Good Thing About Barney. Wild and Blackwood's Harry & Hopper, Macero's Rosie and Crayon, and Becker's A Stone for Sascha are also good choices for helping to deal with grief, but I think this will be read most by fans of dePaola's work like Strega Nona, Jingle the Christmas Clown, and The Cat on the Dovrefell.

[Kim Bartosch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, this book. 💔🐾 I wasn’t prepared for how much "Where Are You, Brontë?" would move me — in the best way. Tomie dePaola’s final book is a beautiful, heartfelt tribute to his beloved dog Brönte and a gentle, reassuring message to anyone who has ever experienced the loss of a pet (or anyone they love, really). It’s soft, emotional, and full of comfort.

Told as a personal goodbye letter, the story walks readers through Tomie’s feelings of grief and remembrance — all written in a way that’s incredibly accessible for children while still packing a huge emotional punch for adults. I genuinely teared up by the last page. 😭

The illustrations by Barbara McClintock are the perfect match: warm, simple, and expressive, they add a quiet grace to every page. The whole book feels like a gentle hand on your shoulder saying, “It’s okay to feel this way. You’re not alone.”

After reading, I immediately hugged my dog and gave her a big kiss. 🐶❤️ It’s the kind of book that stays with you — a wonderful tool for families navigating loss, and just as meaningful as a quiet read-aloud for anyone reflecting on love and memory.

Whether you're a long-time Tomie dePaola fan (this ties beautifully into the 50th anniversary of "Strega Nona") or discovering his work for the first time, this is a truly special book. Sweet, sad, and incredibly healing.

Highly recommend for any home, classroom, or library. Just have the tissues ready. Thank you to the author and publisher for the book and my honest review.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming story by Tomie dePaola, published posthumously, about his loving companion and canine inspiration, Bronte.
"Whenever I drew a dog for one of
my stories, it turned out to be you!"
DePaola's first person narrative begins with the description of how the two met and continues with the depiction of their twelve and a half years together. It is a touching story showing a loving relationship between the two. Even when Bronte goes blind, dePaola and Bronte have a full and joyful life together. Then there is the sadness depaola experiences when Bronte is gone. It's tough but eventually there is healing when dePaola recognizes that Bronte is "right here, still with me, in my heart forever."
The illustrations are by Barbara McClintock and she does a wonderful job depicting dePaola and Bronte while also honoring dePaola's artwork. (Is that Big Anthony serving the pasta?) DePaola fans will appreciate all the images that reference his other stories.
A sweet homage to a beloved dog as well as a lovely tribute to an well-loved author and illustrator.

From the illustrator's note:
The story is an homage to Tomie's beloved Bronte, but I realized that after Tomie's sudden step over the rainbow bridge, it is also very much about him. Where did he go? And just as Tomie discovers that Bronte is there with him, forever, we also will forever have Tomie and his extraordinary generous, wise, and funny books that have profoundly influenced so many children and the adults those children have become."

[Stephanie Tournas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tomie dePaola’s final text is lovingly brought to life by Barbara McClintock. Although young readers may not know who the Brontës were, they will easily understand the loving relationship between the white-bearded, bespectacled older man, whom we assume to be dePaola himself, and Brontë, a sprightly Airdale. The man welcomes the puppy Brontë and tells the reader how he was incorporated into his life and work. Full bleed pages and panels show them reading, playing and enjoying many activities together. My favorite moment in the book is a two page spread showing dePaola at a plein air meal with characters from his books seated around a long table, including Strega Nona, Big Anthony and others, and of course including Brontë. Readers will feel dePaola’s sadness as the dog grows older, becomes blind, and then, one day, is gone. The repeating panels showing the man going through his life without his dog really drive home his loss. McClintock’s lovely pen, colored pencil, watercolor and gouache artwork channels dePaola’s own and those familiar with his work will be touched. A photo at the end shows dePaola with Brontë. No one who has suffered the death of a pet will be unmoved by this charming, deeply felt book. And the gentle imagery of the dog’s passing – an empty dog bed – is a perfect way for children to understand that loss.

[Stephanie Bange · Rating 5 out of 5]

McClintock has done what perhaps no one else could have done: captured the spirit of Tomie dePaola in his last completed manuscript. You won't be able to read another of his books without thinking of this one...

dePaola tells of his long relationship with his beloved Welsh Terrier, Brontë, as his muse in many of his books over the years. On the opening pages, readers will see that this is not necessarily a happy book - it is not, however it does satisfy. Tomie takes him home for the first time as a puppy. Over the years, he grows into a beautiful, playful companion for Tomie. His understated tone and quiet nature leads one to wonder if he himself plants quiet moments for him own story.

Interestingly enough, through the years, Brontë ages in the story, however Tomie remains visually the same. McClintock has captured the essence of dePaola's artwork, yet remains faithful to her own style. Many of the same patterns and images often found in dePaola's works is found here. Many Easter eggs to his work as an author and illustrator. McClintock also includes one Easter Egg for Brontë; it is the cover of a Jane Austen book (can you find it?). The color palette is spot on what I imagine his gardens look like.

