Buttercup the Brave A Happy Gates Ranch Story

In this second book of the Happy Gates Ranch series, Buttercup, the spirited miniature donkey is faced with a choice. When Benito, a little bee, suddenly lands in trouble, will Buttercup help even though she could be stung?

In "Buttercup the Brave," young readers will be swept away into a world where courage means challenging what you think you know. Buttercup confronts her fears to help Benito, discovering along the way that kindness and friendship can overcome any obstacle. Her brave actions show the other animals how to look beyond appearances and embrace understanding.

Perfect for kids who love exciting stories about animals and adventure, this book encourages children to be kind, see beyond assumptions, and find the hero inside themselves. It's a heartwarming tale that reminds everyone that even the smallest acts of bravery can make a big difference.

Kris Benevento is a passionate storyteller and nature enthusiast. She has lived in some of the most beautiful places, including the vibrant Niagara Falls of New York and the serene landscapes of North Carolina, New Mexico, Hawaii, England, and Germany. Cape Cod was her home for twenty-four years before settling in Vermont for another twenty-four years, following her husband's Air Force duty stations.

In 2022, Kris embraced new beginnings in Florida after the passing of her beloved husband, Mike, an Air Force Officer. With a Bachelor's in Emergency Services Management, an Associate's in Business Administration, and certification as a Public Manager in Vermont, her life showcases a dedication to growth and learning. She and her husband raised two wonderful sons, and she now cherishes life with her children and their partners. Treasuring over 32 years of marriage with Mike, Kris continues to feel his presence through signs he leaves. She now embarks on road trips with her feline companion, Moonlight Graham.

Her diverse life includes roles as a firefighter, EMT, Captain in the Vermont State Air Guard, CERT instructor, and HSEEP evaluator and controller. Kris is also a Grief Coach/Death Literacy Specialist, as well as a healer, office manager, and YouTube podcast host/facilitator for Rosemary Altea. Her professional and personal experiences infuse her storytelling with compassion and insight.

As one of nine siblings, Kris deeply values connection and family bonds. Her debut children's book, "A New Baby at Happy Gates Ranch," introduces readers to a miniature donkey and her newborn son in a world of friendship and resilience. The follow-up, "Buttercup the Brave," explores themes of inclusivity, prejudice, and courage, inspiring children and resonating with parents and grandparents.

Following the unexpected loss of her husband, Kris navigated through grief, loneliness, and crafting a new identity. Yet, supported by the signs he leaves her, she remains positive, finding solace and motivation in storytelling. Her stories draw from family visits to the family ranch, owned by her sister and brother-in-law, the natural world, cherished family moments, and the rhythm of daily life, all of which bring authenticity and warmth to her writing.

For more information, visit her webpage: kristinebenevento.com.
Born in 1984, Eleonora Arcieri, known professionally as Heleonore DuFreak, is a freelance illustrator specializing in character design and digital painting. She employs a variety of techniques, both traditional and digital.
Her main passions include the animal kingdom, illustrated books, cartoons, comics, cinema, music, and body art. Heleonore began her career as a cartoonist, studying character design and 2D animation. She furthered her expertise with studies in 3D modeling and cinematographic special effects, specializing in prosthetic makeup for character creation. Heleonore has worked on several film sets and traditional special effects laboratories.
Drawn to body art, she entered the world of body painting and tattoo art, earning the title of professional tattoo artist in 2011. In that same year, Heleonore DuFreak opened her artistic workshop. Over time, she has continued to study various illustrative and pictorial techniques, enriching her cultural background with studies in anatomy and perspective, thereby delving into the world of concept art.
Currently, she works on commission, guiding her clients from the initial concept to the creation of original artworks. Her services include illustrations, character design, storyboards, comics, book art, TCG art, board games, children's books, music cover art, paintings, artistic prints, and tattoos.
You can find her work at:
www.heleonoredufreak.jimdofree.com
www.instagram.com/Hel.dufreak