Genre:children's fiction
Sub-genre:Animals / Farm Animals
Age Range (years):5 - 9
Language:English
Series Title:Happy Gates Ranch
Series Number:1
Pages:52
Hardcover ISBN:9798350925043

Overview

"A New Baby at Happy Gates Ranch" is a heartwarming children's book that tells the story of the birth and first steps of a spirited miniature donkey named Dakota. Join Dakota, Truffles, and their human friends Kathy and Wally on a delightful journey filled with valuable lessons about friendship and perseverance.

Description

A heartwarming children’s story that helps kids build confidence, resilience, and connection—through the journey of a baby donkey finding his footing.

A New Baby at Happy Gates Ranch is more than a charming farm story—it’s a gentle, powerful tool for helping children build confidence, resilience, and connection.

When Dakota, a newborn miniature donkey, takes his first uncertain steps, young readers see themselves in his journey. With the support of his mother, Truffles, and a caring circle of animal friends, Dakota learns that growth doesn’t come from getting it right the first time—it comes from trying again.

Perfect for:

Teachers introducing social-emotional learning
Grandparents creating meaningful storytime moments
Animal lovers who want stories that honor the emotional lives of animals
Anyone supporting a child through change, uncertainty, or new experiences

This story opens the door for conversations about perseverance, friendship, and believing in yourself—without pressure, lectures, or overwhelm.

Because sometimes the best way to teach a child they can do hard things… is to show them.

About The Author

Hello! I’m Kris Benevento, a children’s author who writes stories that help kids understand life, grow through challenges, and feel supported along the way.

I’ve spent a lifetime serving and guiding others—as a firefighter, EMT, instructor, and coach—and I bring that same heart into every story I write. My work is shaped by real-life experience, deep compassion, and a belief that even the smallest moments can teach the biggest lessons.

As a military spouse, I’ve lived across the country and around the world, raising two sons and building a life rooted in resilience, adaptability, and connection. After 32 years of marriage, the loss of my husband changed my perspective on life in profound ways, deepening my commitment to creating stories that matter.

The Happy Gates Ranch series is my way of helping children navigate emotions, build confidence, and understand the power of friendship—through characters they can relate to and remember.

When I’m not writing, you’ll likely find me exploring, connecting with others, or traveling with my cat, Moonlight Graham.

Thank you for being here and for sharing these stories with the children in your life.

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