Kathleen Conklin grew up in rural Connecticut, surrounded by woods that became her favorite place to spend time. Today, she splits her time between her home in Connecticut that sits alongside 30 acres of state forest, and a riverside cabin in Downeast Maine, where wildlife and birds remain constant companions. A retired teacher and lifelong nature enthusiast, she was drawn to Flaco’s story after a colleague shared the owl’s escape—and ultimate passing. With a passion for picture books and their power to spark big conversations, she wrote Flaco’s Journey to honor both the owl and the questions he leaves behind.