POPS ON WHEELS
Written + Illustrated by Nikki G. Stahl
POPS ON WHEELS is the heartwarming story of the bond between a boy, Little Man, and his Pops in a wheelchair. Together they explore the world through many day-to-day adventures, as seen through Little Man’s eyes; eyes that don’t see a person with different abilities, they just see his Pops. Through them we learn, Pops lives as full a life with his grandson while in a wheelchair, as anyone with any level of mobility.
Based on the author’s own experience with her father after his stroke, POPS ON WHEELS celebrates life and the ability to keep living it after the moment it changes. This book provides a lens to positively process disability by exploring the many ways in which Pops and Little Man spend their days together. Little Man loves racing Pops in his toy car and taking Pops’ dog on adventure walks. Together they swim and sing and eat and play!
At its heart, POPS ON WHEELS is the story of Pops watching his grandson grow and Little Man loving every minute with his Pops. This is a beautiful tale about love and inclusion in our big diverse world.
As featured by Palm Beach Moms and DC Moms!
POPS IN THE SHOP
Shop Local! Our Books are also available at these favorite bookstores.
Press and News:
As featured in SHOUTOUT LA, Beyond The Acorn, Lake Placid News, Palm Beach Moms, DC Moms and Everyday Pursuits Family. Also featured by Jamie Stelter of NY1.
Pops On Wheels AWARDS:
2022 INTERNATIONAL BOOK AWARD
FINALIST - Children’s Hardcover Non-Fiction
STORY MONSTERS APPROVED AWARD (3 categories)
Making A Difference - Health + Wellness - First Time Author
Inspired by the true story of the love between Pops and his grandson, the Little Man.
A love that transcended ability and took them both on the great adventure of being a kid.
“My big little man,
I love watching you grow.
You’re the joy of my life,
just so you know.”
- Pops to his grandson
What People Are Saying
-
“I wanted to reach out and thank you for writing a book that I’ve really been needing. I just pre-ordered. My dad will likely be in a wheelchair soon, as his Parkinson’s is progressing rapidly, and I’ve really been struggling with how to discuss this with my kids in order to prepare them. So, THANK YOU for being so brave and so wonderful.”
Jackie, (CA)
-
“I received my books today and am sitting in the kitchen with tears streaming down my face. What a beautiful, extraordinary, sweet, magnificent work of art. Please tell Nikki, she moved me deeply and that her book is a gift to all, especially those of us who live with loved ones with challenges. The photo from her wedding nearly did me in. Much love.”
Marge (Los Angeles, CA)
-
“My daughter loved Pops on Wheels! After we finished, she wanted to read more adventures about Pops and Little Man. It was also the first book we’ve found with a main character in a wheelchair and it led to important conversations about inclusivity and remaining positive in the face of adversity.”
Amy M, (GA)
About the Author
Nikki Ganz Stahl is an Author, Illustrator, Screenwriter and Director as well as a Stroke and Disability Advocate. Striving to create with visibility, she gives vivid access to not only one's struggles but more importantly one's humanity. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from New York University and runs her production company NIK + JAX Productions with her husband. She is thrilled to introduce POPS ON WHEELS, marking both Nikki's debut Children's Book and the debut publication of NIK + JAX Publishing.
After her father suffered a severe hemorrhagic stroke, Nikki was standing with her mother and sister in ICU with all the machines, tubes and a drain in his head, having no idea what life ahead might look like. Before the stroke, her father was adamant about appreciating what every day, even the simplest ones, had to offer. The three girls, decided in every scary room, to keep focusing on tiny positives: a thumbs up on command, open eyes, a first "hello," and wiggling toes. Each stage was full of terrifying realities, yet each showed promising signs. The tiny wins got them through the worst times, and brought them back to a truly beautiful life together. They brought them home. Together they learned to adapt to a change in mobility and life in a wheelchair. Now, they work everyday on getting stronger and appreciating all the moments they have. Nikki's father escorted her down the aisle, and they danced at her wedding. He met his two grandsons, who are the joy of his life. They swim, play and have lots of family dinners, but most importantly spend life together, grateful for the extra time. These are some of life's many joys she hopes to share with the people who find themselves at day one, also unsure of what life ahead might look like.
Supplemental Educational Materials
Our Supplemental Education Packet is available to download for free. This Packet includes questions and activities for parents and educators to do with their young readers helping to further the conversation about disability mindfulness, experiences and understanding.
Press and Award Galley Log In
Thank you for considering POPS ON WHEELS. Log in here for our Galley, EPK, and additional materials. For log in information and any additional inquiries please contact us at info@nikandjax.com.