THE CANDLE ACROSS THE BRIDGE
Pearl loved Mama with all her heart, and then some!
When a lonely pug named Pearl Bailey is adopted by a sweet woman she calls "Mama," she discovers what it means to truly be loved. Through years of cuddles, treats, and adventures together, Pearl and Mama build an unbreakable bond.
But time passes, and Pearl's world changes when she finds herself crossing a rainbow into a mysterious new place. There she meets Mr. Tim, who quietly keeps a single candle burning in his window, and a group of animals who become her new friends. While Pearl enjoys her new home, she never stops missing Mama.
The Candle Across the Bridge is a gentle, heartwarming story about the enduring love between pets and their humans, and how that love transcends even the Rainbow Bridge. Through Pearl's journey, readers of all ages will find comfort in knowing that the bonds we share with those we love remain forever unbroken.
Featuring illustrations by Courtney Beth. See more of her work at ArtByCourtneyBeth.com.
A peek inside the story...
Pearl Bailey settled in very quickly at Mama’s house. It was so different from where she lived Before.
Pearl was allowed on all the furniture, to sit or sleep or play. Pearl could spend hours on Mama’s couch, chewing on any of her new toys, without anyone yelling at her. Sometimes she would fall asleep with her toys held between her tiny black paws.
Pearl even had her own pug bed in Mama’s living room. It was just the right size, and so comfy!
Every morning and every night, Mama would put fresh food in her food bowl, and fresh water in her water bowl. All just for Pearl! No more fighting over food!
Mama loved to love Pearl, almost as much as Pearl loved to love Mama. Mama would let her sit in her own comfy chair with her, gently rubbing her ears as Pearl would snore away.
Sometimes Mama would spoil Pearl with treats after supper. Usually, they were special pug treats. Pearl recognized them from Before, though Pearl never got to share those. They were so tasty!
And if Pearl was very, very lucky, sometimes Mama would share people treats! Mama always told Pearl she couldn’t share all the time, because people treats weren’t always good for pugs. And Pearl understood, because she knew Mama would never hurt Pearl.
But people treats were so good! Pearl especially liked the cookies. Sometimes Mama would let Pearl have a tiny piece of cookie. They were very tasty!
At night, Pearl would snuggle close to Mama, especially if it was cold. Pearl loved to press as close as she could to Mama’s back. It was her way of making sure Mama didn’t accidentally roll off the bed.
And the yard! Mama had a huge back yard for Pearl to wander when she needed to potty.
During the summer, she could sit in the sun and feel the warmth on her black fur and watch the grass and the trees blow in the breeze. She could walk around the yard all along the fence. During the winter, the crisp winter wind still tickled her belly as she trotted along.
This was Pearl Bailey’s own little kingdom.
Text and illustrations © T.J. Lindsey. All rights reserved.