How Willy Got His Wheels
Select Format
Select Condition 
Book Overview
The funny yet warm story about a handicapped Chihuahua who was rescued from a veterinary hospital by a kindly lady and taken home to live with her family of pets. Willy has some funny misadventures. First they try balloons to help him walk. Next Willy becomes a terror, racing uncontrolled through the house on a skateboard, scattering the other pets in his wake. Finally, share in Willy's excitement when he gains his independence after he is fitted with a small cart. Willy is a real-life Chihuahua whose rear legs are crippled and who gets around in a little wheelchair designed just for him. Willy is filled with love and the joy of life and attracts attention wherever he goes. Although he has been on American national television, his crowning moment was when he was awarded a marathon medal for leading a group of children with spinal injuries in the LA Marathon.
Format:Hardcover
Language:English
ISBN:0944875548
ISBN13:9780944875544
Release Date:January 1998
Publisher:BowTie Press
Length:1 Pages
Weight:0.75 lbs.
Dimensions:0.4" x 8.6" x 10.7"
Age Range:4 to 8 years
Grade Range:Preschool to Grade 3
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
A life lesson for all of us
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
I read the book after hearing about it on tv, and have sent it to my great nieces. You see I am like Willy I am also in a wheelchair. I have never gotten to see my great-nieces in person and hope that when they reed the book and their mom explains to them that I am (like Willy) in a wheelchair that they cn understand why I haven't been able to come see them (they are in Oregon and I am in Missouri). Willy is a courageous pup and we can all learn from him how to face life's adversities.
Not sappy, just truly inspirational - in the best way!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
I find that the best inspirational tales come from real life - and this book is no exception. I saw the owner of Willy (yes, there actually is a real Willy) on Animal Planet and knew I just had to buy the book. It is as charming as expected and not just because of spunky little Willy, whose back legs are paralyzed and who has to learn to "walk" again, with the help of a special wheel-cart. It is just as inspiring to read of his owner's attempts to find a way to get him walking - using everything from acupuncture to helium balloons to hold up the back legs. A great read for the entire family!
A story of love & courage for all ages
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
Willy the Chihuahua lives at an animal hospital, because his back legs don't work. He dreams of having a home and a family and playing with other animals and chasing sticks. Then one day, a pretty lady comes and takes him home with her! Willy meets his new brother, another Chihuahua named Sweet Pea, and his new sister, a fluffy silver cat named Marshmallow.Willy still can't walk or run, and has to use his front legs to drag himself from place to place, until his new mother tries some different ideas to help him get around--with often humorous results.Filled with bright, gorgeous watercolor illustrations that even pre-readers can appreciate, HOW WILLY GOT HIS WHEELS is the story of a loveable and courageous little dog. Written for age levels 5-10, it's a book that everyone from toddlers to adults can enjoy on many levels. Authors Turner and Mohler have done a tremendous job of showing life from a physically disabled viewpoint without preaching or patronizing. Here's hoping we will get to hear more of Willy's adventures in the near future!Kimberly Borrowdale Under the Covers Book Reviews
A touching story of a little dog's courage.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 26 years ago
As an uncle to a disabled 6 year old I must say I have yet to see another book make my nephew smile so much. This book is very well written and and the drawings are fantastic. This is a must read for all children with or without handicaps. It not only teaches children how to coup with disabilities, but also how to respond to others with such problems
This is a great book with an important lesson for children.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 26 years ago
"How Willy Got His Wheels" is a delightful book. As well as being a true story, it has a great message about animals and people who have handicaps. The book illustrates how a Chihuahua over came his handicap and enjoyed life. I recommend this book for pre-school children up to third grade. The book is well written with very expressive illustrations. It is the type of book that children will want to read over and over.
Copyright © 2025 Thriftbooks.com
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information | Cookie Policy | Cookie Preferences | Accessibility Statement
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
