Dog Heaven by Cynthia Rylant

Dog Heaven by Cynthia Rylant

The legendary Cynthia Rylant illustrated this picture book herself using acrylics.  The illustration style she uses mimics that of a "child" artist. Her use of basic shapes and simplistic, solid color  signify the "innocence" of her targeted audience- young children.  The "un-blended" colors chosen in this book reflect the "un-tainted" minds of children, which is what the morale of this book caters to. 

Rylant uses both text and illustration to tell her story. The text on each page coincides with the placement of her painting.  The repetitive words, "He gives them fields. Fields and fields and field" physically flow with the natural steepness of the curves on the green hill. This style is used throughout the book. Other text is placed in a pond, amongst white ducklings, in clouds, around a circular moon, and underneath steps.  Rylant uses this technique to create balance and stability among her words and illustrations. 

The book as a whole creates a safe, comforting and reassuring  place for children to turn to while mourning over the loss of a pet. The angels who "watch over" and care for the dogs in "dog heaven" appear loving, kind, strong, and playful. "God" is presented as an elderly gentleman with a sense of humor who gives out special treats, provides fluffy clouds for the dogs to sleep on while watching over them.  Homeless dogs have homes with loving new owners (the angels), every dog has plenty of food and friends to play with, and are even allowed to return to their previous owner in spirit to pay a visit.  Every dog becomes a good dog in Dog Heaven."

Rylant has beautifully addressed a difficult subject to write about through her gift of sensitivity and her soothing, reassuring voice.