How Frederick Found His Light

by Katherine E. McIntyre, Dan Romens (Illustrator)

Frederick was born with a beautiful light inside of him. This was the light of happiness, love and uniqueness. When he was younger he believed in himself and his light shone brightly for all to see. As he grew older something happened. Frederick started to doubt himself and his light started to fade. His light was dimmed by sadness, anger and loneliness. With the support of his parents and his new counselor Mrs. Lily, Frederick is able to see that his beautiful light was within him all along.

This story offers children a unique insight into understanding their depression or that of a family member or friend. Throughout the story, the metaphor of a beautiful light inside of Frederick is used to represent the happiness, uniqueness and self-confidence that we all hope to strive towards in our lives. As Frederick notices his light fading, this once beautiful light is dimmed by feelings of sadness, anger and loneliness. This fading of light is meant to represent how a person with depression feels inside. The story of Frederick gives us all hope that even at our lowest point, if we look hard enough, we will find the light of our true joyful self within us.

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2015

Reviews

[Katherine E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will start by sharing that I am the author of "How Frederick Found His Light". This story came out of a place of grief and deep empathy. In October 2012, I learned that my friend and former classmate lost his battle with depression. When I heard this news, I was deeply saddened. He was married to another classmate of mine. They have two beautiful little girls. I wanted to do something for the family. I thought of all of the resources that I have collected as a therapist, and I couldn’t think of any resources that have been developed for children needing to better understand a family member’s sadness/depression or that of their own. It was then that I decided to write a book in their honor. I contacted Dan Romens, another fellow classmate, and told him about my plan to write a book, and I asked him if he would illustrate it. He agreed.

I hope that our book is able to reach children who need to be reminded that we all have a beautiful light inside of us.

Let your beautiful lights shine!