Does the dog die at the end?

No. This isn't Old Yeller or Where the Red Fern Grows. Leo is the source of comfort and joy throughout the book, and he is very much alive and well at the end.

Is it too depressing for a 7-year-old?

Not at all. While it deals with the death of a mother, the tone is gentle and often funny. It focuses more on Annie Rose's current life and her bond with Leo than on the trauma of the past.

Do I need to read 'The Heart of a Dog' first?

You don't. This book stands perfectly well on its own. It quickly establishes who Annie Rose is and how she got Leo, so your kid won't feel lost.

What is the reading level like?

It's a standard middle-grade chapter book. The vocabulary is accessible for most 3rd graders, and the letter format provides natural breaking points that prevent the text from feeling like a 'wall of words.'

Letters to Leo – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Letters to Leo

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2012

92%

WISE Score

Annie Rose finally gets her dog, Leo, and uses a notebook to tell him everything she can't quite say to the humans in her life.

Letters to Leo

book

2012

92%

WISE Score

Annie Rose finally gets her dog, Leo, and uses a notebook to tell him everything she can't quite say to the humans in her life.

Jump to

Where to Read

Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased. Screenwise is a Bookshop.org affiliate and an Amazon Associate, so if you buy a book through one of our links, we may earn a commission. Bookshop.org purchases also support independent bookstores.

Screenwise Verdict

Letters to Leo is a gem for kids who are starting to realize that life can be both sad and funny at the same time. It avoids the 'after-school special' vibe by keeping the focus on the dog and the small, relatable details of fourth-grade life.

It’s a quick read, but it sticks with you. If you have a kid who loves animals and is ready for a story with a bit more emotional meat on its bones, this is a top-tier pick.

Age Fit

Perfect for 7 to 10-year-olds. It’s a great 'read-to-me' book for younger kids in that range and a solid independent read for 3rd and 4th graders.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It handles the heavy reality of a mother's death with a gentle, everyday tone. The relationship between Annie Rose and her father is supportive and grounded.

Imaginative

The epistolary format—writing letters to a dog—encourages kids to think about how they frame their own internal stories and feelings.

Safe

No content red flags here. The primary 'danger' is emotional weight, but it's presented in a way that feels safe and manageable for the target age group.

Enriching

Excellent for building empathy and emotional literacy. It models how to process grief without being a 'misery book.'

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Masterful tone that manages to be funny and light even while dealing with the permanent absence of a parent.
The short, letter-based chapters make it a perfect bridge for kids moving into middle-grade fiction who still want manageable chunks of text.
It captures the specific magic of a first pet and how animals often become the primary emotional outlet for kids.
Models a healthy, communicative father-daughter dynamic that isn't perfect but is deeply loving.

⚠

What to Watch For

The central premise is grief. If your kid is currently processing a recent loss, this might be a very 'close to home' read that requires some co-reading or discussion.
It's a quieter, character-driven story. If your kid only wants high-stakes fantasy or slapstick humor, they might find the pacing a bit slow.

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think it's sometimes easier for Annie Rose to tell Leo things than to tell her dad?"
"If you were writing letters to a pet, what's the first thing you'd want to explain to them about your day?"
"Annie Rose misses her mom but still finds things to laugh about. Does that change how you think about being sad?"

Deep Dive

Amy Hest has a knack for writing about the 'big' feelings of childhood without making them feel overwhelming or adult-engineered. Letters to Leo is technically a sequel to The Heart of a Dog, but you don't need to have read the first one to get exactly what's happening here.

The book works because it respects the protagonist's intelligence. Annie Rose isn't just 'sad'; she's navigating the weirdness of a dad who is trying his best, friends who don't always know what to say, and the pure, uncomplicated joy of finally owning a dog. The letter format is a brilliant choice for this age group—it feels private and honest, like you're being let into a secret.

For parents, it's a relief to find a book about loss that doesn't feel like a chore to get through. It’s genuinely charming. If your kid is a fan of Beverly Cleary or Sara Pennypacker, this will land right in their strike zone. It’s also a great stealth-starter for kids who might want to try journaling but don't know where to begin.

What Parents Ask

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

Writing about Letters to Leo? Put this WISE score on your site