19 September, 2026

Lily. An unexpected journey by Volodymyr Samoiliuk

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Book Details:

Title:

Lily. An Unexpected journey : A Cozy Chapter Book About Friendship, Feelings, and the Magic of Drawing (Ages 7–10)

Author: Volodymyr Samoiliuk

Genre: Chapter books, kids fiction

Publisher: SAYVI STUDIO S.L.

Print Length: 48 pages

Reading age: 7 to 10 yrs

Source: A review copy from the publisher

Blurb:

What if moving to a new home meant leaving everything familiar behind?

Lily’s life changes overnight when her family relocates to Spain. A new house, a new school, and a language she barely understands make her feel lonely, nervous, and completely out of place. Like many children facing a big move, Lily struggles to express her feelings and adjust to an unfamiliar world.

Everything begins to change when she discovers a mysterious old book and meets Ding-Dong — a tiny dragon with a gentle heart and a gift for inspiring courage and creativity.

Through drawing, imagination, and a little magic, Lily slowly learns how to overcome her fears, build confidence, and start making friends in her new environment.

This heartwarming illustrated chapter book combines fantasy and emotional growth in a story that helps children navigate change, friendship, and self-discovery. Perfect for families looking for kids books about feelings, social emotional learning stories, and comforting books about moving to a new house.

Ideal for readers ages 7–10, especially children:

adjusting to a new school or country
coping with anxiety or loneliness
learning friendship and social skills
building confidence through creativity

A touching story about change, resilience, and discovering that home is the place where you feel loved and understood.

Purchase Link:

Amazon

My Review:

The story is about Lily, an 8-year-old who had to leave Kyiv for Barcelona unexpectedly. Since she is not mentally prepared for such a sudden move, she feels homesick. She is an innocent and lovely girl who believes in clouds and dragons and loves her bunny. It is not easy to settle in a new place where she doesn't know the language well. How she navigates through this phase is the remaining story.

What did I love?

I loved the way the story is written in a heartwarming and empathetic way. I like the characters of Lily's parents who answer her questions with patience and love. Sarah seems like a regular teen sister in any family.

The illustrations are great, with nice expressions on the faces. The book title is apt, and the cover looks great and relevant.