The Rough Patch – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Rough Patch

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2018

94%

WISE Score

4.8

Amazon

A fox, a dog, and a very large pumpkin. It’s a masterclass in how to handle the 'big sad' without being cheesy.

The Rough Patch

book

2018

94%

WISE Score

4.8

Amazon

A fox, a dog, and a very large pumpkin. It’s a masterclass in how to handle the 'big sad' without being cheesy.

4.8

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Screenwise Verdict

The Rough Patch is a rare find. It’s a 'sad book' that doesn't feel like a lecture on feelings.

Instead, it’s a beautiful, atmospheric story about a fox named Evan who loses his dog and decides to let his world go to seed. It’s honest about the fact that grief is messy and sometimes makes us want to be a bit of a hermit.

If you’re looking for a way to talk about loss—or if you just want to look at some of the best illustrations in modern picture books—this is a must-own. It’s not 'brain rot' or fluff; it’s the kind of book that stays on the shelf for a decade.

Age Fit

Perfect for ages 4 to 8, but honestly, any adult who has ever lost a best friend will find themselves getting misty-eyed over this one.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It handles the heavy lifting of grief with total honesty. It doesn't skip over the 'ugly' parts of being sad—like wanting to destroy things or being angry—which makes the eventual healing feel earned rather than forced.

Imaginative

Brian Lies uses the garden as a literal and metaphorical landscape for the main character's heart. The way the art shifts from vibrant life to a 'rough patch' of weeds and back again is visually stunning and clever.

Safe

It's a picture book about pet loss. While it's emotionally intense, there's nothing 'unsafe' here. It's exactly the kind of book you want in your toolkit for big life moments.

Enriching

This is top-tier emotional intelligence material. It teaches kids (and parents) that healing isn't a straight line and that it's okay to let things go wild for a bit while you find your footing.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

The artwork is breathtaking—Brian Lies is a master of light and texture.
It validates the anger that often comes with loss, which most kids' books ignore.
The ending is hopeful and sweet without erasing the memory of what was lost.
It's a Caldecott Honor winner, meaning it's officially 'the good stuff' in children's literature.

⚠

What to Watch For

The dog dies on page three. If you're currently dealing with a sick pet, this might be a 'read later' book.
Evan (the fox) gets pretty destructive with his garden in his grief; it's a great talking point but might be surprising for very sensitive kids.

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think Evan wanted to grow weeds instead of beautiful flowers for a while?"
"Have you ever felt so sad that you just wanted to be alone or break something?"
"How did the pumpkin vine help Evan start to feel like himself again?"
"What are some ways we can remember people or pets we miss?"

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