Poignant and sad, it is a perfect book to share with a child who has recently lost a beloved pet...or loved one.

Highly Recommended for PreSchool-grade 2.

[Victoria Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers for the DRC of this lovely book.

Believe it or not, I read a lot of children's books about death - people, goldfish, the Rabbi - you name it. They're an important sub-genre to help kids process loss and most the time, they're very good.

This one is great.

This posthumous autobiographical story by Tommie dePaola introduces us to Brontë, his beloved dog, and what follows is an impressively accurate portrayal of what makes owning a pet so joyful. Their lives are full and they are together. So we ache with dePaola when beloved Brontë starts to age, and then ultimately, passes away. But it would not be a Tomie dePaola book without grace. After grieving, we are reminded that those we love stay with us always.

And it must be noted that it is illustrated by Barbara McClintock, NOT dePaola. She is the perfect selection - her illustrations are evocative of his style but different enough that Bronte's story stands on its own and isn't just lumped in with dePaola's vast catalog. Somehow that seems appropriate here.

Highly recommended as a sympathy remembrance for pet owners of ANY age -especially seniors who may have first-hand familiarity with dePaoloa's work.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Told in first person by a white-haired man talking to his dog Brontë, this story celebrates the life of a pet dog and how to find comfort in the grief of its passing. The narrator asks the titular question seven times while reminiscing about the dog’s life. He recalls adopting Brontë and how she loved her toys and pink collar and going on walks. He remembers being so worried she’d lose her joy when Brontë went blind in old age, but she didn’t. He knew he’d miss her when she left and he still does, every day. Several panels show the old man missing his companion and then several more about what he does when he has the epiphany that his beloved Brontë is still w him — in his heart.
McClintock was entrusted to illustrate this last story by Tomie dePaola, based on his own relationship w his dog Brontë, and uses an illustrative style reminiscent of the author’s own to offer us a tender tribute to both a beloved pet and to a prolific and profoundly influential author and artist. A central spread featuring some of dePaola’s characters is a poignant touch. DePaola fans will love this final unexpected gift from him, published posthumously, and kids grieving the loss of a pet will find comfort in its message.

[Jared White · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sweet book about a his dog, the dog's passing, and the memories they made together. I think this pairing of text and illustrations wonderfully captures grief. The repeated refrain, "Where are you, Bontë?" paired with illustrations and sentences about all the things Tomie and Brontë did together demonstrates how, with grief, it is not one thing or place that causes you miss them, but basically everything makes you think to yourself, "Where are you?"

I also like the healing the latter part of the book displays. Tomie continues to ask, "Where are you, Brontë," he says, "The day you left me, I knew I would miss you. And I did. Every day, every night," (the illustrations show time passing) "But then I knew you were right here, still with me, in my heart forever."

I enjoyed how the illustrator, McClintock, sought to blend their own style with dePaola's when creating the illustrations for this book and how a few of dePaola's characters make an appearance in the illustration when he and loved ones gather for a meal.

Overall, it's a lovely tribute both to dePaola's beloved dog and to dePaola himself (who passed away in 2020).

[Terresa Wellborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful tribute to dePaola's beloved pet dog, Bronte, as we journey from the moment he met her, to their romps in the park and enjoying ice cream, to his artist studio, to her becoming blind, and then eventually passing the rainbow bridge. May we all live our lives like Tomie dePaola, to merit the sweet and steady companionship a pup such as Bronte can bring to our lives.

As a dog lover and current owner of a young pup, this book is my heart. Written by dePaola and published after his passing (2020), illustrator Barbara McClintock strikes the perfect chord of simple illustrations paying homage to dePaola's style without skimping or being try-hard.

Themes: dogs/pets, grief
Ages: preK-elementary age
Pub year: 2025

[Jane Healy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have a box of tissues ready as you read this beautiful book, a tribute to the late, great Tomie dePaola and his dog, Bronte. The story has dePaola reflecting on the life of his dear canine companion, Bronte, after Bronte's passing, as he wonders where the dog is. He brings the story to a beautiful, satisfying conclusion, making this an excellent book for anyone who has loved and lost a pet. Barbara McClintock, illustrator, includes a note about how she was chosen to illustrate dePaola's final manuscript. She appropriately chose to make the illustrations in his style, incorporating bits of her own. If you are a Tomie fan, you will recognize characters from his books, as well as accurate depictions of his fashion and living tastes. This book is a true heart-warmer.

[Calista · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tomie died in 2020 and he wrote this before he died and didn't illustrate it. Barbara McClintock took the manuscript and finished the story and published it this year.

The story is simple. Tomie gets a dog and he records his life with the dog. They do all sorts of things together, live life together. Eventually, the dog gets old and dies. It's the life of their relationship. It's so well done.

The artwork is so different from Tomie. The colors are different as well. The story is great. The dog is cute and we find out any dog in his story is this dog. The art is pens, watercolor, colored pencils, gouache. It's pretty enough

Any kid who loves their dog will love this ode to that special companions life.

