A Canadian icon is coming to Kitsilano next month for a special community event celebrating a powerful new children’s book.
On Sunday, May 3, Rick Hansen will join author Lorna Schultz Nicholson and illustrator Emma FitzGerald at Kidsbooks on West Broadway for a book launch event tied to The Man in Motion: How Rick Hansen’s World Tour Helped Break Down Barriers for People with Disabilities.
The evening will feature a live conversation with the trio, offering insight into how the book came together, followed by a Q&A session and book signing. The event marks the release of the new biographical picture book, published by Owlkids Books, which tells the story of Hansen’s historic Man In Motion World Tour.
Between 1985 and 1987, Hansen wheeled around the world to raise awareness about the potential of people with disabilities and to fund efforts aimed at removing barriers. His journey became a defining moment in Canadian history and helped spark a global movement around accessibility and inclusion.
The book launch also coincides with the 40th anniversary of that tour, offering a timely opportunity to reflect on Hansen’s impact and introduce his story to a new generation of readers.
The event takes place from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Kidsbooks (2557 W. Broadway). Admission is free, but space is limited and advance registration is required through the Kidsbooks website.
For families, educators, and anyone interested in stories that inspire change, the evening promises a rare chance to hear directly from one of Canada’s most influential advocates for accessibility—right in the heart of Kitsilano.
Last modified: April 27, 2026
