Patrick Fitzpatrick

Patrick Fitzpatrick spent his early years as a Navy child in Japan and California before settling in St. Johns, Michigan, where his family has deep roots. He attended a two-room Lutheran schoolhouse, sparking a lifelong love of learning. A competitive swimmer, Pat swam at Wheaton College, where he earned a biology degree and met his wife, Sharon. He later earned an M.S. in biology at Georgia State University with an emphasis on molecular genetics. He taught biology and coached swimming at The Westminster Schools in Atlanta for 13 years, during which he began writing poems about animal symbiosis. His first book, I Need You and You Need Me, launched the Oxpecker and Giraffe series and is now in its seventh printing. His second book, Princess of the Misty Mufu Mountains, inspired by his daughter’s adoption from China, was illustrated by his son. A second Oxpecker and Giraffe title, addressing the important issue of body image, is due in late 2025. Pat is Head of School at Plumstead Christian School in Pennsylvania. He and Sharon have five children and five grandchildren.