Lou Silluzio is the author of nine children's books including Milana and the Escalator, Max the Boy who Didn't Believe in Santa Claus, Jyra and the Excursion and more. Lou immigrated to Australia from Italy in 1957 when he was nine. Following a very successful career in building and real estate, a health scare convinced him to become the author he always wanted to be, and his children's series was born. Lou lives in Melbourne with his beautiful wife, Roberta. He is a proud father of three, and an even prouder grandfather of six. His grandchildren are the inspiration for his books, and he hopes his true-to-life stories will impart life lessons for readers of all ages.Lou's musings:I've run many businesses through my life and they have always always involved numerous employees, subcontractors, regulations, financial risks etc which wears you out and creates stress on you and your family.I turned to writing after battling illness and realising my children and grandchildren are the most important things in my life, not work. My inspiration for writing mainly comes from observing and listening to my grandchildren.Writing is beautiful because you are your own creator. When I come up with something funny or creative it puts a huge smile on my face. As I write primarily for 3 to 9 year old children, when I have the chance to do a reading, I'm always heartened to see these little ones totally engaged and clapping afterwards. Some even shake your hand and there is no better reward.