The story is based on an experience that three-year old Alrick Schwenk had with his introduction to binoculars and wildlife viewing in his grandfather "Pa's" yard in Appleton, Wisconsin.

The original story was written by Jennie Sykes-Schwenk, Pa's daughter, and presented to Pa on Father’s Day 2007. Jennie lives in Green Bay, Wisconsin along her husband Charles.

The book is in part illustrated using original oil paintings crafted by Pa's good friend, Michael O'Connell. The interpretive paintings resulted from Michael's reading of the original story. Michael is a retired teacher-turned-painter and along with his wife Judy, resides in New London, Wisconsin.