Couple Published Children's Book on Wheelchair Use

Juan and Valeria Hernandez wrote a new children's book that topped the Amazon charts.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Special Needs

Bold vector editorial illustration of a small wooden wheel leaning against a toy house block, representing family inclusivity and mobility. — Authors Juan and Valeria Hernandez have published a new children's book, 'Why Does Daddy Use Wheels,' to help families normalize mobility differences. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Juan and Valeria Hernandez have released a children's book titled Why Does Daddy Use Wheels. The book quickly reached the number one spot in Amazon's Children's Physical Disabilities category.

Why it matters

The authors created the book to normalize wheelchair use for their toddler son after discovering a lack of available literature on the topic. It provides a way for families to discuss mobility differences through a positive family dynamic.

The book holds a number one ranking in the Amazon Children's Physical Disabilities category. It is currently available to readers in both English and Spanish.

The players

Juan Hernandez

He is an author who experienced a spinal cord injury in 2021 and is a parent to a toddler.

Valeria Hernandez

She is an author who co-wrote the children's book to help explain disability to their child.

National Institutes of Health

This is a federal agency that tracks medical data including the frequency of spinal cord injuries in the United States.

The details

Written to explain wheelchair use to their toddler son, the book depicts a home environment where the use of mobility aids is normalized. The couple, based in South Florida, wrote the story to fill a gap in children's literature they encountered as parents.

Juan Hernandez suffered a spinal cord injury in 2021.
Juan Hernandez walked down the aisle at his wedding in 2023.
The couple welcomed their daughter Mila in September 2026.
The book was published in October 2026.

Culture Shift

This project reflects a broader move toward inclusive storytelling in children's media that normalizes physical differences. By centering the narrative on the lived experience of the authors, it aligns with a growing demand for authentic representation in literature for young children.

Parents seeking to introduce conversations about disability or mobility aids to young children can now access the book in either English or Spanish. The title offers families a practical tool to foster understanding and normalize physical differences within their own households.

The takeaway

Open communication about disabilities can help children understand and accept mobility aids within their family life. Parents can utilize diverse literature to build empathy and normalize physical challenges from a young age.