Henry Carter Hull

A boy grieves for his dead pet Mousie, helps to bury him, and begins to come to terms with his loss.

When his mother dies, a little boy is angry at his loss but does everything he can to hold onto the memory of her scent, her voice, and the special things she did for him, even as he tries to help his father and grandmother cope.

While still grieving for her mother and unable to accept her stepmother, a girl clings to the memories represented by forty-three buttons on a string.

After his mother explains why his classmate is not returning to school, she teaches Chester Raccoon how to make a memory.

Elba carries the black block of grief and sadness wherever she goes--until Norris comes along and helps her to let go of the block and enjoy life again.