Feathers, illustrated and written by myself, is an allegorical novella which facilitates children’s understanding of death and grief, providing a resource for parents or guardians to broach this difficult subject.
The book utilises symbolism and evokes emotion with watercolor illustrations, to ode to teardrops of grief falling down on to the page. Through this medium, it aims to convey complex emotions and provide comfort to young readers navigating loss, fostering dialogue and emotional expression in a gentle, accessible manner.
With the five stages of grief being the running theme throughout the book, with a fichean story structure too, this illustrated, allegorical novella guides children through emotional pain, loss, confusion, anger, solitude and friendship - amongst many other emotions.
The assignment called for a children’s book with an educational focus. I developed a captivating story that intertwined learning with vibrant illustrations. This book was designed to both entertain and educate young readers, fostering curiosity and comprehension. By infusing educational elements into the narrative, the book aimed to inspire an enthusiasm for learning of difficult topics while engaging children with imaginative storytelling.
This book was a very personal project, taking myself back to my first experience of death of the beloved dappled Rafiki, (Swahili for ‘friend’) whom this book is dedicated to. My hooved friend was a horse who changed colours with the seasons and was covered in dappled spots, hence the running theme of chanigng colours and teadrop splatters.
Creating a final message of the thought that he, and all of our loved ones who we have lost, will always be there in spirit, leaving signs such as feathers, is something I really wanted children to find comfort in, as I have done.