Here Comes Bella
Here Comes Bella is a heartfelt picture book about love, loss, and the healing power of new friendship. Liam, a cheerful little boy, adores his Dachshund, Lola. They share endless days of fun and laughter—playing fetch, snuggling close, and sharing special moments. But when Lola grows old and passes away, Liam’s world suddenly feels quiet and empty without his best friend. He misses her wagging tail, her gentle cuddles, and the warmth she brought to every day. Then, one afternoon, a tiny Chihuahua named Bella peeks through the fence, curious and full of life. At first, Liam isn’t sure his heart is ready, but Bella’s playful spirit begins to fill the empty spaces, showing him that love can return in new and unexpected ways.
Tender and reassuring, Here Comes Bella helps children navigate grief and change, leaving readers with a sense of comfort, hope, and the enduring nature of love.
Read more in our article Dog Crawls Under Fence To Visit Neighbors Looking For Love And Affection
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Description
Review
“Here Comes Bella is a gentle reminder that grief and joy can exist together, offering children and families a comforting path through the heartbreak of losing a beloved pet.” — Tanner Roth, Founder of Tails That Touch
“A deeply moving story about grief, hope, and the surprising ways healing arrives: sometimes on four tiny paws that wiggle under a fence and into your heart.” — Dr. Shannon Klepper, DVM
“I connected with this story deeply. Working in the veterinary field, I see every day how animals become family, best friends, and healers. Sometimes love arrives exactly when we need it most: in the form of paw prints.” — Julie Ward, Veterinary Hospital Manager
“A beautifully written and illustrated picture book, Here Comes Bella sweetly embodies the bond between a boy and his dog and demonstrates the value of fully experiencing grief with the support of parental nurturing. This is an excellent book for helping children recognize and accept emotions as a pathway for healing, recovery, and new friendships.” — Ellen E. Elliot, PhD, Grief and Trauma Specialist
“Here Comes Bella by Seth Karnes moved me in a quiet, gentle way. I appreciated that Liam’s grief isn’t rushed or quickly “fixed.” Instead, the story shows that love remains and that a new friend can help ease the pain. For children who are grieving, this book is a comforting tool for starting conversations about loss at home. Nadica Zlatkova’s soft, expressive artwork wraps the story in warmth through its gentle color palette. This is a good book for those searching for a heartfelt, pet-centered story that handles tough feelings with hope and honesty.” — 5-Star Readers’ Favorite Review
About the Author
Seth Karnes is a lifelong dog lover, storyteller, and believer in the quiet miracles of the heart. Drawing from his own experiences of loss and the unspoken bond between children and their pets, he wrote “Here Comes Bella” to help young readers navigate the ache of grief and the gentle promise of healing. His debut picture book reflects his deep belief that love, once given, always makes room for love again. When he’s not weaving tales of hope and new beginnings, Seth can be found wandering familiar paths, listening for the echo of paws that once ran beside him, and watching for the next small wonder just beyond the fence.
