a story about a boy and girl that are best friends and the death of their parents

Hutchie and Shell Bella's Special Star

Hutchie wearing glasses and Shell Bella not wearing glasses Holding Hands in a magical garden

In this touching and beautifully illustrated children's book, young readers are invited to join Hutchie and Shell Bella on a heartfelt journey of love, loss, and remembrance.

When Shell Bella notices a new, extra-bright star in the night sky, Hutchie reminds her of his mother's comforting words—that loved ones who have passed away become shining stars watching over us. Together, they embark on a series of adventures, from sharing cherished memories under the old oak tree to planting a magical garden in honor of their parents.
 
As they nurture their garden and their friendship, Hutchie and Shell Bella discover that the love and memories of their parents continue to grow and flourish, providing them with strength and hope. The story gently addresses the theme of grief, offering a message of comfort and the enduring power of love.


A Special Friendship

Hutchie and Shell Bella smiling, holding hands and laying on soft grass looking up at twinkling stars

In a cozy little town, lived a young boy named Hutchie and his best friend, a girl named Shell Bella. Hutchie had curly hair and eyes that sparkled with curiosity. Shell Bella had long, flowing hair and a heart as big as the sky. They loved exploring the world around them, playing games, and sharing stories. 

One night, while they were lying on the soft grass looking up at the twinkling stars, Shell Bella noticed a new, extra-bright star. "Look, Hutchie!" she exclaimed. "I’ve never seen that star before. It’s so shiny!" 

Hutchie looked up and smiled. "Maybe it’s a special star. My mom used to tell me that when someone we love becomes a star, they shine extra bright to watch over us." 

Shell Bella's smile faded a little. "I wish my dad was a star," "He would shine so bright." 

Hutchie gently took Shell Bella's hand. "Maybe he already is. Maybe that new star is your dad saying hello." 

An Unexpected News

Hutchie and Shell Bella having a picnic next to an oak tree

The next day, Hutchie and Shell Bella decided to visit their favorite spot, a big oak tree by the river. They brought a picnic and sat under its shade. "Let’s talk about our favorite memories with our parents," Hutchie suggested. 

Shell Bella's eyes lit up. "I remember when my dad taught me how to ride a bike. He ran beside me and cheered so loud when I didn’t fall. What about you, Hutchie?" 

Hutchie smiled. "I remember baking cookies with my mom. The kitchen always smelled like chocolate and vanilla. She let me mix the dough and sneak chocolate chips."  

They laughed and shared more stories, feeling the warmth of their parents' love in their hearts. They realized that even though their parents were no longer with them, the memories they made together would always be special. 

 

Finding Strength

Hutchie wearing glasses and Shell Bella planting colorful flowers next to a tall sunflower

One sunny afternoon, Hutchie and Shell Bella decided to plant a garden in memory of their parents. "This garden will be our special place to remember them," Hutchie said, holding a packet of sunflower seeds. 

Shell Bella nodded. "Sunflowers always look up to the sun. Just like we look up to the stars." 

They planted flowers of all colors and shapes, each one reminding them of the joy their parents brought into their lives. They watered the plants and took care of the garden, watching it grow and bloom. 

As the garden flourished, so did their hearts. They felt closer to their parents, knowing that the love they shared was still growing, just like the flowers in their magical garden. 

A Mysterious Discovery

Hutchie wearing glasses and Shell Bella with longer hair laying on the grass looking at a very bright star. Hutchie has tears of joy in his eyes

One evening, Hutchie and Shell Bella returned to their favorite star-gazing spot. The new star was shining even brighter. "Look, Hutchie," Shell Bella said softly. "I think our parents are happy. They can see us smiling and remembering them." 

Hutchie nodded, tears of joy in his eyes. "They’ll always be with us, Shell Bella. In our hearts, in our memories, and in the stars." 

As they lay on the grass, they felt a warm breeze, like a gentle hug from their parents. They knew that even though they couldn’t see them, their parents were always there, guiding them and loving them from afar. 

The Secret Message

Hutchie wearing glasses and Shell Bella with no glasses holding Hutchie's hand. Both with huge smiles under the very bright star

Hutchie and Shell Bella made a promise to each other that night. "We’ll always remember our parents," Shell Bella said, holding Hutchie’s hand. "And we’ll keep making new memories to share with them." 

Hutchie nodded. "And we’ll always look up at the stars, knowing they’re watching over us." 

With hearts full of love and hope, Hutchie and Shell Bella continued their adventures, finding joy in the world around them and comfort in the memories of their parents. And every night, when they looked up at the sky, they knew their special star would always be shining bright, just for them. 

A Magical Place

Hutchie is wearing glasses.  Hutchie and Shell Bella hug each other in the center of a heart.

This book is dedicated to my loving husband, Darren "Hutchie" Hutchison.
Darren, your kindness, strength, and unwavering support have been my guiding stars. Your ability to find joy in the simplest moments and your boundless love for our family have inspired every page of this story. Just as Hutchie and Shell Bella find comfort and hope in their memories, I find mine in the countless cherished moments we've shared together.
Through every challenge and every joy, you have shown us what it means to live with grace, courage, and an unbreakable bond of love.
Your spirit, much like the shining star in this story, continues to illuminate our path, bringing comfort and warmth to our hearts. This story of Hutchie and Shell Bella is a small reflection of the love and memories you’ve gifted us.

With all my love,
Your Biggest Fan and Wife
Shelby “Butterfly Love” Hutchison


A New Beginning

Shell Bella and Hutchie are dressed up.  Hutchie is wearing glasses and blowing out the candles on birthday cake. no one else is in the picture