Lou Basenese is a storyteller at heart. After a successful career as an entrepreneur and business leader, Lou turned his focus to writing, weaving together the threads of family, faith, and community that have shaped his life. His debut memoir, Between the Sauce, the Stars, and Heaven, resonated deeply with readers for its heartfelt honesty and celebration of small-town roots. Now, Lou brings that same spirit of warmth and wonder to children's literature with Rebel & The Rooster, a picture-book series inspired by friendship, curiosity, and the joy of everyday discovery. Rebel, a playful white Labrador, and his feathered sidekick, Rooster, are based on real-life gifts of companionship that Lou and his wife, Laura, shared with dear friends. Their adventures reflect timeless lessons about loyalty, courage, and laughter-stories Lou hopes will delight children and families for generations. In addition to writing, Lou is passionate about preserving heritage and celebrating community. He draws inspiration from his Italian-American upbringing in Netcong, New Jersey, where family traditions and neighborhood bonds left a lasting imprint.

These influences shine through in his work, whether he's penning stories of resilience for adults or playful adventures for children. Lou lives in Florida with his wife, Laura, where they run a family-owned business and cherish time with children and grandchildren. His writing is part of a broader legacy project: creating books that connect generations, spark conversation, and remind us all of the power of faith, family, and friendship. With Rebel & The Rooster, Lou invites young readers-and the adults who love them-into a world of fun, laughter, and gentle wisdom. It's the beginning of many adventures to come.