Meet Rebecca Seligson, author of The Mysterious Missing Book, and her Superhero son Ezri!
Eight-year-old Ezri is a diehard hockey fan who loves playing on his PlayStation. He is creative, excels at math, enjoys writing stories, and is fluent in both Hebrew and English, often serving as the family's dictionary. If he were at Hogwarts, Ezri would undoubtedly be sorted into Gryffindor. Ezri is a typical eight-year-old. Except, he lives with Cerebral Palsy. His condition, characterized by low muscle tone, affects his speech and mobility, requiring him to use a wheelchair or gait walker to navigate.
"People often notice his wheelchair first," explains his mother, Rebecca Selignson. "But I wanted the kids in our community to accept him for who he is, without pointing at his chair or hiding behind their parents.”
Driven by this desire for acceptance and inclusivity, Rebecca decided to take action. Recognizing the problematic lack of disability representation in children's literature, Rebecca started writing. Soon, Incrediwheels and Triple S were born.
It was in the playroom of our local children’s hospital that I first encountered Incrediwheels and Triple S. My toddler plucked the book from the shelf and handed it to me, scooting in close as I began to read aloud. "The Mysterious Missing Book" follows the adventures of Zee and Nina, who transform into Superheroes whenever a good deed needs doing. When their friend Zoey calls for help to retrieve her stolen book, they spring into action, inspiring Zoey to discover her own superpowers as they collaborate to solve the mystery.
I was instantly captivated by the book's beautifully written narrative and vivid illustrations, which not only celebrate kindness but also empowers children to see themselves as everyday heroes. However, what truly stood out to me was the profound impact of the characters. Zee's declaration, "My hero name is Incrediwheels. I have an awesome cape, mask, and costume just like all the other superheroes!", depicts a little boy in classic superhero attire—sitting proudly in a wheelchair, challenging stereotypes and promoting inclusivity effortlessly.
At that time, Musya and I were deep in the R&D phase of Hart & Hero, and superheroes were high on our radar. Our mission was to empower children to discover their Hero within through their powers of Kindness and Courage, and this book did just that. But more than that, it created a space for children to view those with physical disabilities not as someone to be pitied, but as a superhero who was a pretty cool person and someone that they’d want to get to know! And when we were ready to introduce Hartie’s Book Club, we knew what the first book would be.
A passionate advocate for inclusion, Rebecca’s website is a fantastic resource for raising inclusive children. Her top tip?
“Teach your kids about disabilities before they encounter disabilities” she shares. “People naturally question things that are different, so expose children to books and TV shows that showcase children with disabilities. And have conversations with your children about accepting people who are different.”
Rebecca is now working on her second book, “The Lemonade League”, due for release in September. This one is being written with input from the OG Incrediwheels, Ezri himself!
Order The Mysterious Missing Book
Visit Rebecca's website, Wheelustrated Tales
By Chanie Brod
Chanie is a mom of five and co-founder of Hart & Hero. She believes coffee should be the basis of the food pyramid.
