The Hustler's Digest StaffSomething magical happens when a storyteller forms a genuine connection with young minds. It’s in these moments of storytelling that children’s authors like Molly Arbuthnott find their purpose and create narratives that resonate with young hearts.
A Year of Discovery and Reinvention
Hailing from Scotland, Molly has always been a creative person. She taught in various corners of the world, including Kenya and Italy. While her experiences were enriching, they weren’t without challenges. In London, the fast-paced life and unfriendliness of the city led to a period of depression, loneliness, and health issues.
She underwent a major surgery, which was a traumatic experience. To cope, Molly turned to swimming, excessive swimming. Her early return to work added to her struggles. It caused extreme challenges for her, not helped by emotionally and physically challenging circumstances.
“Once you’ve hit rock bottom, the only way to go is up!” Molly took this to heart. A turning point came when her school offered her a year-long paid sabbatical. During this time, she rekindled her passion for writing and began visiting schools to deliver workshops, starting her journey as a storyteller.
With “Oscar the Ferry Cat” (ISBN: 978-1-59079-566-8; $16.99 USD), Molly found her calling and a path to self-discovery. Published by SelectBooks, Inc., it’s set to be released in the US on May 14, 2024.
Following her sabbatical, she decided not to return to teaching. Instead, she pursued a Master’s in children’s literature at Glasgow University.
A Celebration of Life’s Wonders and Lessons
Molly’s stories are a way of making sense of the world and understanding why people act the way they do. Each story is loosely based on family and friends who have played significant roles in her life, told honestly and gently, celebrating the wonders of the world. They promote life lessons such as teamwork, empathy, and moral courage.
A Trail of Awards and Recognition
Molly’s stories have garnered acclaim from prominent figures, including the Royal Family, the principal of St Andrews, Alexander McCall Smith, Dame Judi Dench, and Julie Andrews. The “Oscar and Friends” series has received prestigious awards, including “The Best Cat in Literature” from the British Library, a Blue Peter badge, and a bronze award at the Wishing Shelf Book Awards. It has also been shortlisted for the People’s Book Prize and featured on BBC Alba.
From Stories to Engaging Workshops and Beyond
Today, Molly travels between schools, bookshops, and literary events. She hosts a monthly podcast called “My Favourite Books,” where she shares story ideas. In her spare time, she merges literature with baking in interactive and engaging workshops for children.
These Baking Buddy sessions involve creating sweet and savory dishes while children dress up in costumes related to the dishes being prepared. The culmination is a fun story shared by Molly, creating a memorable and educational experience.
Children’s literature has the power to shape young minds. Molly is a dedicated author, using her unique perspective to inspire, educate, and entertain. Her stories are windows into the hearts of both children and adults, fostering empathy, understanding, and love for the world. Molly Arbuthnott is proof that the gift of storytelling can change lives, one book at a time.
