Walsy: An Overdue Character in Children’s Literature

Books play a pivotal role in shaping our early perceptions. My childhood was immersed in European comics, classics such as Asterix and Obelix, Tintin, and my cherished favorite, Boule & Bill. The inherent sarcasm in the latter significantly influenced my personal style. Despite never intending to become an author, I found myself naturally evolving into a storyteller from a young age. This storytelling journey commenced with writing poems and evolved into the creation of songs. At the age of 16, I recorded a complete demo of original songs, known only to a select few family members who still tease me by singing the lyrics to this day—an unexpected but enduring connection.
In my professional life, I discovered my forte in crafting brand stories for various clients. As I became a mother, the idea of writing my debut graphic novel emerged organically. It wasn't a preconceived plan; rather, it was a light bulb moment, realizing, "Ah! This could be an intriguing way to convey an important social message." The genesis of this message, however, began germinating in the recesses of my mind the day I learned about my son's motor disability. After talking to parents of children with disabilities, I came to realize that we all share one common worry. That of how disability is perceived. And much of that perception is built from the lack of authentic representation, if any, of people with disabilities in the media, hindering awareness and normalization.

In my role as a marketer, understanding demographics and target audiences is paramount. However, after more than a decade in the profession, I never paused to consider how certain products can fit into the lifestyle of people with disabilities. With 1.3 billion people with disabilities in the world contributing significantly to economies, I began to wonder how this segment of the population is the least represented and rarely given an authentic voice in the media.

A sense of shame enveloped me—a marketer with an MSc—realizing that disability inclusion and inclusive design were never broached in my education. Representation, I understood, matters profoundly. It has the power to reshape perceptions, challenge the status quo, and provide a voice to those marginalized. I refused to envision a world where preconceived notions about life with a disability prevailed, emphasizing inspiration for accomplishing tasks typical of able-bodied individuals.

This all led to the creation of Walsy, my graphic novel series about a boy juggling the ups and downs of disability in daily life. With his clenched fist and secret superpower, and the support of his friends and family, he discovers creative ways to overcome obstacles and accomplish nearly anything. The central theme woven through the 18 short stories within this graphic novel is that, irrespective of disabilities, children share common interests and are, above all, just kids. It underscores the importance of treating them in a manner that accentuates their strengths rather than emphasizing their limitations from an early age. The environment emerges as a pivotal factor in nurturing a child’s well-being. A combination of flexibility, understanding, and empathy proves instrumental in cultivating a sense of belonging, fostering an environment where they can thrive.

“Walsy: The Red Glove” is the first volume of the Walsy series made possible with the generous support of Canada Council for the Arts. Currently, it is available in paperback and ebook format on Amazon USA and Amazon Canada.

It is a great addition to your kidlit for many reasons you can find in the description paragraph here.
Meanwhile, if you are interested to know more about Walsy, watch the book trailer here.
Follow Walsy’s journey on instagram.

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