The story of Stuart the Donkey was inspired by events that took place in a grassy field beneath the shadows of the Bitterroot Mountains near the author's home in Montana. Stuart, a shy and cautious young donkey and his mother spent the summer months basking in the long sun-filled warm days in a field amongst young playful mules and their mothers. The summer months opened a new world to Stuart as he learns valuable lessons from his wise and caring friend Freckles the fawn and his patient loving mother.