By Erica Lyons
In The Adventures of Incrediwheels and Triple-S: The Lemonade League, Rebecca Seligson delivers a joyful, purposeful children’s book that naturally weaves representation into the fabric of the story.
This isn’t a story about a boy in a wheelchair. It’s a story about a boy that happens to be in a wheelchair. Incrediwheels, or Zee, is not defined by his wheelchair, nor is the narrative centered on overcoming it. Instead, the wheelchair simply exists alongside his curiosity, compassion, and sense of purpose.
Inspired by her son who was born with Cerebral Palsy, Seligson, an early childhood educator and literacy specialist, understood the power of seeing oneself reflected in books. “When my son was born, I wanted to stock our home with books that would mirror his experiences as a child with a severe disability, but I noticed a massive lack of picture books with disability representation. There were a few informational/non-fiction books, but not so much “fun, want-to-snuggle-in-bed-and-read-a-book” kind of books. I decided that I was going to change that.”
Seligson’s books, now a series, accomplish exactly that:young readers who use wheelchairs will see themselves reflected as capable change makers, while other readers are invited to see wheelchair users not as “other”, but as one of many ways people move through the world. This type of ‘normalization’ is not often seen in children’s books, but at the heart of Seligson’s books is the character of Incrediwheels, a child who uses a wheelchair not as a limitation, but as part of who he is. What unfolds is a story brimming with energy, kindness, and an infectious belief in what children can do when they decide to act. A child-led effort to raise money and give back to help animals is something that will inspire young readers. Incrediwheels and his gang model true cooperation.
The sibling dynamic is also especially well drawn. Rather than serving as helpers or sidekicks, Incrediwheels and Super S are true partners, each contributing ideas, energy, and perspective. Their interactions feel authentic and warm. Their mutual respect is clear. How they work together and allow space for others to join this mission, subtly sends the messages that change is a collective act and that we are always stronger together.
Jewish values are woven into each book, presented in an entirely universal tone. The mitzvah of tzedakah, for example, is never explicitly named as such and emerges organically as the story develops. In this way, Seligson manages to successfully strike a balance between creating an enjoyable children’s story complete with a traditional narrative arc along with a moral purpose. Because the value, in this case tzedakah, is simply part of the characters’ adventure together, the book doesn’t feel preachy or didactic. Young readers aren’t told how to act or how to see the world, the characters model ideals for all of us to live by.
Seligson’s hopeful tone and a sense of infectious joy are infused throughout the narrative. The Adventures of Incrediwheels and Triple-S focuses on what is within reach. It offers a vision of community rooted in care, where small efforts matter.
As Seligson explains, “I hope this book sparks conversations of what different kinds of disabilities are, what different kinds of assistive devices are out there, and I REALLY hope that this brings up the conversation that people with disabilities are not objects of pity – that they can be helpers and leaders too.”
For parents and educators, this book will be one that opens doors to those important conversations around inclusion and disability. For children, it is first and foremost a fun and engaging story filled with heart that will allow them to imagine themselves as capable of superhero-like feats. In today’s complex world, underlying themes of empowerment and positivity are certainly needed.
Ultimately, Seligson’s The Adventures of Incrediwheels and Triple-S: The Lemonade League celebrates community, family, and the power of collective good and kindness. It’s a reminder to us all that it doesn’t actually take superheroes to improve the lives of those around us. We’re all capable. We just need to reimagine the world and remember that the smallest of compassionate sparks is capable of igniting a powerful change.
