You may know Matthew J. Capps as the guy behind the lens … snapping cover shots, capturing community events, bringing stories to life for Loveland Lifestyle magazine. The longtime photog genius behind our annual fashion shoot, dog star and so much more. But when the cameras are off, Matt and his wife, Kaytee, have found a new creative outlet: writing children’s books made especially for their neurodivergent son, Garrett.
“Garrett had been nonverbal for most of his life … he taught himself to read and type,” Matt explains. “We’ve been trying to get Garrett into reading books, but he hasn’t been very interested. So we decided to write some that we thought he’d be interested in … and so far, he seems to really like them.”
Under the whimsical pseudonym Audrey Anders, the couple has published three children’s books, each filled with playful language, bright visuals and subjects close to Garrett’s heart—letters, colors, sounds. Matt writes and illustrates, while Kaytee keeps the creative train on track.
Photography has been Matt’s passion since he was 6 years old; he made it his full-time career in 2019. But writing, he says with a grin, taps into a different kind of creativity. “I find myself writing whenever an idea pops into my head, usually in the middle of the night.”
Their stories brim with alliteration and rhyme, and Matt hints that similes and metaphors are coming soon, woven into the next round of books to come. “Sometimes you gotta get a little creative to meet your child’s needs,” he adds.
For the Capps family, storytelling isn’t just about reading—it’s about reaching, connecting and celebrating the unique ways each child sees the world. And helping other kids and families do the same.
Books by Audrey Anders
The Amazing Alphabet
A whimsical ABC adventure full of alliteration. Each letter introduces a charming animal friend with a fun story that will capture imaginations of all ages.
The Color Game
A rhyming, rainbow-filled romp through colors, creativity and fun. Perfect for early learners who love bold visuals and silly rhymes. Children are invited to play a game of "I Spy" alongside a host of lovable animal friends.
Garrett’s Space Adventure
Garrett blasts off into space in search of new sounds! This book explores onomatopoeia and launches a new world of imaginative learning.
All titles available on Amazon.