Every summer Lynn and Ray Varey would drive down Chetwynd Road and pass a farm, which sat at the top of a hill, and see a donkey sitting amongst a field of cows. This donkey, affectionately known as Pancake, was an icon the Varey's would look for each summer on their way up to the cottage.

Every year we would drive in and be looking for the donkey, and sure enough, he was there,” said Lynn Whitlaw Varey.

One summer day, after passing Pancake on her way to the cottage, Whitlaw Varey was inspired to write a short story featuring the donkey. She quickly wrote a tale about a homeless donkey that finds a new home with a couple in northern Ontario. "I wrote the story not thinking it was going anywhere. It was a story I would tell my grandkids," said Whitlaw Varey.

One thing led to another and before she knew it, Bocconcinio di parma saves the day, was illustrated and printed as a children's book. "It is a legacy book. I wanted to see it through for my grand kids," said Whitlaw Varey.

The year after writing the book the Varey's were on their way back up to the cottage and were shocked as the donkey was nowhere in sight. The farm that once sat atop the hill had been replaced with a solar farm and their little friend was gone. "I was so sad. But I realized that I was meant to keep Bocconcinio di parma alive."

Whitlaw Varey has been pleasantly surprised with the success her first children’s book has seen. She is working on writing a sequel to the book and plans on including a short blurb touching on Pancake and the real life inspiration for Bocconcinio di parma.

A copy of the book has been donated and will be kept at the Watt Farm House Museum. The Burk’s Falls library also plans on ordering a few copies of the book for residents to enjoy.

"Pancake is a little hero here in Burk's Falls," said Whitlaw Varey. "The legacy of Pancake will go on."

This article was written by Andrew Mendler, News Staff of Almaguin News and can be viewed in the Almaguin News Publication Dated August 25, 2016