Kiki is in a very bad mood and it shows. She's acting out toward all her friends. Howard wonders why, and finds out Kiki's puppy had died. As he and his friends brainstorm ideas to help Kiki feel better, Howard suggests they ask Kiki herself. Good thing they do, because Kiki wants something no one had suggested... she just wants to be left alone.

When something breaks, stops working, or dies, children can get very sad or mad. They are troubled by this pent-up negative energy and may begin to act out. Other children don't always understand the grieving process and may get unnecessarily angry at the child who is suffering. Howard B. Wigglebottom Listens to a Friend explores some of the emotions involved in grieving and gives good advice on how to be a kind and understanding friend.