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Sometimes Love
A tender, poetic picture book about a military family experiencing happiness, heartache, and learning to grow through change
“Changes come and changes go. Love through changes makes love grow.”
When her mother is deployed overseas, a young girl is temporarily parted from her beloved dog. Told in spare yet lyrical verse, this picture book shares a powerful message about the different ways we show love, from giving, to growing together, to sometimes letting go. But don’t worry, this pet story has a happy ending.
“Changes come and changes go. Love through changes makes love grow.”
When her mother is deployed overseas, a young girl is temporarily parted from her beloved dog. Told in spare yet lyrical verse, this picture book shares a powerful message about the different ways we show love, from giving, to growing together, to sometimes letting go. But don’t worry, this pet story has a happy ending.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published July 12, 2022
86 people want to read
About the author
Katrina Moore
28 books22 followersKatrina Moore is an author and former elementary educator. She holds a M.A. in Teaching and taught for thirteen years in Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey. She writes in Georgia, where her mission is to create books that children will hug for ages. When she is not writing, she is cooking without a recipe, painting outside the lines, adventuring, or snuggling up with her two kids, husband, pups, and of course, a cozy book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
August 18, 2022
SOMETIMES LOVE moved me to tears. With lyrical language and heart-tugging illustrations, this book tells the story of a child and her beloved puppy who must be separated when the child’s parent, an active-duty soldier, is deployed overseas. The text skillfully explores her emotions, and the love undergirding everything, during this transition – from sadness and anger (“Salty tears. Sugar licks. Weeping. Wailing. Throwing sticks.”) to “being brave” and “healing hurt” to the way “love through changes makes love grow.” And finally, we reach the heartwarming reunion of child and dog who’ve both grown during their time apart. Be sure to read the lovely note from the author which gives more information about the wonderful organizations like “Dogs on Deployment” that can help when military families must be separated from their beloved pets. Highly recommended!
July 30, 2022
Okay, let me start off by saying, I am NOT a dog person.
Regardless, I found this story absolutely beautiful. I love the rhyming text and gorgeous illustrations. I love that it shows the sacrifices that military families must make that we don't really think about. The author's note at the back talks about the nonprofit organization called Dogs On Deployment which is a great thing to teach others about. Can't wait to purchase this for my school library.
Regardless, I found this story absolutely beautiful. I love the rhyming text and gorgeous illustrations. I love that it shows the sacrifices that military families must make that we don't really think about. The author's note at the back talks about the nonprofit organization called Dogs On Deployment which is a great thing to teach others about. Can't wait to purchase this for my school library.
February 5, 2025
This book has one nice thing: the message that, “Changes come and changes go. Love through changes makes love grow.” Life is change, and most change is unexpected. The best you can do is move through it and validate whatever emotions come up. There is no right way to feel about the change. It’s a lesson that is never too young to teach about.
I can relate to this story somewhat as I moved around a lot when I was growing up, though it wasn’t because of the military. It can be a nice message, especially when processing an inevitable/difficult change, but it’s also reductionist. Sometimes letting go of love doesn’t result in growth, it’s just decays. And that’s fine and real too. It may not have a place in this particular story, but I worry that all the messages about pushing through change—specifically, being better off for it—when taken together create more harm than intended. It can and is hard to accept change, especially when you have no control over it, like the little girl in the story. She is gifted a dog and is forced to rehome the dog. She makes and makes new friends only to be moved again and leave those friends. It’s okay if someone decides that the change was bad or even if they have mixed feelings about it, even in hindsight. That’s realistic. I’m fed up with showing children that the only acceptable way to ultimately feel about change is happy/grateful/wiser/whatever-toxically-positive-thing.
Also, don’t get a pet with needs you can only meet in specific circumstances, and you are not reasonably in control of those circumstances. This book is a perfect example of that. If you know you move around a lot (or could potentially move at any time) and may not be able to care for it, a pet (or that kind of pet) is not for you. It’s not noble to “love and lose”when you made a willing, inessential, and irresponsible choice in the first place. I’ll die on that hill.
