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91ƵMagic Wheelchair91Ƶ book tells story of thrilled author91Ƶs B.C. granddaughters

Marlene Bryenton91Ƶs storybook explores how kids in wheelchairs can be excluded
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A drawing by Leanne Bowlan in author Marlene Bryenton91Ƶs next storybook, Jaya91Ƶs Magic Wheelchair. (submitted image)

Charlottetown-based author Marlene Bryenton said she91Ƶs thrilled to write storybooks about her grandkids, who include a pair of young Cloverdale-area girls who are the subject of her latest creation, Jaya91Ƶs Magic Wheelchair.

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

91ƵAble-bodied children sometimes take their mobility for granted,91Ƶ she explained. 91ƵI believe children can learn from another child91Ƶs life. I am hoping that Jaya91Ƶs 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.91Ƶ

Featured in Bryenton91Ƶs 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.

91ƵI discovered that people looked at me differently,91Ƶ Bryenton recalled. 91ƵSome 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.91Ƶ

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, Jaya91Ƶs Magic Wheelchair will feature special illustrations of Jaya celebrating her 10th birthday with her two longtime school friends.

91ƵJaya91Ƶs 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,91Ƶ Bryenton said.

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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.

91ƵI have observed all the fun things Jaya is able to do, in spite of being in a wheelchair,91Ƶ the author says. 91ƵThis 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.91Ƶ

Bryenton aimed to launch Jaya91Ƶs Magic Wheelchair on her 70th birthday Monday (Sept. 21), with .

91ƵJaya doesn91Ƶt really understand the whole concept, but what she will understand is when she receives the custom board book,91Ƶ Bryenton said. 91ƵShe91Ƶll be able to flip the pages of a board book, made of cardboard. It91Ƶs more durable and it will last, one just for her.91Ƶ

The B.C. Physiotherapy Association is sponsoring 100 copies of Jaya91Ƶs 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.

91ƵIt91Ƶs been a thrill of a lifetime to do this, really,91Ƶ the author added.



tom.zillich@surreynowleader.com

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Tom Zillich

About the Author: Tom Zillich

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