Smithfield Native Writes Children's Book

SMITHFIELD, RI—David Colasante grew up in Smithfield. He went to St. Philip School and Smithfield High. Except for a stint with the U.S. Marines, he's lived all his life in Rhode Island. Now a Cranston resident, grandfather of five and retired from a career as an energy consultant, he's penned his first book, Bucabella. It's a children's story. He started telling the story years ago for his two granddaughters, now 18 and 13 "going on 14," he said. Then he thought, "Why not make it a book?" About a year later, the book is being published.

The heroine, Miss B, comes from "a magical island where peace, purity, and mystical beings thrive," according to the press release. She flies around the world on her seagull Winston and makes new pals on her journey. They're not just traveling for fun, though. They are on a mission to help children and families in need.

Brandon Palas, a comic book illustrator, did the pictures. Colasante hired him.

Colasante never dabbled in writing before, but the children's story was a lot of fun for the family, he said. He used to turn the sessions into a treasure hunt, too. He made up riddles and wrote them on parchment paper signed "Miss B." The goal was to encourage them to do good deeds, he said. Now, he hopes to share that mission with readers.

His grandchildren are looking forward to the book signing. He'll be at Stillwater Books, 175 Main Street, Pawtucket, at 1 p.m. on Nov. 10.

Stillwater River Publications is the publisher. The paperback costs $14.95.

Courtesy Photos: Stillwater River Publications