Your Light Within
by Karlee J Hall

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What if the brightest light in the world was already shining within you? Join George and his Gram on a joyful adventure to discover the “light within” – the warm, special feeling that comes from being yourself, doing what you love, and sharing kindness with others. As they wander through the neighborhood, George meets friends who brighten their lights in different ways - building, baking, painting, flying kites, reading, and playing. With each joyful moment, George learns that everyone’s light is unique, and that his grows brighter when he shares it with the world. Written by Karlee J Hall, a neuroscience researcher (PhD candidate) and registered Physical Therapist, Your Light Within gently brings science-informed ideas about emotional awareness and nervous system regulation into a child-friendly story. Through George’s journey, children are invited to notice their feelings, nurture self-connection, and celebrate their unique gifts. Created with love, this heartwarming story encourages children to feel grounded in themselves, confident in who they are, and safe to shine. A perfect read-aloud for nurturing self-love and connection, a regulated nervous system, emotional awareness, authentic expression, and a sense of inner calm - reminding us that when we connect with our own inner light, we naturally brighten the world around us.

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Karlee J Hall is a registered physical therapist, neuroscience researcher (PhD candidate), author, and mom. Her academic work explores how emotional state influences the autonomic and somatic nervous systems and how these processes shape postural control. Her research—including a review published in Frontiers in Neurology—examines the connections between emotional state, autonomic nervous system activity, and sensorimotor control. Beyond her research, Karlee is passionate about sharing knowledge about the mind–body connection with healthcare professionals, students, parents, and the broader community. Through workshops, courses, writing, and speaking, she helps others understand how nervous system regulation and heart coherence support healthy movement, well-being, and authentic self-expression. Your Light Within brings Karlee’s science-informed work into a gentle, child-friendly form. She wrote this book to help children—and the adults who care for them—notice their inner experiences, support nervous system regulation, and nurture a strong connection to themselves. Karlee believes that when children learn to stay connected to themselves and trust their inner voice, they develop a powerful foundation for lifelong health and well-being. Learn more at www.karleejhall.com. About the Illustrator Craig is a freelance children’s book illustrator living near beautiful green Seattle. With over 25 years as a children’s book illustrator, he has extensive experience making children’s stories come alive with his art and has illustrated over 35 children’s books.

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Contributors

Author

Karlee J Hall

Illustrator

Craig Orback