When Philippa lost her daughter Skye, the world shifted beneath her feet. As she tried to make sense of her grief, she also faced the challenge of helping her surviving daughter, Luna, understand what had happened. Philippa searched for children’s books that spoke honestly and gently about baby loss, yet she found very little that truly reflected what her family was experiencing.
From that need, she created something beautiful.
“Skye & Luna” is a tender story about the unbreakable bond between sisters, one on earth and one held forever in the heart. It gives families a way to talk openly about babies who could not stay, using language and imagery that soften difficult conversations while honouring the depth of a child’s love.
Philippa describes the writing process as both healing and purposeful. It allowed her to keep Skye close while creating something that would help other families find words where there were none. Every page holds that intention.
For this World Book Day article, Philippa has recorded a full reading of her book.
You can learn more and support Philippa and her book ‘Skye & Luna’ via here Crowdfunder Page here.
You can also learn more about Luna’s Light Community & Trust here
Michelle Burridge, writing as Rhian Gwen, also found herself searching for resources that could help children understand the emotional world of grief after the loss of her daughter Gwenllian. She wanted something soothing and accessible, something that made space for a child’s feelings without overwhelming them. When she could not find it, she created it.
Her book “Your Loving Light” is filled with gentle reflections and affirmations designed to help children feel safe, comforted and connected to the person they miss. The dyslexia friendly format ensures that even more children can access its calming guidance.
Michelle writes with a voice that is steady and reassuring, inviting children to explore their feelings without fear. Her book reminds families that grief does not vanish with time. Instead, it becomes something we learn to live alongside, with love as our guide.
Michelle has also recorded a full reading of her book especially for this feature.
You can purchase your copy of Your Loving Light at Waterstones Online or via Amazon
Philippa and Michelle did not set out to be authors. They set out to survive heartbreak, to honour their children, and to hopefully help others do the same. Their books now reach families who might otherwise feel alone in some of life’s hardest moments.
On this World Book Day, we celebrate them—not just as writers, but as mothers who transformed love and loss into powerful stories.
Take a moment today to watch their readings, share their stories, and join us in honouring the little lives that inspired them.