My husband's contribution: This book depicts "a capitalistic solution to an imperialist problem."
I can relate to this story somewhat as I moved around a lot when I was growing up, though it wasn’t because of the military. It can be a nice message, especially when processing an inevitable/difficult change, but it’s also reductionist. Sometimes letting go of love doesn’t result in growth, it’s just decays. And that’s fine and real too. It may not have a place in this particular story, but I worry that all the messages about pushing through change—specifically, being better off for it—when taken together create more harm than intended. It can and is hard to accept change, especially when you have no control over it, like the little girl in the story. She is gifted a dog and is forced to rehome the dog. She makes and makes new friends only to be moved again and leave those friends. It’s okay if someone decides that the change was bad or even if they have mixed feelings about it, even in hindsight. That’s realistic. I’m fed up with showing children that the only acceptable way to ultimately feel about change is happy/grateful/wiser/whatever-toxically-positive-thing.
Also, don’t get a pet with needs you can only meet in specific circumstances, and you are not reasonably in control of those circumstances. This book is a perfect example of that. If you know you move around a lot (or could potentially move at any time) and may not be able to care for it, a pet (or that kind of pet) is not for you. It’s not noble to “love and lose”when you made a willing, inessential, and irresponsible choice in the first place. I’ll die on that hill.
My husband's contribution: This book depicts "a capitalistic solution to an imperialist problem."
February 11, 2025
This heartwarming story will have you on an emotional rollercoaster from beginning to end. The book features a military family who must part with their pet when they are deployed overseas (don’t worry—there is a happy ending!), but themes of moving away, letting go, heartache, reunion, and joy give this book universal appeal. Sweet text, lovely illustrations, and a puppy-the makings of a perfect picture book!
October 3, 2022
I didn't know what to expect when I read this book, but it definitely moved me to tears. As a former military brat and then later spouse, it's not hyperbole to say I felt very seen on the spread where the orders come in, and life gets turned upside down.
This is not a feeling limited to military service, of course--many kids have parents with jobs requiring relocation of all kinds. I love that the author didn't flinch when examining the way that families adapt and change when their careers and callings throw wrenches into staying in one place--or sometimes even having the same family members, sadly (think of all the times one parent must deploy, or where families separate due to work).
Instead, the author focuses on the strength and resiliency of love itself. People, I was holding it together (barely) until I got to the spread with Sometimes love... (page turn) is letting go. I mean, it's just so honest.
Choices (even the ones you know are right or can't be helped and aren't really choices at all) can haunt you because, for each tough decision, there is always a form of loss. But what this book reminds you, poignantly and affirmingly, is that those ties remain--even if they are different, spanning countries and time. The future is always in front of you.
And, luckily, sometimes love is coming home.
This is not a feeling limited to military service, of course--many kids have parents with jobs requiring relocation of all kinds. I love that the author didn't flinch when examining the way that families adapt and change when their careers and callings throw wrenches into staying in one place--or sometimes even having the same family members, sadly (think of all the times one parent must deploy, or where families separate due to work).
Instead, the author focuses on the strength and resiliency of love itself. People, I was holding it together (barely) until I got to the spread with Sometimes love... (page turn) is letting go. I mean, it's just so honest.
Choices (even the ones you know are right or can't be helped and aren't really choices at all) can haunt you because, for each tough decision, there is always a form of loss. But what this book reminds you, poignantly and affirmingly, is that those ties remain--even if they are different, spanning countries and time. The future is always in front of you.
And, luckily, sometimes love is coming home.
February 5, 2023
Katrina Moore captures the sadness and resilience of children dealing with moving and leaving behind friends, especially those of the four-legged variety.
A new puppy brings licks and love to a young girl as their friendship grows. When her mother is deployed, the family must move and leave the frolicking friend behind with a foster family. New adventures and new friends await her in a new home far away. Through art and sharing stories, the family holds onto their memories of home and the antics of their feisty pup. Military life includes many hellos and goodbyes as Moore’s delightful rhyme traces another letting go of friends to return home reuniting furry friends and family. The illustrations contribute to the sweet and bittersweet of change and capture the feelings and emotions of family, friends, and pets. Most of all, the message that “Love knows how to be a friend” is one we all can use.
