“Some stories grow from roots. Others carry light. All of them live in us.”
— Welcome to the bookshelf of Maple Deer Entertainment.
From the heart of a Ukrainian village comes a gentle story of family, memory, and resilience. Inspired by the traditions passed down through generations, this tale celebrates the quiet strength that lives in our roots.
The Tale of Strong Roots is a tender picture book that speaks to every child starting over.It tells the story of Mariyka, a little girl who had to leave her home and begin a new life in a different country.The trees are unfamiliar. The food tastes different. Even the rain feels strange. Nothing feels like home.
To help her, grandmother shares a quiet story — one passed down through generations.A simple tale filled with love, memory, and strength.
This book was written by a Ukrainian Baba (grandmother) for her own granddaughters —but she offers it with love to every child who misses home.
Whether you're raising children, connecting with heritage, or just love beautiful storytelling — this book is for you!
We created this book as a family — with love, tradition, and healing in every page.
Now, we want to bring it to life as a beautiful hardcover picture book, printed on thick, child-friendly cardboard pages — made to survive countless storytimes.
📓 Two copies of this book will be stored in Canada’s Library and Archives.
💡 The final retail version of the book may differ in format and features. Kickstarter backers will receive the first premium edition, with exclusive rewards and early access to the full series.
The Tale of Strong Roots is the first book in a growing picture book series about memory, migration, and the stories that shape us.
🌱 Upcoming tales include: Grandma’s Embroidered Towel, Grandma's Garden, The Gift of the Ancestors, The Wisdom of the Clay Pot.
Stories inspired by heritage, family traditions, and the wisdom of generations past.
Lyrical tales that bring peace and wonder — perfect for little dreamers at night.
Poetic, heartfelt stories that speak to migration, adaptation, and the invisible home we carry inside.
Meet the Creators Behind the Magic
Valentyna is a Ukrainian children’s author and grandmother whose stories are inspired by the traditions, nature, and warmth of rural life in the Odesa region in Ukraine.
Her books celebrate family, culture, and the strength we carry from our roots.
Liubov is a mother of three, author and producer whose stories gently reflect on childhood, memory, and belonging. Through heartfelt stories and experiences, she invites young readers into worlds filled with kindness, imagination, and the beauty of nature.
Rebeckah is deeply invested in sharing family stories and learning from other cultures. Her background includes a homeschooled childhood spent on a farm, a love for gardening, and a personal connection to Ukraine through her grandparents — who told her magical stories of the country and the people.
For her, art is about meaningful connection and finding joy in those connections.
Arseniy is a seasoned game producer and storyteller who bridges narrative and interactivity — shaping experiences that stay with players and readers alike.
With a background in acting and directing, he brings over 20 years of experience in game design and production across mobile and PC titles.
Vera writes emotionally charged fantasy and dystopian fiction. Her stories explore survival, control, and inner strength through bold female protagonists navigating worlds on the edge of collapse — or awakening.
Maple Deer began as a family project — but it’s grown into something more.
We’re building a creative community rooted in kindness, culture, and collaboration.
Whether you’re a reader, artist, storyteller, or just someone who believes in meaningful stories — we invite you to join us.
Let’s grow something beautiful together!
