Inspired by her childhood struggles with dyslexia, Krista Weltner '16 MFA wrote and illustrated a picture book series about a girl named Molly who comes to terms with her dyslexia.

Using storytelling techniques she developed in UConn's Puppetry Arts program, Weltner shows Molly conversing with her personified dyslexia, a bumpy purple character named Lexi. During the three-part series, she discovers her diagnosis and learns how to advocate for herself.

"When I was a kid, my dyslexia was something that I really did not like about myself," Weltner says. "I felt isolated, anxious, and ashamed of myself. I felt very different and stupid. A lot of dyslexic people have a normal to above-average intelligence but often struggle with a fear they will be judged as stupid or less than. I hope that these books will help children who are going through it right now."

"Everyday Adventures with Molly and Dyslexia" is meant to be a teaching tool to help children examine their relationship with their learning differences.

"The most impactful, profound part of a dyslexic person's life is those vital years in elementary school when they are learning to read and write," says Weltner. "I would like these books to support the emotional, often overlooked, side of growing up with dyslexia."

Weltner, who lives in Orlando, Florida, is also a puppet maker and filmmaker and has worked on two feature-length, stop-motion films, including "Wendell and Wild" by Netflix Studios.