October 2026 – New Jersey illustrator Kelsey Baum makes her debut as a children’s book illustrator with Autistic People Make Great Friends, Too: A Coloring Book About Kindness, a new coloring book written by professional speaker and author Dr. Kerry Magro. Together, Baum and Magro created the book to help children learn about autism, kindness, and inclusion in a fun and meaningful way while encouraging conversations about friendship, celebrating differences, and the many ways people communicate and connect.
Baum, an accomplished copywriter from New Jersey who has been drawing as a hobby for years, brings the book’s message to life through her illustrations. This project marks her debut as an illustrator. Magro, who was nonspeaking as a young child and was diagnosed with autism at age four, wrote the book from a perspective he wishes more children had been exposed to while he was growing up. Together, their work reflects the message that autistic people can make great friends, and children should be encouraged to celebrate differences, include everyone, and be kind.
Through Baum’s illustrations and Magro’s words, the book combines coloring activities with accessible messages about autism acceptance, friendship, kindness, communication, sensory differences, inclusion, and understanding. It is designed as a hands-on, low-pressure activity for children and families and as a resource that can help parents, educators, and caregivers begin meaningful conversations about disability and belonging.
“My respect for the autism community began at an early age. Growing up alongside my autistic older brother taught me how to see the world through a different lens, and that shaped me into the person I am today. I hope that this book encourages children, families, and communities to not only accept those who are different from them, but to form genuine friendships with them,” Baum says.
Dr. Magro adds, “When I was growing up, I wish more children had been taught that being kind to people with disabilities isn’t being a hero. It’s being a decent human being. My message in schools is about the importance of not only being kind and being an ally, but that people with disabilities deserve meaningful friendships just like anyone else. My hope is that this book gives families and educators a fun way to start those conversations while helping children understand that.”
About the Creators
Kelsey Baum illustrated this book and Kerry Magro wrote it. Together, they created this coloring book to help children learn about autism, kindness, and inclusion in a fun and meaningful way. They hope this book encourages kids to celebrate differences, include everyone, and be kind.
About Kelsey Baum
Kelsey Baum is an accomplished copywriter from New Jersey. After years of drawing as a hobby, this is her debut as an illustrator. To learn more about her, visit kelseybaum.com.
About Dr. Kerry Magro
Kerry Magro is an autistic professional speaker, author, television writer and autism entertainment consultant on projects such as Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum U.S. You can contact him about speaking at your school or company at kerrymagro.com/contact.
Book Information
Title: Autistic People Make Great Friends, Too: A Coloring Book About Kindness
Illustrator: Kelsey Baum
Author: Dr. Kerry Magro
Release Date: October 5, 2026
Price: $17.99
