Nature in mind: hidden emotions and grief with author and illustrator Cori Doerrfeld

Finn starts the story in a bad mood, which we learn is because he is grieving the loss of his grandma. What inspired you to tell Finn's story?

The inspiration behind Beneath is tied to when my own grandfather passed away about 10 years ago. I’ll never forget how outwardly everyone processed his death differently. Some people kept very busy and task oriented. Other people stayed in the background, and wanted to be alone.

It really struck me, however, that beneath all these differences, we were all dealing with the same feelings of loss. Then, years later, I remember seeing a quote that read, “Be kind, for you never know what someone else is going through.” It’s a concept we should all be aware of, yet so many seem to struggle with. I wondered if I could write a story that somehow helped people keep that idea closer to the surface.

I know for me, I've always loved the natural world, biology, and learning how animals and plants live. Using nature as a way to connect to inner and outer worlds felt like something kids would understand and enjoy as well.

Can you tell us about a time nature helped your mental wellbeing, like it helped Finn's?

Nature has always been something I’ve turned to when I need to feel happier or more balanced. I used to sit in the woods behind my house growing up whenever I felt overwhelmed. I took my daughter on long walks outside after she was born and I felt alone struggling with postpartum depression.

During the pandemic travelling to Northern Minnesota, where Beneath is set, felt like being reunited with parts of both the world and myself that were still ok. I took many walks around the lake by our home during the darkest parts of the pandemic and seeing the sun set or even getting caught in a downpour of rain truly helped ground me in the present moment and find bits of light.

Is there anyone in your life that has helped you connect with nature, like Finn's Grandpa?

When I was little, my grandma lived on a plot of land with a lake and a little wooded area. She loved to take me swimming in summer, and ice skating in winter. She always made nature feel magical and special. I believe it was these early experiences in nature that helped set it up as a space I still feel drawn to and comforted by.

On the left, an illustration of Grandpa and Finn from Beneath. On the right, a picture of Cori and her grandma, during a summer swim.