After choosing the topic of grief support, I began my research on the proper handling of children. I engaged in extensive discussions with social educators, teachers, and students from HAWK Hildesheim, receiving abundant teaching materials.

From my findings, I derived a story about beetles embarking on a journey of understanding. This allows children and external readers to witness and experience the lessons that accompany the grieving process.

To develop my characters and settings, I created rough sketches. To further involve readers and viewers in Mottilda's grieving process, I opted for a white frame that is intentionally broken at times by various elements.

Sometimes it´s grass, crystals or Mottilda herself. The reader will feel included and will have a more personal feel to it.

The story is about Mottilda, a grieving moth, on a journey through the forest encountering various adventures. With the help of friends like Glühbert, a firefly family, and other forest inhabitants, she experiences emotional highs and lows. Glühbert reveals that he is getting old and weak, embarking on a final journey. 

The story concludes with Glühbert's farewell, surrounded by love and memories. Mottilda and her friends stick together, feeling strong as Glühbert lives on in their hearts.

These are Mottina and Glühbert. They have just returned from one of their many adventures. Mottina is very excited and chattering away about how great this excursion was. Glühbert, on the other hand, looks very exhausted. Odd. He used to complete adventures without any problems.

The two friends settle into their hammock, relieved. While Mottina continues to rave about the day and their favorite shared memories, Glühbert is completely silent. He seems lost in his thoughts. When Mottina notices this, she asks Glühbert what's troubling him. Glühbert has indeed been feeling strange for a few days. He gathers all his courage and explains to Mottina what is going on. „You know, Mottina,“ says Glühbert, „when fireflies get old, it can happen that we are not as agile as before. It's sometimes the case with grandmas and grandpas too. We become slower, not as strong, or very, very tired. Sometimes we even start to forget things or become confused.“

As Glühbert says this, Mottina notices that Glühbert has indeed become more forgetful and gets out of breath faster during their hikes. „I realize that my strength is no longer sufficient to accompany you on another adventure. However, I still have one last journey ahead, which will take me to my loved ones.“ Glühbert looks up at the brightly shining night sky. Mottina is confused. Glühbert is about to embark on an adventure without her?

Mottina asks Glühbert, „When will you leave then?“ Glühbert explains, „When one embarks on this last journey, no one knows. Somehow you just feel it when the time comes. Some, however, are suddenly sent on the journey.“ „And when will you come back?“ „I won't come back. This journey takes me to a place from which one does not return. Once you arrive, you stay there.“ Mottina becomes very sad. „Don't be sad. Someday, you will embark on the journey too, and we will meet again. Once you are with me, we will not be separated anymore.“

They sit quietly for a moment. This reminds Mottina of the time when Glühbert and she got stuck together while indulging in honey and couldn't be separated. With this last cheerful thought, Mottina falls asleep. Glühbert peeks over at her and whispers her name, but Mottina is already fast asleep.

Then Glühbert slips out of his blanket, hops out of his hammock, and sets off on his final journey.

When Mottina woke up, she was all alone. She called for Glühbert, but there was no response. That's when Mottina started pondering: „Maybe Glühbert has already embarked on his journey. Or should I follow him?“ So, she decided to set out in search of Glühbert. But where should Mottina begin her search? It would be best to fly first to Glühbert's family and head towards the City of Lights. Glühbert's hometown earned its name because the city, made up of lanterns, is brightly illuminated day and night by fireflies and lantern houses.

Mottina took out her map and tried to get an overview. „The journey is longer than I thought,“ she said to herself. Nevertheless, she sought out the fastest route to reach Glühbert's family. She flew for a while until she reached a massive lake. The water was rough, and the wind was strong. However, flying to the other side of the lake seemed impossible. In that moment, a little bee named Sabiene approached Mottina. „Do you also want to get to the other side of the lake?“ Sabiene asked. „Yes, but the wind is too strong. Do you know how we can make it across?“ „Oh yes. Over there is my boat. I can't row it across alone, but if we take turns, you're welcome to come with me!“

What fantastic news for Mottina! She accepted the offer, and together they set off towards the wooden boat. They boarded and quickly prepared to set sail. As agreed, the two took turns rowing at regular intervals. They made good progress and had already covered half the distance across the lake when they started talking about their adventures. Sabiene shared stories of her numerous solo sea adventures, captivating Mottina. Sabiene had experienced so much, all on her own! It made Mottina sad as she thought about Glühbert being gone and her potential future solo journeys. However, Sabiene's tales of her daring adventures made Mottina realize that navigating alone could also be manageable and enjoyable.

When Sabiene and Mottina arrived on the other side of the lake, Sabiene wished her good luck in her further search, and the two parted ways. Sabiene secured her boat and flew away. Sabiene's stories helped Mottina come to terms with the idea of potentially traveling alone in the future. However, the next task at hand was to find Glühbert, so Mottina set off again.

After some time, she passed by one of her favorite spots, the Light Cave. Mottina had never dared to fly into it. The mere thought of the dark, damp cave gave most forest dwellers goosebumps. „Oh, if only Glühbert were here,“ thought Mottina. But now, the little moth had to go through it alone; there was no way around it. With the thought of her best friend in mind, she gathered all her courage and flew in. The deeper she flew into the cave, the darker and more eerie it became.