This is a delightful book for any family facing change, but few books so beautifully embrace the realities of the constant letting go of military families. In her letter to readers, Katrina Moore shares the source of the story and organizations fostering pets for veterans. This book touched my heart because we all face the comings and goings of life.
A new puppy brings licks and love to a young girl as their friendship grows. When her mother is deployed, the family must move and leave the frolicking friend behind with a foster family. New adventures and new friends await her in a new home far away. Through art and sharing stories, the family holds onto their memories of home and the antics of their feisty pup. Military life includes many hellos and goodbyes as Moore’s delightful rhyme traces another letting go of friends to return home reuniting furry friends and family. The illustrations contribute to the sweet and bittersweet of change and capture the feelings and emotions of family, friends, and pets. Most of all, the message that “Love knows how to be a friend” is one we all can use.
This is a delightful book for any family facing change, but few books so beautifully embrace the realities of the constant letting go of military families. In her letter to readers, Katrina Moore shares the source of the story and organizations fostering pets for veterans. This book touched my heart because we all face the comings and goings of life.
September 7, 2022
In rhyming text and gentle pastel illustrations the happy story of a young girl and her new puppy becomes slightly then more tragically overshadowed by what looks at first like her military mom receiving orders but turns out to be the puppy's military call to service to be a serving soldiers' dog. The young girl is grief-struck when she is pulled away from her puppy at the Training station.
The girl goes home to meet a new neighbor with whom she shares stories of her puppy and smiles in remembrances. Finally, the dog is returned from duty, healthy and happy. Light pastel illustrations lighten the story and offer a tone of hopefulness. Back matter includes a note of explanation from the author.
The girl goes home to meet a new neighbor with whom she shares stories of her puppy and smiles in remembrances. Finally, the dog is returned from duty, healthy and happy. Light pastel illustrations lighten the story and offer a tone of hopefulness. Back matter includes a note of explanation from the author.
February 17, 2024
There’s lots for parents and kids to talk about in this lyrical picture book where the illustrations tell a poignant story of their own in parallel with the lean, rhyming text.
When a toddler gets her first dog, it’s “love at first lick”—followed by joyful adventures together.
But when the family places their dog in pet care for Mom’s military posting, love leaves a painful ache, even as the girl learns to integrate into her temporary new home. Their final reunion, years later, celebrates the power of love and resilience.
“Sometimes Love” is a great book for children who love dogs — and a reassuring one for families, particularly military families, wrestling with significant life changes.
When a toddler gets her first dog, it’s “love at first lick”—followed by joyful adventures together.
But when the family places their dog in pet care for Mom’s military posting, love leaves a painful ache, even as the girl learns to integrate into her temporary new home. Their final reunion, years later, celebrates the power of love and resilience.
“Sometimes Love” is a great book for children who love dogs — and a reassuring one for families, particularly military families, wrestling with significant life changes.
March 20, 2023
Great book! While this book is about the bond of a girl and her dog I think that this would be a great book to also talk about the bond between humans. If you are moving away I think that this could also be a book that helps you talk about how your children's bonds with their friends will not go away and that they will always have that love in their heart for them. Also I loved the letter at the end of the book from the author that talks about the organization that is there to help families who are going through deployment know that their animals are in a safe home and waiting for them when they get back.
July 26, 2022
Pets make the best friends but sometimes you also have to leave them behind when duty calls and for the main character, her mother's assignment in the military changed and they had to leave their adorable dog behind, one responsible for love, licks, and plenty of good trouble.
But on a hopeful note they're able to return to pick the dog up after an absence after the mom's assignment is up and there's always, always going to be love.
It represents other types of families, one in which a parent is in the military but also how pets are part of our families as well.
But on a hopeful note they're able to return to pick the dog up after an absence after the mom's assignment is up and there's always, always going to be love.