[callistoscalling · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖 Book Review 📖 My best friend in college was never a dog person growing up and she always thought it was so funny how much I missed my dogs. I told her I could call my parents and talk on the phone but I couldn’t call my dogs. When she finally got her own dogs and realized the immense love they offer, she tells me all of the time that she now gets it! Believed children’s author Tomie dePaola beautifully shares the immense and endless love between a person and their dog and the heartbreaking loss we face when we have to say goodbye. Barbara McClintock’s illustrations accompany this story perfectly for one powerful story that will speak to animal lover of all ages.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do you carry on when a pet dies? Especially one who has been part of your family for 12 1/2 years? This book is a very gentle treatment of that tender grief. It is also a sweet memoir of the life of author/illustrator Tomie dePaola with his dog Bronte.
The text was written by tdP before his death in 2020, but is illustrated by another talented artist, Barbara McClintock. She uses dePaola's style and even some of his characters in the pictures.
The book is a tribute to both a beloved pet and beloved figure in children's literature.
Tie-in:
Art:Compare and contrast with books illustrated by TdP.
ELA: story structure, memoir, repeated motif.
SEL: grief

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The front flap tells that this is Tomie dePaola's final full book written, and we fans have said our goodbyes to him. In his loving last story, he tells of Brontë, his beloved dog, describes his lovable antics, showing what a close and delightful relationship they had. Yet, there came a time when Tomie had to say goodbye, and, as the title shows, ask that question, Where are you, Brontë?
Barbara McClintock's loving and joyous full-of-color illustrations show well the love between Tomie and Brontë. If you've ever had to say goodbye to a pet, you'll recognize the love, and also, the sad feeling of loss. It's wonderful.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kleenex Alert! This story is a tearjerker, especially for anyone who has loved and lost a cherished pet, particularly a dog. The tale is also a lovely tribute to Tomie dePaola, the prolific children’s literature author, who crossed the Rainbow Bridge in 2020 and reunited with his beloved Airedale, Brontë. McClintock’s masterful artwork depicts the comfort, happiness, and loyal companionship that animals so freely and exuberantly give to their human companions.

RIP Lexi (1 January 2004–12 August 2021), our beloved miniature dachshund—The Best Little Baby in the Whole Wide World, always in our hearts. 🐾🌈❤️❤️

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very sweet and poignant tale of Tomie’s affection and devotion to his dog over the course of the twelve plus years they shared a life. His memories of all the things Brontë did every day and the big emptiness that Tomie experiences as his days unfold without Brontë are uncomplicated and tender and lead Tomie to understand that Brontë lives on in his memories and heart. The illustrator (who did an amazing job) points out in her note at the end that Tomie lives on in our hearts and memories through all his books.

[Roben · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the last book Tomie dePaolo wrote. It is a book about Tomie's beloved dog, Brontë. Tomie passed away before he could illustrate this lovely story about joy and love and loss and grief and remembering and more joy. So Barbara McClintock took on the daunting task of drawing this story. She did a wonderful job. I especially enjoyed the feast near the middle that incorporates characters that Tomie created.

If you have lost a pet or a person, this lovely book can help you process the grief.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

An old man (Tomie dePaola) is missing the furry companion he's had for 12 1/2 years. It is a story of looking back at the good times spent with his dog, Bronte. But even though Bronte may be gone, he will still reside in the author's heart forever.

A great book to help children deal with the death of a beloved pet. The wonderful illustrations by Barbara McClintock follow the style made popular by DePaola and its simplicity is something young readers can appreciate.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

If your library collection is in need of pet loss stories, Tomie dePaola, posthumously, and Barbara McClintock's 2025 picture book is a great find!

Tomie wrote these words before his own death, but never illustrated it. Barbara McClintock does a lovely job recreating Tomie's style and including himself and his beloved dog in this book. Simple text and warm and wonderful illustrations make this book a great addition to any collection for children.

[charlene.librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This lovely remembrance of Brontë and, in turn, Tomie de Paola has been wonderfully illustrated by Barbara McClintock. All the checkered patterns, all the flowers and trees and stars and hearts are welcomed with open arms. Every page warms my heart as I consider all the love Mr. DePaola put into his books and all the love he put into Brontë. What a legacy to share with us.

[Tina Hoggatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I heard that Barbara McClintock would illustrate Tomie's last text I thought: perfect choice. And she has not let me, or Tomie down in this lovely, simple, but brilliantly illustrated story of Bronte, the author's beloved dog whose companionship he treasured. Like Tomie, Bronte is loved and missed after death. Beautifully done all around.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully shared story about grief after a beloved dog dies. dePaola wrote about his own experience after raising Bronte from a pup to elderly dog. Readers see the stages of growth and the love between the two. McClintock's illustrations capture the story and allow readers to see the full tale.
Beautiful book to share when a pet dies.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Books that can bring about tears usually get five stars in my ratings.

This is a sweet and sincere homage to the author and their pet dog Brontë by the illustrator, who wrote this story as their final writing before he also passed.

Minus one star for the dog dying at the end, but handled very well with subtle past-tense writing and imagery of the rainbow bridge.