Leslye Orr

Leslye Orr is a playwright, actor, and theater instructor for all ages who performs and tours her original plays. As a speaker/specialist through an appointment by the U.S. Department of State, Leslye traveled with her show, Hand in Hand, and appeared through American embassies in Latvia, Lithuania, and Israel. She’s a sound-effects enthusiast and was featured on A Prairie Home Companion on National Public Radio. Born legally blind, Leslye is the author and illustrator of The People on the Corner, about playing with kids of all abilities. She and her husband, theater artist Zaraawar Mistry, operate Dreamland Arts, a performing arts studio and 40-seat theater in St. Paul.

Quote from Leslye: “I’m honored to have my children’s picture book, The People on the Corner, available to you at The Art Shoppe. Your purchase affirms that ALL kinds of people should be seen in our books and in works of art. Thank you for supporting my ‘inclusion fusion.’”

Quote from a mom: “Your book was given to my daughter by a relative a couple of years ago and we love it. We run into situations often where she is not included because she is not yet mobile and as a parent, it's heartbreaking to watch. So, thank you for writing this book and bringing awareness to children with disabilities.”