Molly Arbuthnott had been a teacher for seven years before turning to writing, and is completing a masters in Children’s literature at Glasgow University. Her ambition was to read a piece of her own work to her class rather than someone else’s. Having lost their family Siamese cat on a ferry a few years before it seemed like a sensible place to start, whilst also providing much needed emotional support for her and her family.
Life experiences from living in different countries helps bring inspiration to her writing. Teaming up with three illustrators, who have helped breath life into her stories; stories which have started to take on a life of their own.
Whilst each story is loosely based on family or friends who have been important in Molly’s life, they also try to tell stories in an honest and gentle way; singing praise to the things we have to celebrate in our world, to counterbalance all the problems we are told about daily.
Teaching children to look out for others, work as a team and not to be afraid of doing the right thing is important. Such lessons might then filter through and be reflected in the way we, as humans, live in the magical world around us.
The stories have emerged into two unique groups; Oscar and his adventures, other animals and African tales.
To spend one’s days doing something you love and something that brings joy to others, and hopefully you too, is the greatest gift in all the world.
