Bereavement Prompts Brentford Nursery Teacher to Write Book

Cat Rushton's Little Hedgehog and the Moon helps children cope with loss

Cat Rushton with a copy of her book

September 21, 2026

A Brentford nursery teacher with two decades of experience in early years childcare has published her debut children’s picture book.

Created to help young children understand and process the loss of a loved one. Little Hedgehog and the Moon, written by Cat Rushton and earlier published earlier this year, grew out of her own experience of grief following the death of her father. With twenty years of professional practice supporting children in the borough, she found herself reflecting on how difficult bereavement must be for young children who often lack the language or life experience to make sense of such a profound change.

Cat says the idea for the book emerged from a moment of realisation. “As a nursery teacher, I’ve supported children through some of the hardest moments of their lives. But when I lost my dad, I realised that even I was struggling to find words. I knew then that I had to write the book I wished had existed.”

The story uses the moon as a gentle metaphor for continuing connection — always present even when unseen — guiding children aged three to seven from confusion and sadness towards comfort and understanding.

Alongside the book, Cat has produced a free educator’s resource pack designed for parents, teachers and childcare professionals. It includes discussion questions, a reflective creative activity and practical guidance to help adults support children as they navigate bereavement. The aim is to give families and educators a structured, sensitive way to open conversations that can otherwise feel overwhelming.

Little Hedgehog and the Moon is now available through Amazon and other retailers, offering a new tool for families and schools seeking age-appropriate ways to talk about loss.