Pop-Up Author Katie Flack & Madeline Wilkins

This book follows a young bright boy with autism, Gus, as his favorite hat becomes damaged, but ultimately brings his family, friends and community together. Gus has some sensory issues; loud sounds overwhelm him. His special hat comforts him and reduces the impact of surrounding noises. After a terrible accident makes his hat unwearable he goes on a journey to fix the hat. He is eventually able to share the joy of his hat with his family and community.

Madeline Wilkins is a writer of inclusive stories and touching poetry. She has written multiple stories centered around an autistic main character. She writes powerful poetry that centers around raising a special needs child, motherhood, marriage and life’s many ups and downs. Trained in counseling, Wilkins has experience comforting others with her words and actions.

Katie Flack an artist that focuses on oil painting and illustration. Her studies in art have taken her from Clemson, to Greece, to NYC and beyond. She is the illustrator and creator of a growing series, The Collegiate Coloring Books, which currently has three published books. Her artwork has been exhibited with the Dacia Gallery in NYC as well as several art shows on the east coast. She previously worked with children with special needs and wants to create a more inclusive environment for children with special needs through her illustrations, and creating books that represent children with all disabilities.