It represents other types of families, one in which a parent is in the military but also how pets are part of our families as well.
October 23, 2022
A heartfelt, touching story about a young girl who get a puppy but later has to leave the dog behind when her family has to move. I love the refrain "changes come and changes go. Love through changes makes love grow." The girl is reunited years later with her dog. This rhyming book is perfect for young kids. I was pleasantly surprised to learn something new regarding military families and how they have to leave their pets behind sometimes. The author shares a bit of her history and how it ties into the story.
November 10, 2022
I received an electronic ARC from Dial Books through Edelweiss+.
Tender story of love between a child and a puppy. Moore shares all the ways love is shown between the two. When her mom gets transferred to a new base, they have to leave the dog behind. Readers see the new ways love is shown and the joy when they return to pick up the dog after many months. Powerful message shared at a level for elementary readers. The artwork captures the emotions involved with each activity. Don't miss the author's note at the end. A charming story for families who move and have to leave a pet behind.
Tender story of love between a child and a puppy. Moore shares all the ways love is shown between the two. When her mom gets transferred to a new base, they have to leave the dog behind. Readers see the new ways love is shown and the joy when they return to pick up the dog after many months. Powerful message shared at a level for elementary readers. The artwork captures the emotions involved with each activity. Don't miss the author's note at the end. A charming story for families who move and have to leave a pet behind.
July 27, 2023
“Changes come and changes go. Love through changes makes love grow.”
Absolutely love this book. I can’t even put into words all that I appreciate from this book except to say that it made my heart full and you should read it.
An unassuming, unexpected story of different ways love can look or show up through life changes, big and small. This story follows a military family, a puppy, and new friends. Culturally diverse. SQUEE-level adorable illustrations. Highly highly recommend. It will give you all the feels, and deserves to be on every bookshelf.
Absolutely love this book. I can’t even put into words all that I appreciate from this book except to say that it made my heart full and you should read it.
An unassuming, unexpected story of different ways love can look or show up through life changes, big and small. This story follows a military family, a puppy, and new friends. Culturally diverse. SQUEE-level adorable illustrations. Highly highly recommend. It will give you all the feels, and deserves to be on every bookshelf.
August 3, 2023
What a tender and beautiful book! Gentle text and illustrations invite readers into a touching story about the changes that the main character faces as she learns to love and also, let go. Lyrical rhyming text enhances the story line with thoughtful phrases that caused me to pause and ponder. The author's note in the back shares the personal experience that inspired the story and opened my eyes to a perspective I never thought of before: how military families have to sometimes leave pets behind when their assignment changes. Beautiful story! Highly recommend.
August 12, 2022
This is a sweet, sweet story of love between a girl and her pup. Sometimes the changes in life are
not welcome, but we grow and learn to love more through them. This is what I saw in this story. Having had my husband in the military I can relate to the author's message. The ending is satisfying. This is a heartwarming story, not just for military families, but for anyone with a beloved pet or who just enjoys a good book. Lest I forget, the art is beautifully illustrated-delightful.
not welcome, but we grow and learn to love more through them. This is what I saw in this story. Having had my husband in the military I can relate to the author's message. The ending is satisfying. This is a heartwarming story, not just for military families, but for anyone with a beloved pet or who just enjoys a good book. Lest I forget, the art is beautifully illustrated-delightful.
February 5, 2023
Sometimes Love is a heartwarming story about a girl who has to say goodbye to her much loved dog. Told in lyrical rhyme, this story will be sure to move you to tears. At least it did for me. As a teacher I am always looking for high quality literature that has a message my students can relate to. This story does that. Even if you have not had to say goodbye to a pet, this story teaches us about change and how to heal from tough experiences.
July 15, 2024
Sometimes Love is a touching story about letting go. A young girl and her faithful puppy must part when her military family is assigned to a new location. The girl learns to stay strong when leaving a loved one and how to make new friendships. The adorable illustrations perfectly complement the poignant, rhyming words. I enjoyed seeing the depiction of the military family, but the story's lessons apply to readers of all backgrounds. This book is a great addition to home and school libraries.
