A tender tribute, the late Tomie dePaola’s Where Are You, Bronte? is brought to life by Barbara McClintock, whose illustrations vividly complement dePaola’s heartfelt text. Written in memory of dePaola’s beloved dog, Bronte, the book centers on the feeling of profound loss after his companion’s death. The repeated refrain, “Where Are You, Bronte?” frames the story and becomes a touching echo of dePaola’s grief, expressing the weight of his sorrow and longing.
The picture book unfolds in a series of short vignettes capturing key moments from dePaola’s life with Bronte. From the memorable day Bronte first arrived, flying to dePaola “on an airplane from Chicago,” to their simple, quiet days spent together—walking, watching the sunrise and enjoying the ordinary joys of companionship—the text beautifully conveys the depth of their bond. We see Bronte’s gradual aging, which elicits dePaola’s concern. Despite his eventual blindness, Bronte continues to navigate his world with resilience, still finding his beds, water bowl and favorite toy.
When Bronte passes away, the text subtly acknowledges the loss with a simple, yet profound line: “The day you left me, I knew I would miss you.” McClintock poignantly illustrates dePaola’s grief through his gazing at an empty dog bed, Bronte’s pink collar and a favorite toy. Yet, the story closes on a note of hope and love, as dePaola finds comfort in a rainbow reminding him that Bronte is “still with me, in my heart forever.”
McClintock’s illustrations are a masterful tribute to dePaola’s legacy, blending her own style with his iconic use of clean lines and vibrant palettes. Notably, she divides the story into panels similar to those dePaola often used, accelerating the narrative’s pace while capturing the beauty of each moment. In one panel, a celebratory feast features some of dePaola’s beloved characters, reinforcing the idea that Where Are You, Bronte? is not only a tribute to a pet, but also McClintock’s reverent homage to dePaola’s life and artistry.