Then, she remembered the last time she and Glühbert were here together. Even with both of them, the cave was scary enough, but without Glühbert, it seemed even darker. WAIT! The last time they were here together, Glühbert made Mottina laugh so much that the cave seemed to light up on its own. It wasn't solely thanks to Glühbert; unfortunately, Mottina couldn't make herself laugh alone, and the crystals couldn't light up. However, as Mottina thought of Glühbert and simultaneously recalled the light they produced together, she began to grin. Through beautiful thoughts and memories, she started to laugh more and more, brightening the cave even more. When it was almost completely illuminated, Mottina remembered again why this was one of her favorite places.

Everything around her began to sparkle and shimmer. What couldn't be seen in the darkness were the numerous glowing crystals and sparkling gemstones. Laughter charged the crystals with beautiful emotions and positive energy, creating a beautiful and magical atmosphere. It was no longer scary. Even the path was more visible through the light of the crystals, and the exit of the cave was much closer than originally thought. Although Glühbert wasn't there, he had helped Mottina out of a tough situation once again. It seemed that Glühbert had not truly left her, as he was still in Mottina's thoughts.

As Mottina reached the exit of the cave, she noticed that it was starting to dusk outside. As a precaution, she took one of the glowing crystals with her.

After Mottina passed through the cave exit, she noticed a beaten path. Following it, she ended up at a party. However, this celebration was far from cheerful. Evidently, it was the birthday party of Mario the ladybug, who sat sadly with his party guests around the table.

Surprised, Mottina asked, „Hello, Mario. The decorations here are amazing! But why do you all look so sad?“ Mario replied, „When it was still bright, we had fantastic lighting for the dance floor through the rays. Now, in the dark, it's hard to move without bumping into each other.“ Then, an idea struck Mario, „But if you're here, Glühbert can't be far away!“ Mottina remembered how Glühbert once saved the summer festival by using his light as a party light. Since she didn't know where Glühbert might be, he couldn't save this party with his light. So, another solution was needed.

Mottina recalled the crystal she brought from the cave exit and pulled it out of her pouch, handing it to Mario. „Here, please! This is my gift for you,“ Mottina said to the ladybug. But before Mario could examine the gift, the crystal slipped from his hand and shattered into a thousand pieces. „Oh, Mottina. I'm incredibly sorry! That was such a beautiful crystal.“ Mottina thought for a moment and picked up the broken pieces.

Shortly after, the shards adorned the entire party. However, the darkness problem wasn't solved. Mottina then urged the band to continue playing music. She got everyone to bring back the good vibes and start dancing. Laughter filled the air, and the crystals unleashed their secret power. They radiated brightly, enlivening the entire party.

„Thank you, Mottina! You saved my birthday party and illuminated it in your very own way. Light is within each of us; one just needs to know how to bring it out from oneself and others!“ said Mario cheerfully. „You shine just like Glühbert, but in your very own moth way.“

Mottina spent a short time at the party before continuing on her journey.

Mottina encounters Glühbert's family and asks for help in finding him. The family leads Mottina to a secluded spot where Glühbert sits, gazing thoughtfully into the distance.

Mottina is overjoyed but senses that something is amiss. She approaches cautiously and says, „Glühbert, I came here because I've been looking for you. Why are you alone here?“

Glühbert looks up and smiles gently at his friend, „Oh, Mottina. I have an important decision to make that will influence my journey.“

Confused, Mottina asks, „What decision? I don't understand, Glühbert.“

With a hint of melancholy, Glühbert responds, „It's hard to explain, but there are moments in life when we must evolve. It's time for me to embark on a new stage of my journey.“

Confused and saddened, Mottina asks, „But where are you going? Why do you have to leave?“

Lovingly, Glühbert explains, „Sometimes we must bid farewell to grow and change. My journey leads me to new adventures, and even though it's difficult, I must walk this path alone.“

With tears in her eyes, Mottina says, „It's hard for me to understand. I don't want you to go.“

Glühbert smiles and consoles her, „I will always be in your heart. Our memories and the connection we share will endure, no matter where my journey takes me.“

„I will miss you, Glühbert.“

Glühbert smiles gently and replies, „And I will always watch over you and accompany you in your own adventures. Be brave, Mottina, and never forget the light you carry within.“

The two embrace gently before Glühbert sets off, leaving Mottina behind with a sense of loss but also the realization that Glühbert's words and their bond will live on. Mottina spends the last days with Glühbert and his family. Everyone knows that Glühbert will soon embark on a special journey. They sit together, sharing funny stories of the adventures they've had. They laugh and reminisce about the beautiful times and great qualities of Glühbert.

Glühbert gradually weakens, but his light is still warm and gentle. Mottina and the firefly family are sad, but they encourage each other, remembering how happy Glühbert made them.

As Glühbert rests, his light shines brightly one last time. Then it becomes quieter, colder, and still. Mottina and the others hold hands, surrounded by love and memories of Glühbert.

They tell themselves that Glühbert is now on a special journey. Although they are sad, they know that his positive feelings and memories will always remain with them. They stick together and feel strong because they know Glühbert will always be in their hearts.

In addiion to the Illustrations itself, we were supposed to develop a pattern and think about merchandise articles. 

The pattern includes the blue flowers which mean home to Glühbert and Mottina and the lights, that are on the last page (Glühberts relatives).

Possible merch could be a childrens tipi to grief, get rest and read the book or tissues to wipe the tears.