July 30, 2022
The rhyming is a bit stilted, but I still really liked this story of a little girl who has to give up her beloved dog when her mother is transferred overseas. It turns out that there really are organizations that care for the pets of military families in need, and this book is best when the family returns and the girl is reunited with her pet. Overall a slight but sweet effort.
August 3, 2022
I loved this story! It’s both happy and heartbreaking and holds so much truth. The rhyme is gentle and perfect and leaves room for soft illustrations to complete the story. My heart hurt for the main character when she had to leave behind her pet but the author’s gentle reassurance is comforting throughout. The authors note at the end adds a lovely personal touch to the story.
October 30, 2022
In fewer than 200 words, author Katrina Moore weaves rhyming iambic couplets into a poignant story about a military family who must leave their beloved dog behind. My favorite couplet is “Soft, yet strong, like hummingbirds, love requires little words,” because it rhymes a three-syllable word with a monosyllabic word (rather than the much easier task of rhyming just monosyllabic words). Neither the dog or the child main character are named, so it’s easy for the reader to insert themself and their dog into the story and imagine what the little girl in the book must be experiencing. This dog-lover started crying about halfway through her first read. Moore’s spare text leaves plenty of room for Joy Hwang Ruiz’s beautiful and emotive illustrations to carry the story, which they do beautifully.
February 3, 2023
This is a very sweet story of love, and coping with changes. The rhyming language is perfectly paced. The nuanced, muted illustrations help tell the story in the way that quality picture books do so well – by adding to the written language with visual language to create a work that is more than the sum of its parts.
March 9, 2023
What a heartwarming message: “Changes come and changes go. Love through changes makes love grow.” Though a bit too sparse at times, this lyrical rhyming story describes how a military family deals with changes forced upon them by deployment, such as moving to a foreign country and leaving behind beloved pets and friends. Colorful, full-panel illustrations engage readers in this family’s emotional ups and downs.
April 25, 2023
Such a beautiful book. Anyone who has ever had a dog-sized hole in their heart can relate. I love how the author shared her inspiration for the book and how she crafted a story that had a happy ending even though the family had to go through some sadness and loss. This book is so very touching and the rhyme is gorgeously done. Lovely book.
July 13, 2023
SOMETMES LOVE is a touching story beautifully written by Katrina Moore and illustrated by Joy Hwang Ruiz. Readers will sympathize with the protagonist’s situation when she is forced to leave behind a beloved dog. Love flows throughout this story and is the binding force in happy times and sad times.
February 1, 2024
The author’s note really brings this story together. Based on the non-profit dogs on deployment. I love how the illustrations include a mom in the military— as a kid with both parents in the military— it’s nice to see a mom represented! I also love the parallel angle of the dog leaving and the mom leaving, but everyone coming back together in the end. The text itself is sparse yet packs a punch.
July 12, 2022
2 sentence review: What a gorgeously lyrical picture book that covers all the ways we love pets and what we do for them because of this love. The illustrations match the ebb and flow of the emotions the author conveys, and the backmatter is especially appreciated.
August 20, 2022
When a family gets a dog and loves it but must leave it. This story tells the story of a family's move due to military service and they leave their family pet behind. But when they return from duty they retrieve the dog and become a family again.
November 7, 2022
Great book. The author clearly understands dogs and kids' relationships with dogs. Also does a wonderful job informing readers of a program they probably don't know exists. I sure didn't know!
We checked this book out from the library, but it is destined for our bookshelves. :-)
We checked this book out from the library, but it is destined for our bookshelves. :-)
February 6, 2023
The amount of information I have learned through reading children's books is insane. This book taught me all about a situation that I didn't even think about existing; military families having to leave behind a pet. There is an organization that helps with this called Dogs on Deployment.
February 22, 2023
Very sweet story about a girl who has to be separated from her dog while her family moves for military service. Lovely way to show a personal side of what military families sacrifice to serve our country, and the heartfelt ending is beautiful!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews