Grief is a common emotion we all experience when we go through a loss. However, how we deal with this complicated feeling can vary from person to person. But what about children? Often, their emotions go unnoticed, and their grief remains unacknowledged.
Molly Arbuthnott, an award-winning Scottish children’s author, provides a safe space for kids’ emotions, addressing their feelings of loss and healing through her celebrated book, “Oscar the Ferry Cat” (ISBN: 978-1-59079-566-8; $16.99 USD). Published by SelectBooks, Inc., it is set to be released in the US on May 14, 2024 and is the first title in a series, “Oscar and Friends”.
The story shows how companionship and understanding can help heal emotional wounds, reflecting Molly’s deep understanding of a child’s grief and the ways it can be overcome.
Capturing the Heartfelt Inspiration
In this poignant exploration of loss, Molly draws from a personal experience that struck a chord with readers of all ages. The picture book draws its inspiration from a true story that happened in April 2014. During that time, Molly and her family went on a vacation from Oban to South Uist, and they brought along their dear cat, Oscar.
Oscar held a special place in Molly’s heart, having been a cherished part of her family for years. The desperate search for the lost feline spanned weeks but ultimately proved fruitless.
Molly translated this emotional journey into an imaginative and touching story, namely “Oscar the Ferry Cat.” In the book, the main character, a cat named Oscar, navigates the complexities of loss, a theme that resonates with young readers worldwide.
The Art of Anthropomorphism: Relating Cat’s Feelings to Children
The beauty of Molly Arbuthnott’s story telling lies in her ability to anthropomorphize the emotions and experiences of her animal characters, in this case, a cat named Oscar.
She emphasizes, “We are all animals at the end of the day—some are just more refined than others.” Through Oscar’s journey, the author subtly highlights the parallel between a cat’s feelings of loss and those of children who often suffer in silence.
This literary technique bridges the gap between children and their animal counterparts, offering young readers an empathetic understanding of emotional challenges and resilience.
Loss Beyond Possessions: The Unnoticed Grief of Children
For children, loss may not always involve tangible possessions; it can extend to a sense of belonging, which often goes unnoticed by adults. We often tend to underestimate how distressing it can be for children to feel unheard and invisible, with their emotional needs frequently overlooked.
Neglecting a child’s emotions can have long-term consequences, potentially leading to complex trauma. The research has revealed that emotionally neglected children may struggle with disconnection from their own feelings and may find it difficult to trust others.
Molly’s work serves as a reminder of the emotional struggles faced by both children and animals, often overlooked and unaddressed. It highlights the importance of recognizing and validating the feelings of those who may suffer in silence. The author’s personal experiences and her innate connection with her young audience have given rise to this beautifully illustrated exploration of loss and healing.
Right after graduating from the University of Yale in 2010 Nicole started working as a freelance journalist and wrote numerous articles regarding the effects of global warming and climate change. She has worked with some of the most renowned environmental publications. Apart from being a columnist, Nicole is also an active campaigner for a climate change.
