Illustration of a child playing in a cardboard box

Special Storytime: Vicki Johnson & Gillian Reid

June 13, 2026 at 11 - 11:30 am

Auditorium

Free with Museum Admission

Join us to celebrate Mac Wears a Hat, a new story from the creators of Molly’s Tuxedo, written by Vicki Johnson and illustrated by Gillian Reid. Mac loves to wear hats. She has a hat for every mood and occasion. As an only child, she can feel a bit lonely at times, but wearing her hats always cheers her up and helps her express herself, and her enthusiasm is infectious in creating community. This inclusive book celebrates kindness and positivity, and that what makes you different, makes you special! Vicki will read her new story, Gillian will present an art demonstration, and both will do a Q&A.

A book signing will follow the program. Can’t make it? You may reserve signed books.

Who You'll Meet

Vicki Johnson

Vicki Johnson is children’s author, and a former band nerd, lawyer, White House staffer, and nonprofit director, among other life adventures. Her debut picture book Molly’s Tuxedo received an NCTE Charlotte Huck Award for Outstanding Fiction for Children Recommendation and inclusion on the ALA Rainbow Book List and on the top ten K-2 CBC Teacher Favorites list. Her next book, Mac Wears a Hat, is from the same creative team. Johnson is a Southern writer who lives in western MA, where she tends to several rescue animals and one college kid. You can find Vicki at @vickijohnsonwrites on Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky.

Author website

Gillian Reid

Gillian Reid is a British-Canadian illustrator specializing in expressive, character-driven artwork for early readers. With a background in animation, she thrives in storytelling, creating characters that jump off the page with movement and personality. Whether it’s a gymnast guinea pig or a family of Sasquatch, she brings an expressive touch to every project. She has had the privilege of illustrating books for some of the industry’s leading publishers, including HarperCollins, Penguin, Hazy Dell Press, Little Bee Books, DK Books, Kids Can Press and Highlights Magazine to develop art that elevates story and engages audiences. You can find Gillian at @gillianimation on Instagram.

Artist Website

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