A Children's Picture Book

An Adventure with Carlie & Her Autistic Brother Caiden

A missing dog. A rainbow. A monster made of gears. And one brother who sees the world beautifully.

Book cover: Carlie holds her brother Caiden's hand as they soar through a bright cyan sky on swirling wind trails, with a golden gear monster in the background.
Carlie runs toward a bright rainbow at the top of a waterfall creek while Caiden sits and watches beside the water.

Every Adventure Starts
With a Rainbow

When Carlie and Caiden wake up and discover their beloved dog Max is gone, they know exactly what happened — the Gear Monster took him. With courage in her heart and Caiden's hand in hers, Carlie races toward the rainbow for help.

About the Book

A Story About Courage,
Gears, and Sibling Love

Suddenly, magical wristbands appear — powerful enough to summon wind, grant wishes, and launch Carlie and Caiden into an unforgettable adventure. But the biggest challenge isn't the spooky castle or the scary Gear Monster.

It's learning that Caiden's "different" way of thinking might be the very thing that saves the day.

  • For families who read together
  • For inclusive classrooms
  • For the very best bedtimes
Read a Preview
Book cover of An Adventure with Carlie and Her Autistic Brother Caiden
Carlie and Caiden stand before an enormous stone door set with glowing golden gears.

Chapter Two

What Waits on the
Other Side?

Beyond the creek, half-hidden in warm stone, an enormous door turns slowly on golden cogs. Carlie isn't sure what's behind it. Caiden is. He sees the patterns no one else can — the shape of the gears, the rhythm of the teeth, the way everything clicks into place.

"Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is open a door you've never seen before."

Being Different Isn't a Weakness.

Caiden presses his forehead gently against the Gear Monster in a moment of quiet understanding, bathed in warm golden light.

It's a Superpower.

Caiden sees the world in patterns, connections, and gears. What looks like a challenge to others is a gift — and this story celebrates that with warmth, humor, and a whole lot of heart.

Carlie, Caiden, and Max soar through the sky on swirling cyan wind trails, laughing as they fly home.

And Caiden Laughed the
Whole Way Home

With Max safe and the rainbow behind them, Carlie and Caiden ride the wind back toward the creek, their hair streaming, their hands still locked together. Some adventures change you. Some just remind you who you've always been.

About the Creators

Written & Illustrated
With Love

Written by Ashley Christensen. Ashley is a mother, a storyteller, and a fierce advocate for her children. She wrote this book so her daughter Carlie and her son Caiden could see themselves on a page — exactly as they are, exactly as they're meant to be.

Illustrated by Joana Pereira.

Follow along on Instagram @ashgrey87 for behind-the-scenes moments, reading events, and everyday adventures.

Learn More

Autism Resources
We Love

A handful of thoughtful, neurodiversity-affirming organizations for families, educators, and anyone who wants to understand autism more deeply.

Give Every Child a Story
That Celebrates Who They Are