Ukrainian-Canadian Family Launches Their Children's Book The Tale of Strong Roots - A Story of Love, Memory, and Belonging

A Nanaimo-based Ukrainian-Canadian family has launched their children's picture book The Tale of Strong Roots - a gentle, heartfelt story created by three generations after rebuilding their lives on Vancouver Island.
Written by Ukrainian grandmother Valentyna Miliohlova and produced by her daughter Liubov, the book grew out of the family's real journey from Ukraine to Canada during the war. It is a story meant to comfort children starting over far from home - a reminder that love, memory, and family traditions are the invisible roots we carry with us.
A warm community-supported launch in Nanaimo
The book was celebrated this week at a cozy community book launch in Nanaimo, where local families, neighbours, educators, and members of the Ukrainian community gathered to support the project. Children listened to bilingual readings in English and Ukrainian, explored maple seeds from the story, and created crafts inspired by the book.
"We are incredibly grateful to our Nanaimo community," says producer Liubov Nazarenko. "People here made us feel at home from our first months in Canada. Sharing this book together felt like planting our own roots in this community."
Author Valentyna Miliohlova adds:
"When you leave home behind, you realize that home lives inside you - in stories, in traditions, and in the love of your family. That is what I wanted to give my granddaughters, and every child starting over."

About the Book
The Tale of Strong Roots follows Mariyka, a little girl adjusting to life in a new country. While everything around her feels unfamiliar, her grandmother shares stories from her Ukrainian village - helping her find strength, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
The book is:
written by a Ukrainian grandmother for her granddaughters - and for every child who misses home
inspired by real migration experiences and family traditions
illustrated with soft, gentle watercolors by Rebeckah Gerstner
available in English and Ukrainian editions (more languages planned)
published in hardcover and softcover formats (8.5" x 8.5", 28 full-colour pages)
the first title in the Tales with Strong Roots series

About the Family & Studio
Author: Valentyna Miliohlova - Ukrainian grandmother and storyteller
Producer: Liubov Nazarenko - daughter, mother of three, and family publisher
Inspired by: three granddaughters now growing their roots in Canada
Created by: Maple Deer Entertainment - a family-run creative studio on Vancouver Island
The project was successfully funded on Kickstarter in 2025, with backers from Canada, the U.S., and Europe supporting the first print run.

Press Kit & Media Materials
High-resolution images, book spreads, author photos, launch event photos, logos, and the video teaser are available here:
Press Kit Folder: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1h7Cv-R4SiHf93NdM0CymTwGmgFe5ioa3?usp=sharing

Maple Deer Entertainment
510, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 0C4
Liubov Nazarenko
Producer
hello@maple-deer.com

Maple Deer was founded by a family of storytellers and artists who believe in meaningful, human-centered creativity.
Our projects combine art, narrative, and emotion - from picture books and screenplays to digital experiences.
Rooted in heritage and inspired by life in Canada, we aim to create stories that feel timeless and true.

This release was published on openPR.