Charlene McIver | Author & Creator
Advocating for Inclusion through Stories and Art
Charlene McIver | Author & Creator
Advocating for Inclusion through Stories and Art
Step into a world where every child is the hero!
Charlene McIver is a celebrated Australian author and advocate dedicated to bringing inclusive stories to life.
Through her vibrant watercolour illustrations and heartwarming adventures, Charlene bridges the gap between everyday challenges and magical possibilities, encouraging children of all abilities to see themselves in the pages and celebrate the unique strengths that make them extraordinary.
Looking for printable posters, affirmation cards, and classroom resources?
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Squishy Sand
Book 1 in the Multi-Award Winning series
Leigh's Wheelie Adventures
"Squishy Sand is an educational children’s story that teaches young readers valuable life lessons and problem-solving using creativity, all wrapped up in a fun little beach adventure.
A great read for children to learn about others and how to help them!" Literary Titan Review
"Squishy Sand is more about the shared experiences of friendship and determination than about disability. It is a simple, heartwarming, and positive story."
Dr Jen Harrison, The Children's Book Review
Medieval Mashup
Book 2 in the Multi-Award Winning series
Leigh's Wheelie Adventures
"When “Medieval Mashup” came around, I jumped right at it. Because I already knew my granddaughter and I would get a great book to read. I can’t wait to see number three. Like Seuss, I hope this is one author (and series) that goes on for a long time."
Review by Amy Lignor for Reader Views
Medieval Mashup wins 2nd Place in Purple Dragons 2023 Book Awards in the Special Needs/Disability Awareness category.
Nature Study Buddies
Book 3 in the Multi-Award Winning series
Leigh's Wheelie Adventures
"Nature Study Buddies wins 1st Place in Eight Categories in the
Outstanding Creators Awards 2023 Spring edition."
"Nature Study Buddies is an uplifting children’s picture book lovingly written by Charlene McIver. Charlene narrates an optimistic story about diversity and friendship. This is a wonderful book for any child to read, feel special, and learn about inclusivity, confidence, and friendship." Review by Melanie Kennedy for Readers' Favourite
Off To School in My Wheelie Chair
A Fun little Rhyming Picture Book
Bright, bouncing rhyme carries you through one boy's very first day of school, and shows that a wheelchair isn't something to overcome, it's simply how he rolls.
It's made to be read aloud, opening gentle conversations about difference while leaving every child grinning by the last page.
A warm, joyful welcome into the world of Leigh's Wheelie Adventures. Suitable for all ages.
The Mysterious Pool
Award-winning Chapter Book
Some adventures change the way you see the world, and this one is led by a hero on wheels. Join Leigh, Tara and Cosmo as a summer at Grandma's turns into a mystery full of magic, courage and a fierce love for the wild.
Fast-paced and a touch spine-tingling magic, it's a chapter book that lets every young reader picture themselves as the brave one.
A double award-winner: a Literary Titan Book Award and a Readers' Favourite Honourable Mention (2023, Children–Preteen); two international honours, each judged independently on storytelling alone.
Leigh, My Amazing Son
Behind every wheelie chair in these pages is a real boy.
Leigh was that boy, my son. He met a world that wasn't always built for him, and he met it with humour, warmth and a courage that humbled everyone around him.
This is his story, in the words of the mother who was lucky enough to raise him.
I didn't write Leigh's biography to be a sad book. I wrote it so Leigh would always be remembered exactly as he was, cheeky, brave and full of life, and so that no family walking a road like ours ever feels they walk it alone.
Leigh's story is available in paperback, hardcover and ebook on Amazon and all good bookstores.
