In a world where addressing the topic of addiction can seem daunting and distant for even the most mature adults, Stroudsburg children’s author Rev. Kathleen Lockwood’s latest book tells a compassionate tale that resonates with empathy and inspiration.

She will be signing copies of “The King and The Monster: Let’s Talk About Addiction” Aug. 19, from 1-3 p.m. at the Moravian Store located at 428 Main St. (Other titles by Lockwood include “An Adoption Made in Heaven: Amy Angel Goes Home” and “A Christmas Eve Adventure: Finding the Light of the World.”)

At its heart lies a deeply personal story, the details of which Lockwood, an interfaith minister, shared in a recent telephone interview:

When, after over a decade of being stuck in the “quicksand pit” of addiction, her son was leaving for inpatient rehabilitation, she said her daughter-in-law reached out with a concern: explaining the situation to Lockwood’s 6-year-old granddaughter.

Shortly after, inspiration for the book and its story struck Lockwood like a divine revelation while meditating during a layover in Chicago, she said.

Its characters serve as poignant metaphors, as the “King” and his “Princess” represent her son and granddaughter, respectively. Meanwhile, the “Monster” symbolizes addiction’s insidious grip, and the “Healing Helpers” in the story emerge as compassionate “superheroes.” But perhaps the most personal one is the King’s burdensome “shadow in the heart,” inspired by the lingering effects of a traumatic event experienced by her family.

In 2002, Lockwood was just a few credits away from completing her degree in Theology as a part-time student at Moravian Seminary when her husband Dominick, a well-known Easton-based lawyer, died in a car accident. As a result, she said she believes her son’s “shadow” has been the sudden loss of his father.

Thus, in a society where addiction often carries a heavy stigma, Lockwood said she advocates recognizing the humanity of - rather than condemning - those grappling with it. Acknowledging one’s inherent worth and embracing compassion is essential to the recovery journey, she added.

Ultimately, Lockwood said the book has positively impacted her son (who has been sober for over a year) and granddaughter, who has read it “several times,” and hopes it helps children recognize and avoid the “Monster’s trap,” while better understanding it with compassion and empathy.