Hugsy Brightheart and The Missing Star

  • When Daisy was just 3 years old, she faced a loss no child should have to bear — her daddy went to heaven. Since then, she’s been navigating grief in her own brave way.

    Daisy’s book is 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”.

    © 2025 Natalie Mathison. Hugsy Brightheart is a copyrighted character. All images, stories, and related content are legally protected.