Squirrel and Oak

M.A.P Healing Arts

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Welcome to Squirrel and Oak: A Story of Hope

Written by Megan Prescott
Illustrated by Megan Prescott and Cheryl Wawzrynowicz

Squirrel and Oak: a Story of Hope is a 28-page softcover book that addresses the stages of grief that follow a traumatic loss. From shock, sadness, to final acceptance, Megan takes the reader through a healing journey that offers hope to anyone of any age. Dedicated to those who have had to say goodbye to someone they love, this inspiring story is currently being used as a powerful tool for grieving families all over the country.

Excerpt: Squirrel and Oak: a Story of Hope

About the Book:
Squirrel and Oak: A Story of Hope is a journey into and through the bereavement process addressing a difficult topic in a gentle and inspiring way. Death can be a challenging experience, especially for children. Squirrel and Oak is a story about the cycles of nature and the changing of forms. It is a story that is relevant and pertinent for anyone at any age who has had to say goodbye to someone they loved.

It was inspired by the author’s real life experience of losing her mother and brother within a month of each other at age 19. The daughter of a high school English teacher, Megan used writing and drawing for the next twenty years to express her feelings about losing her family. This helped prepare her to write Squirrel and Oak, a story that took ten years to complete. She has taken what she learned about the grief process and has made a difficult topic accessible to children.

Ways to order:
(Cost: $12.95 each plus $3.50 shipping- $1.50 shipping for each additional copy)
1. Order directly from Meg for a signed copy

2. Send this information for check orders*

* Please allow two weeks for delivery

3. Amazon

Please feel free to contact Megan with any questions at: meganprescott11@gmail.com

What's been said about Squirrel and Oak:

"Your book is such a wonderful metaphor for finding hope after loss and incorporating continuing bonds into our lives. We appreciate all you do for Open To Hope and for the grieving world. You are an example to all that life does go on after loss."
Heidi Horsley, PsyD, LMSW, MS,Executive Director: Open to Hope Foundation ,CBS Radio Host: The Open To Hope Show,Columbia University: Adjunct Professor

"Death can cut through us like a living buzz saw, but as squirrel discovers in this beautiful book, death isn't final. This is a powerful story for all ages and we guarantee it will take your hand and go by your side through your own journey of death, grief and life."
Joy Johnson, Co-Founder, Centering Corporation and Ted E Bear Hollow, a center for grieving children.

"As a recent widow and mother of two young sons whose father died, I relate so much to this story. As I read it, I feel acceptance of wherever I am in my process of grief. I feel readers of all ages will also feel this. Squirrel and Oak offers hope of moving through grief and coming to acceptance after loss. I love this open-hearted and spiritual book!"
Kathy B., widow and mother

"I found this story to be a powerful catalyst to help process the struggle one goes through when we experience grief and loss. The fragility of life and relationships, such as the one between squirrel and oak, become a transformative power in the realization that the world moves through us as a journey to the infinite life of the spirit. Megan has truly created a story from the heart that gives the gift of peace, love and hope to all children (and adults as well!)."
Diana Boehnert, Coordinator of ART for Healing, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT and Founder of RxART Central

About the Author:

Megan has been teaching art and theater in unique and varied enviroments for nearly 20 years. She is dedicated to creating opportunities for children and adults to express their most difficult emotions through the creative arts. In her book, Squirrel and Oak: a Story of Hope Megan comes full circle in her own grief process and offers it as an inspiration to anyone of any age who has experienced loss or who may be facing death themselves.
These days Megan can be found in Austin, Tx. living with her sweetheart Joshua and their two cats. She is busy painting, writing, and being excited with Squirrel and Oak's debut!

About the Illustrators:

Megan Prescott and Cheryl Wawryzynowicz first met each other in Vermont and then crossed paths again years later in Austin, Texas. Here they decided to collaborate on this very special project and worked as a wonderful team creating the characters and 'feel' of Squirrel and Oak. The illustrations were completed in two distinct mediums to create a visual change as the story moves from the narrator into the dream and back out again. The character of Squirrel is adorable, endearing, and will touch the heart of any child, old or young.

Megan is currently an art instructor at the Austin Museum of Art and is busy scheduling schools and grief centers for author/ illustrator visits. More of Megan's artwork and her interest in the expressive arts can be viewed by clicking on the 'healing arts' button above.