Discover friendship, courage, and wildlife rescue through the eyes of two spirited squirrels.
Francis C. Pengitore is an author who combines his real-life experiences with animals with imaginative storytelling. His interest and personal experience with animal rescue began when he rescued a baby squirrel literally from the clutches of a hawk in his own backyard. After working closely with the SPCA and wildlife rehabilitators, he was inspired to share these heartwarming experiences through stories that young readers can learn from and enjoy. His goal? To spark a love for nature, animals, and kindness in the next generation.
Join Lucky and Bud as they explore the wild world around them – from their amazing rescue to other exciting adventures! These illustrated stories hope to teach young readers (ages 6 to 12) about compassion, friendship, teamwork, and the incredible work of animal rescuers. Follow their journey, meet their friends, and learn what makes every adventure special.
Ever wondered how a story becomes a real book? The author walks young readers through the steps of writing, illustrating, and publishing. Learn how real-life experiences, creativity, and teamwork come together to make Lucky and Bud’s adventures possible. Perfect for school projects or curious young writers!
An idea may come from observing the world around me, drawing on my own experiences, or as was the case with the first Lucky and Bud story, a combination of the two.
I begin first with a general idea of what I want the book to be about, how it will start, and how I believe it will end.
My next step is to develop the middle, which includes the plot, events leading to the climax, the location, and the characters.
I read the whole story again to make sure that everything makes sense, revising as necessary, and finally, I work with the artist to create the pictures that will accompany the narrative.
pengitor@gwu.edu
Join Lucky and Bud as they explore the wild world around them — from daring rescues to exciting adventures!

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