Happy Go Lucky

Dr. Michael Provitera is an experienced author in the field of motivation. Since 2006, he has volunteered his time and efforts for the Kids And The Power Of Work (KAPOW) program in South Florida, where he helps children build self-esteem and related skills so that they can consider future career possibilities. In this capacity, he has won the KAPOW Partner Award in South Florida each year since 2006. The idea for this story came from his daughter, Janet, who was on a creative writing streak one summer night. She came pounding into his home office, exclaiming, ＂Daddy! Daddy! I have a great idea for a story!＂ She shuffled her feet back and forth, waiting for him to take off his reading glasses and let her explain the plot of the story. ＂Daddy, I want to write about how a child who does not have brothers and sisters can grow to love a puppy dog.＂ This is where the character for Billy Thompson came from: a child’s desperate need to love and show affection for animals even though he lives in an apartment that doesn’t allow pets. Soon, it became a labor of love to develop a story about how positive and creative thinking and the power of the human spirit can lead to solutions that can help children realize their dreams. Dr. Michael Provitera is also a professor of organizational behavior and a motivational expert. He has authored two books in the area of motivation and has regularly shared his knowledge on radio and television programs. Janet Provitera is a creative young girl who loves to read and play the piano. She loves to use her imagination to create stories and write poems and songs. When her father first read her poem about Billy Thompson, he knew this young boy was a character that children could relate to as he faced challenges and problems that many ten-year-olds face in today’s society. Janet is very proud to have written this book with her father.