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Step into the magical world of Bao, Bao, the Baby Panda and meet all the adorable characters brought to life through delightful illustrations. Each character has a unique personality, teaching children important values while entertaining them with heartwarming tales.
About The Author
Lillian Pagano
​After 33 years of teaching young children in New Jersey, Lillian S. Pagano is a retired educator, mother of four (including triplets!), and a passionate children's author. When she isn’t enjoying the beach, traveling, or meeting with her "Retireads" book club, she is crafting stories that inspire courage and kindness. Her debut book, Bao Bao the Baby Panda, was deeply inspired by two brilliant sisters she taught online in China—Sylvia and Eva—whom she hopes to meet in person one day!
Lillian enjoys all things “beachy,” long walks, traveling, and working out at her local YMCA. She also meets once a month with her “Retireads” book club members, where they plan trips, travel, and share great food and memorable books together. She hopes to one day meet Sylvia and Eva, the two girls that were the inspiration for her story!
Her nephews, Jack and Lucius, and her niece Faith, were the inspiration behind her newest book.
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Meet The Character
Bao Bao
Born at the Beijing Zoo, Bao Bao—whose name means "baby" or "precious treasure" in Chinese—is a playful, curious Giant Panda who loves tumbling, munching on bamboo, and bringing joy to everyone she meets. Whether cuddling with Mama Ming or settling into her new home across the ocean at the San Diego Zoo, Bao Bao has a special way of helping children feel connected, brave, and ready for new adventures
As she journeys from the Beijing Zoo to her new home at the San Diego Zoo, Bao Bao reminds readers that moving somewhere new can lead to wonderful unexpected friendships. Through her gentle spirit and playful antics, she shows young children that no matter how far away home feels, kindness and courage can make any place feel welcoming.
Meet the Story's Inspiration
Meet Jack, Faith & Lucius
Bao Bao The Baby Panda, America Bound is lovingly inspired by my youngest niece, Faith, and my nephews, Jack and Lucius. Like Bao Bao, they are always finding adventures and getting into mischief. They laugh, love, and make unforgettable memories together.
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Meet Sylvia and Eva
I had the privilege of teaching English to Sylvia and Eva online in 2020-2021. These beautiful and talented sisters, along with their entire family in Hong Kong, were the inspiration for my very first book. Their mother often says, 'If you ever come to China, we would love to show you around.' Although we have never met in person, we share messages and pictures, proving that true friendship knows no borders!​​
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Fun Facts About Pandas
Natural Habitat
Giant Pandas live in the rainy, mountainous regions of China, an environment perfectly suited for them. Because they are native only to this region, they are proudly celebrated as a National Treasure in China.
Perfect Camouflage
Their iconic coat serves a real purpose: the white fur provides camouflage in snowy habitats, while the black patches help them blend seamlessly into the shadows of bamboo forests.
Bamboo Obsession
They spend a massive portion of their day eating, as bamboo is critical to their diet. To help them eat efficiently, pandas have a unique extended wrist bone that they use like a thumb to tightly grip food.
Raising Cubs
Panda parents are incredibly dedicated parents early on. Mother pandas keep their tiny, vulnerable cubs held extremely close to them for safety during the first full month of life.
Active & Agile
Don't let their bulky size fool you—pandas are excellent swimmers and can easily climb trees. Interestingly, unlike many other bear species, Giant Pandas do not hibernate.
Making a Comeback
At one point, Giant Pandas were on the absolute brink of extinction. Thanks to major conservation efforts, their populations have stabilized, and they are no longer critically endangered in the wild.
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