Hugsy Brightheart and the Missing Star - Softcover

Mathison, D.B; Mathison, Natalie; Mathison, Daisy

Softcover

ISBN 13: 9798286160624

Publisher: Independently published, 2025

Synopsis

A gentle story of love, loss, and finding light after goodbye – written by a child, for other children.

Whether you’re supporting your own child, a friend’s family, or working with children professionally — we see you. Grief is hard. And helping children through it is even harder.

This book was lovingly written by 9-year-old Daisy Blu Mathison, who lost her daddy, Daley, in a tragic racing accident when she was just 3 years old. Now, Daisy wants to help other children like her — children who are hurting, confused, or don’t know how to explain what they feel. So together with her mum, she created this story.

A book from a child who truly understands, for other children walking the same path.

What’s it about?
In the heart of Fairfield Forest lives Hugsy Brightheart, a magical bear whose belly glows with the colours of love, courage, and healing. But when his best friend — a wise old star named Lumi — disappears into the sky, Hugsy’s heart feels heavy.

This gentle, beautifully illustrated story follows Hugsy’s journey through sadness, memory, friendship and hope — helping children explore big feelings in a soft, safe way.

Why this book matters: This is not just a book about grief. It’s a message from one child to another.

With warmth, compassion, and understanding, this book helps children:

• Understand that it’s okay to feel sad, angry or confused.
• Realise they’re not alone, even if it feels like it.
• Know that love doesn’t end — it changes shape.
• Begin to talk about their feelings, with a grown-up they trust.
• Find comfort in memories, stories, and cuddles.
• Feel seen, supported, and understood — especially during hard days.

As seen on BBC and featured on national radio.
Daisy’s story is touching hearts across the UK — featured by BBC News, BBC Radio, and supported by grief organisations and schools. Her mission is simple: “To help one little heart at a time feel a little less lost.”

Daisy wrote this book with the hope to help:

• Children lost in the world of grief.
• Families navigating grief or bereavement.
• Grandparents, godparents, friends or neighbours supporting a grieving child.
• Schools, teachers, child therapists and counsellors.
• Hospices, charities, foster care and mental health services.
• Anyone who wants to say “I’m here, and you’re not alone".

Edition details

• Publisher: Independently published
• Publication date: 2025
• Language: English
• ISBN 13: 9798286160624
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 28