A true story about courage, resilience and discovering that being different doesn’t mean being less.
Freddie – A Life on Three Legs is inspired by the true story of our family cat, Freddie, whose life changed dramatically after an accident left him with only three legs.
But Freddie wasn’t interested in feeling sorry for himself.
He adapted, learned to do things differently and carried on enjoying life with the same determination — and personality — he’d always had.
Meet the real Freddie
Freddie wasn’t a character I invented. He was very real, and very much part of our family.
After losing one of his legs, there were inevitably things he had to learn to do differently. What struck me was how naturally he seemed to accept his new life. He didn’t think of himself as disabled or different. He simply got on with being Freddie.
That became the inspiration for the book.
His story isn’t really about losing a leg. It’s about what happens afterwards.
It’s about adapting when life doesn’t go according to plan, accepting what makes us different, and discovering that a setback doesn’t have to define who we are.
The book
Told with warmth and humour, Freddie – A Life on Three Legs allows Freddie to tell his own story.
Young readers follow him through the accident that changes his life and the challenges that follow, but also discover the confidence, curiosity and determination that make Freddie who he is.
At its heart, it’s a story about resilience, courage, kindness, acceptance and believing in yourself.
More than a story about a cat
Although Freddie’s experience is unique, the ideas behind his story aren’t.
Children experience change in many different ways. They encounter disability and difference in themselves and others. They face setbacks, uncertainty and moments when something that once seemed easy suddenly becomes difficult.
Freddie provides a gentle way to begin conversations about those experiences.
Rather than telling children what resilience means, his story shows them.
For parents, teachers and schools
Freddie – A Life on Three Legs can be enjoyed simply as a story, but it can also be used to explore subjects including:
- disability and difference
- resilience and adapting to change
- empathy and kindness
- perseverance
- self-acceptance and confidence
A Teacher & Classroom Resource Pack is also available, with discussion ideas and activities designed to help teachers use Freddie’s story as a starting point for conversations in the classroom.
Freddie’s legacy
Freddie’s story began with something terrible happening to an ordinary family cat.
What came afterwards was much more important.
He adapted. He carried on. And he reminded us that losing something doesn’t necessarily mean losing who you are.
Freddie may have lived on three legs, but he never lived three-quarters of a life.
