The Tale of Strong Roots

What helps a child feel at home — even far away?

When Mariyka moves to a new country, everything feels unfamiliar. She misses the place she left behind and wonders where she truly belongs.

To comfort her, Grandma shares the story of tiny maple seeds that can travel far from their tree — yet still carry everything they need to grow new roots.

The Tale of Strong Roots is a warm, beautifully illustrated picture book about belonging, family, and the roots we carry with us wherever we go.

Inspired by Ukrainian heritage and created in Canada, Mariyka’s story gently explores the experience of starting over in a new place while celebrating the memories, traditions, and love that connect generations.

Perfect for:

• Children ages 3–8

• Families experiencing a move, immigration, or a new beginning

• Bedtime and family storytime

• Classrooms exploring belonging, family traditions, and cultural heritage

• Grandparents and grandchildren to read together

Inside the book, children will discover:

• A gentle story about finding a sense of belonging

• The special bond between a grandmother and granddaughter

• Ukrainian cultural traditions woven naturally into the story

• A simple science page about maple seeds and how they travel and grow

• An invitation to talk about their own family stories and roots

The Tale of Strong Roots is the first book in the Tales with Strong Roots series — heartfelt stories in which Grandma and her grandchildren discover family wisdom, nature, traditions, and a little touch of magic.

Continue the journey with The Secret of Grandma’s Garden, where a boy who thinks vegetables are “for rabbits” discovers just how much life — and a little magic — can grow from a tiny seed.

Valentyna Miliohlova is a Ukrainian children's storyteller and the author of the Tales with Strong Roots series. She grew up in a small village in the Odesa region, surrounded by family traditions, folk wisdom, and the magical stories told by her grandmother. After moving to Canada with her family, Valentyna began writing heartfelt tales that help children feel connected to nature, family, and their cultural roots.Her stories are warm, sincere, and filled with the gentle voice of a grandmother - the kind of stories that stay with a child for life.

Rebeckah Gerstner is an illustrator who believes in the power of meaningful connection through art. She grew up homeschooled on a farm, loves gardening, and is deeply inspired by family stories and cultural traditions. Rebeckah has a special connection to Ukraine through her grandparents, who shared stories and sent handmade gifts each Christmas - making this project especially meaningful to her.