BԪַ

Skip to content

BԪַMagic WheelchairBԪַ book tells story of thrilled authorBԪַs B.C. granddaughters

Marlene BryentonBԪַs storybook explores how kids in wheelchairs can be excluded
22807966_web1_200910-SUL-MagicWheelchairBook-drawing_1
A drawing by Leanne Bowlan in author Marlene BryentonBԪַs next storybook, JayaBԪַs Magic Wheelchair. (submitted image)

Charlottetown-based author Marlene Bryenton said sheBԪַs thrilled to write storybooks about her grandkids, who include a pair of young Cloverdale-area girls who are the subject of her latest creation, JayaBԪַs Magic Wheelchair.

The 24-page book explores how kids in wheelchairs are excluded because they are different, Bryenton says.

BԪַAble-bodied children sometimes take their mobility for granted,BԪַ she explained. BԪַI believe children can learn from another childBԪַs life. I am hoping that JayaBԪַs Magic Wheelchair will create a whole new perspective for children who perhaps do not understand what it means for a child not to be able to walk and participate in all activities.BԪַ

Featured in BryentonBԪַs new book is 11-year-old Jaya Garner, a student at Hazelgrove Elementary, her younger sister Brynn, 3, and a talking wheelchair named Sparkle.

A genetic disorder prevents Jaya from being able to speak, but she can walk with assistance, Bryenton notes.

The author had her own wheelchair experience this summer after a hip replacement.

BԪַI discovered that people looked at me differently,BԪַ Bryenton recalled. BԪַSome people would wave hello and smile while others turn away. I do believe that people are uncomfortable with someone in a wheelchair. I know I certainly have more empathy now after my own wheelchair adventure. Life became much more difficult when I had to navigate in my wheelchair, as not everywhere is accessible.BԪַ

Jaya Garner (right) and her younger sister, Brynn, in a photo from a couple of years ago. Jaya is now 11 and Brynn is three. (submitted photo)
Jaya Garner (right) and her younger sister, Brynn, in a photo from a couple of years ago. Jaya is now 11 and Brynn is three. (submitted photo)

When released this month, JayaBԪַs Magic Wheelchair will feature special illustrations of Jaya celebrating her 10th birthday with her two longtime school friends.

BԪַJayaBԪַs mommy and daddy asked the children to bring a little money instead of a gift for Jaya. The money was donated, so that other little girls and boys could have a wheelchair. This story was published in your newspaper,BԪַ Bryenton said.

READ MORE:

Bryenton said she has visited Jaya and her family many times, but not this year, due to her hip issues and also the COVID-19 pandemic.

BԪַI have observed all the fun things Jaya is able to do, in spite of being in a wheelchair,BԪַ the author says. BԪַThis includes Jaya riding her favourite therapeutic horse, Lady Bug, playing the drum, going to the library, playing baseball and riding through the fountain in her wheelchair getting soaking wet. Jaya loves being outside and she loves water. Leanne (Bowlan, illustrator) brought to life all the things Jaya loves to do in her beautiful bright illustrations. Judy Parsons is our editor and Mark Bowlan is the formatter. The storybook is being printed at KKP in Charlottetown.BԪַ

Bryenton aimed to launch JayaBԪַs Magic Wheelchair on her 70th birthday Monday (Sept. 21), with .

BԪַJaya doesnBԪַt really understand the whole concept, but what she will understand is when she receives the custom board book,BԪַ Bryenton said. BԪַSheBԪַll be able to flip the pages of a board book, made of cardboard. ItBԪַs more durable and it will last, one just for her.BԪַ

The B.C. Physiotherapy Association is sponsoring 100 copies of JayaBԪַs Magic Wheelchair to Hazelgrove School, and Bryenton is still looking for a business or charity in the Surrey area to sponsor more storybooks for the school Jaya attends.

BԪַItBԪַs been a thrill of a lifetime to do this, really,BԪַ the author added.



tom.zillich@surreynowleader.com

Like us on Follow us on and follow Tom on



Tom Zillich

About the Author: Tom Zillich

I cover entertainment, sports and news for Surrey Now-Leader and Black Press Media
Read more



(or

BԪַ

) document.head.appendChild(flippScript); window.flippxp = window.flippxp || {run: []}; window.flippxp.run.push(function() { window.flippxp.registerSlot("#flipp-ux-slot-ssdaw212", "Black Press Media Standard", 1281409, [312035]); }); }