While his friends cheep, squawk or coo roo-c'too-coo, Phoenyx communicates in the way that comes naturally to him: flapping and flapping and letting out a mysterious caw. An old woman tricks Phoenyx into a life of safety and protection in a rickety cage, repeating after her like Parrot, in exchange for his freedom and ability to fly. Phoenyx begins to wilt, losing the colorful plumes and happy flapping that make him so unique. Will Phoenyx be doomed to rust away in a cage, or will he fly free, like the mystical, magnificent bird he is? Raising a Phoenyx explores nonverbal autism with a lovable, brave character who overcomes limitations others impose upon him.

While his friends cheep, squawk or coo roo-c'too-coo, Phoenyx communicates in the way that comes naturally to him: flapping and flapping and letting out a mysterious caw. An old woman tricks Phoenyx into a life of safety and protection in a rickety cage, repeating after her like Parrot, in exchange for his freedom and ability to fly. Phoenyx begins to wilt, losing the colorful plumes and happy flapping that make him so unique. Will Phoenyx be doomed to rust away in a cage, or will he fly free, like the mystical, magnificent bird he is? Raising a Phoenyx explores nonverbal autism with a lovable, brave character who overcomes limitations others impose upon him.

Mari Toscas, MFA, is a poet, artist, and mom of four, three of whom have autism. Inspired by her son, Phoenyx, who has severe nonverbal autism, Mari sought to create a world where Phoenyx lives and thrives: a mystical, ethereal, raw, macabre, gothic sometimes facetious – but beautiful and kaleidoscopic world for us to join in.