A picture book about an inchworm missing one front leg
Ziggy moves through the world inch by inch — finding friendship, courage, and belonging along the way. A gentle story about disability, inclusion, and the quiet bravery of living fully within yourself.
"Inch by inch, we learn to see each other."Download the Ziggy Red Swing Toolkit and Games (PDF)
Ziggy doesn't overcome his disability. He lives fully within it.
No miracle cures. No "supercrip" framing. Ziggy is a complete child — funny, curious, sometimes frustrated, always Ziggy. The story is for children who already see themselves in him, and for the friends learning what real inclusion looks like.
Empathy
Feeling someone's experience without making it your own.
Inclusion
Active, not passive — making space, slowing down, inviting in.
Awareness
Difference is part of life — not something to fear or fix.
Resilience
"Inch by inch" — finding your own pace and keeping it.
Ability
Every child contributes. Disability never erases that.
An educator & family toolkit
A printable coloring & reflection booklet for ages 3–7 — four pages that pair a Ziggy illustration with a simple discussion prompt, plus a blank page for children to create their own garden friend.
Download the toolkit (PDF)Color Ziggy
Color Ziggy, then answer: what makes Ziggy special?
Ziggy and a friend
Color Ziggy with a new pal and talk about how friends help each other.
Ziggy's garden
Color the garden scene and discuss what helps everyone feel included.
Create a new garden friend
Draw and color an all-new friend for Ziggy's garden.
For my brother Daniel
Daniel was six years older than me, nonverbal, wheelchair-bound, and feeding tube dependent. Although he could not speak, Daniel loved ABC picture books, Elmo videos, classical music, ballet, movement, laughter, and swinging on his special red swing at our local park.
I wrote Ziggy for him, and for every child who has waited too long to find themselves in a story.
— Amanda Gutwillig
Read the full story →Bring Ziggy into your classroom or home
Educators can request a review copy