Hi Everyone and Welcome to Wanda Luthman’s Christian & Children’s Book Blog!
Today, I have a new author, Dagmara Sitek (pictured above with her book) who is creating a series of children’s books on Courage. Dagmara is a native of Poland but currently resides in Montreal.
In Dagmara’s words, here’s what her story is about and the inspiration behind it…
WHAT IS THIS BOOK ABOUT?
Loris Opens Up His Heart is a book about Loris, a boy in foster care who defies all
odds and triumphs over challenges. It’s about having the courage to not only stand
up for others but also for yourself. This is an important topic for everyone to talk
about, no matter the age. This book was written in hopes of spreading awareness
about children’s struggles.
WHAT MAKES THIS BOOK UNIQUE?
Inspired by a true story, this is a wonderful book that opens hearts and minds to
the struggles of children in foster care. This book is about being there for others,
even if you aren’t sure what they are going through. It is a valuable resource to
help children understand how to be compassionate to their friends in foster care.
The narrative encourages young readers to imagine themselves among resilient
foster siblings, and empathize with Loris’s experiences of loneliness and need for
understanding. Everyone has hopes and dreams, but not everyone has a fair shot in
life!
Dagmara Sitek opens hearts and minds with her latest children’s book, Loris Opens Up His Heart.
Montreal, Quebec (April 2024) – The newest release by Dagmara Sitek helps young readers understand that sometimes, opening up your heart is the bravest thing you can
do. Just like the main character Loris, a boy in foster care, readers can share their fears and find acceptance in their safe space. When Loris arrives at his new foster home, something
about him is shrouded in mystery. He keeps himself wrapped in a hoodie, hiding his secrets. His new foster siblings can’t quite figure him out. That doesn’t stop them from trying but Loris
shows no interest in anything. Deep beneath his hood, Loris harbors a secret waiting to be uncovered.
Dagmara states, “I found that creating characters who come from foster homes was a perfect
choice for this book. Cam, Inaya, and Loris have already experienced a lot in their
lives, making it natural to depict their journeys,” said author, Dagmara Sitek. “Their
experiences allow kids to explore the themes of resilience, growth, and transformation more effectively.”
An inspiration for the book was the death of Kamilek Mrozek, an
eight-year-old boy from Czestochowa, Poland, who tragically lost his life in May
2023 after severe maltreatment at the hands of his stepfather. This heart-wrenching
incident deeply affected the Polish community, sparking discussions on the critical
issues of child abuse, empathy, and mental health.
“Kamilek’s story deeply touched me and inspired Loris Opens Up His Heart.
This book addresses resilience and compassion in a simple yet relatable way,
encouraging important conversation with empathy and courage,” said Dagmara
Sitek
Six Reader’s Favorite Reviewers gave this book 5 stars! Here’s the link to the reviews https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/loris-opens-up-his-heart
Dagmara created some free resources here for those who’d like to dive deeper in processing difficult emotions. Click HERE
To connect with Dagmara, here are some links
Thank you, Dagmara, for sharing your awesome book providing us with insight into the world of being a foster child. It took courage for you to share such a moving story.
And thank you, my loyal blog followers, for stopping by today! I hope you will pick up a copy today and re-read it again and again with your favorite child(ren).
As always, likes, comments, and shares are much appreciated
God bless you!
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