Born in Butler, Pa. - at Butler Memorial Hospital - to Henry J. and Catherine L. (Heasley) LeGrand. I was named Henry J. LeGrand lll - but Hank is what I am mostly known by. I grew up out in the country along with six sisters and two brothers. Stories were a big part of my life growing-up and--with that many siblings - there was never a shortage of imaginative-storytelling, book readings, or just simply being an avid listener. Every day was a wonderful learning experience with my family, and an experience that will stay in my head and heart forever I attended St. Mary's Elementary School in Herman, Pa., then went on to the local high school. I enlisted in the military in 1969, and was honourably discharged in 1971 from the United States Army's infantry division. I'm a Vietnam Veteran and was awarded two Bronze Stars. I presently work at AK Steel's Butler works--in the Environmental Department.

I’ve always had room in my head for daydreaming--actually a lot of room. I enjoy seeing my thought take form on paper, and I get a great deal of satisfaction inventing all the different characters. But the best part of writing a story - to me - is working with the illustrator, and watching in amazement as the characters and scenes begin to emerge—as they are blended into the story. Paddle Tail was my first published book, and has developed into a series. I thought up Paddle Tail while daydreaming about an old duck-pond that I spent a lot of time at - back when I was just a kid myself. There were no beavers living in the shallow- muddy-pond, but that didn’t stop my imagination. Paddle Tail and I visit schools and libraries. I speak to the students about what it takes to get a children’s illustrated book published; the determination, persistence and, also, about the positive attitude one must have to clear all the hurdles. I talk to them about beavers, their characteristics, and the benefits they give to Mother Nature and, to Mankind. Rampage! Is my first full-length novel, again aimed at the young adult market - a western-style adventure full of action.

Interests: I like camping, inventing, drawing, and especially writing fiction stories for children and young adults. I also enjoy riding my Jet Ski, motorcycle, and working around my home - which keeps me more than occupied.

Please, also, visit my website--to see pictures of Paddle Tail and I at some of our activities. http://gottawritenetwork.com/hanklegrand.html & http://www.authorsden.com/hanklegrandlll You may purchase my other children’s titles at Amazon.com—listed in their Amazon Shorts Program. Under The Wishing Well, Toboggan Wax, and Little Moe’s Christmas.

Paddle Tail - is the story about an adorable little beaver born with just a stump for a tail. But he learns, and so will all children, that it's okay to be different. Follow his adventures in this fully illustrated and printable version; it is a great book for children from 6 to 11 years of age. Paddle Tail has received a five-star rating on the Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million web sites.

Paddle Tail had finally been accepted at the beaver lake - in his first storybook. The Elder, and other beavers from the community, were ashamed at how they had treated the little beaver born without a tail. But Paddle Tail accepted his neighbor’s apologies without hesitation, after they had realized what a terrible mistake they had made. Paddle Tail’s mother and father (George and Sarah) were proud of their son, about how he had handled all the snickering and name-calling (about the wooden tail that his father had made for him). Well, now it was time for Paddle Tail to get on with his life, and to learn all that he could from his mother, father, and all the other beavers…

Paddle Tail’s second book in the series--‘Paddle Tail’s First Winter Adventure’ - will, again, test his bravery, faith in his friends, and his willingness to forgive, even more. The reader or avid listener is in for a wonderful adventure, as you travel along with Paddle Tail and the beavers in the community. But be prepared to be on the edge of your seat as you read his second exciting story - it’s a real nail biter!

Rampage is an adventurous story with a western style theme. It’s a tale of fear and survival for folks living in a secluded mountain valley. Winter had begun setting in up in the mountains, driving the elk down to greener pastures. The elk were beginning to wander down along the narrow mountain pass, in search of food that the early morning frost had not yet covered. The Topp family, living in the mountain valley, didn't mind the elk, except when they had to chase the large animals out of their small corn patch. But what followed the elk down the trail, shadowing their every movement, did -