Addy's Chair to Everywhere - by Debi Novotny (Hardcover)

About the Book

Adventures await, wherever friends are! This whimsical picture book celebrates children's imagination and inclusive play.

Book Synopsis

Adventures await, wherever friends are! This whimsical picture book celebrates children's imagination and inclusive play.

Addy worries about making friends, but through her vivid imagination, she draws other children into her play. Together, Addy and her friends create an imaginative world where they can race in chariots, explore the ocean, and travel to space. "Addy steadies her wheels. They strap in for flight. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 . . . WHOOSH!"

Addy's Chair to Everywhere features a disabled main character who uses a wheelchair, allowing readers to see the whole child. The rhythmic, rhyming text engages young readers and highlights the importance of understanding differences and fostering inclusivity.

Review Quotes

"Addy's Chair to Everywhere is a book that will be a mainstay in classrooms throughout our community. Through its words and illustrations, it shows the strength and beauty of childhood and imagination. Kids with disabilities will feel seen; kids in general will be charmed."

--Marla Rector Naisant, M.A.Ed., award-winning special educator

"Addy's Chair to Everywhere reminds me of the Magic School Bus. Addy's wheelchair takes her and her friends off on imaginary adventures everywhere. This book invites everyone to explore together and creates a world of inclusivity for all."

--Teresa L. Beaton, MA.Ed. Sp.Ed., Getz Preschool FISH/TEDI Teacher

"Addy's Chair to Everywhere takes you on a heartwarming journey that beautifully encapsulates the essence of trying to make new friends and demonstrates how understanding and inclusivity can open the door to new friendships and lots of fun!"

--Mariko Whelan, Ph.D., early learning, youth and teen coordinator, Scottsdale Public Library

About the Author

Debi Novotny is a children's book author and former elementary school teacher. After she got cancer in her leg, Debi taught her kindergartners from a wheelchair. Amazing new friends, who also used wheelchairs, were welcomed into her inclusive classroom community. Debi writes about children who use their imagination to create wondrous worlds and build community through play. When she isn't writing stories, she enjoys painting, camping, and putting together difficult puzzles. Debi lives in Fountain Hills, Arizona, with her wonderful husband and her lovable dog, Zoe.

Jomike Tejido is an architect and award-winning illustrator and author who has made over 100 children's books in his hometown in Manila. Some of which are Tagu-taguan: A Counting Book in Filipino and the Foldabots Toy Books. His debut picture book as author-illustrator, There Was an Old Woman Who Lived in a Book, was published in 2019. Jomike also does whimsical fine art on canvas he describes as a dopamine-rich mid-century modern forms. He has had 20 solo exhibitions. Apart from art, Jomike enjoys soccer, eating seafood, cooking, and traveling to new places. He lives in Manila with his wife and two daughters.