May 28, 2026
News
Tetiana comes from Kharkiv. She has never been abroad; however, her interactive books for children are well known, for instance, in Italy, Germany, or the United States of America. She began creating them during the war, after her family had fled to Uzhhorod in western Ukraine. Like many refugees, she must have had to change her life from its roots. Because she had always enjoyed handicrafts, she decided to devote herself to bookmaking. Thanks to a business grant from Caritas Czech Republic, she was able to purchase equipment that has made her work much easier and enriched it significantly.
New life in Uzhhorod
Tetiana arrived in Uzhhorod with her two sons on March 22, less than a month after the start of the Russian aggression in Ukraine. She followed her husband, who serves in the military and is required to guard the borders. The first three months in their new home were not easy for Tetiana. Therefore, she decided to visit a psychologist at a centre that supports internally displaced persons. Local professionals helped guide her onto a new life path.
They asked me what I used to do before the war. I’ve always loved art and crafts. I’ve always taken tailoring and sewing classes. I love doing it,
Tetiana says. She developed a passion for various creative techniques while she was caring for her younger son at home. Her older son then introduced her to the world of YouTube and other creative platforms. Gradually, she improved her skills online.
Photo: Tetiana loves art and crafts
In the past, Tetiana engaged in so-called scrapbooking, which involves creating memory albums by assembling entire books from various photographs or images. This likely led her to interactive children’s books, so-called Velcro books with hook-and-loop fasteners, in which readers can find, for example, mix-and-match character pieces. Children can play with them and then creatively stick them back in place.
One day, by chance, I saw printed sticker books on Instagram. I was very surprised. I started exploring the process and became very interested in it. And now I have my own production,
Tetiana explains. At first, she tried sewing books, but it was a time-consuming process that did not pay off. Therefore, she decided to devote herself fully to print production.
Photo: Tetiana creates interactive books for children
Successful business
Because she cannot draw, she purchases images from illustrators. She then prints them and assembles them herself. Tetiana showed us a book containing approximately 200 detailed parts, all of which could be removed and reassembled. Such a book costs between 75 and 85 USD. A small book then costs around 35 USD. To connect with customers abroad, who, according to Tetiana, appreciate handmade products, she set up a seller account on Etsy and also promotes her products on Instagram.
Thanks to the grant from Caritas Czech Republic, she was able to purchase new equipment for her business. She bought a laminator, a plotter, a laptop, a new printer, and 200 kilograms of materials.
Photo: Thanks to the grant, Tetiana was able to purchase a computer, equipment and materials
Before, I made them by hand. It took longer and was harder. During the day, I made two little books. I sold 50 copies of one book,
Tetiana says that back then, around Christmas time, she would work day and night. Today, she is able to invest the money she has saved in educational courses to further develop her business. She has already attended a course on promotion on Etsy, which also included professional consultations, and a course on creating book templates.
“When I am putting a book together, I play with it myself to make sure everything works really well,” Tetiana says, adding that trends change quickly. Generally, she creates books primarily for girls. The main themes include, for example, the seasons, means of transport, food, housing, and more.
I threw myself into the work. I cannot change the situation, but I can do something for people,
Tetiana shares. Her books have found readers not only in Ukraine but also abroad. “America, Italy, Germany, Spain. My son marks with flags the countries where my books are located,” Tetiana tells us, and also admits:
I have never been abroad, and to me it feels like another planet. But thanks to my work, perhaps one day I will visit a foreign country.
Photo: Tetiana's book are being sold around the world
Caritas Czech Republic in Ukraine
In Ukraine, we provided business and study grants to dozens of internally displaced persons who found shelter in the west of the country, where they are trying to establish a new life.
We have operated directly in the country for a long time. We focus, for instance, on healthcare. Last year, we modernised six rehabilitation centres in the Dnipropetrovsk region and supported the creation of a network of mental health centres. Those centres provide free psychological support to both children and adults.
Moreover, we assist during the winter months by delivering fuel and winter packages to vulnerable families in eastern Ukraine. This year, thanks to your donations, we were able to equip centres established in three schools in Kyiv, where the city’s residents sought refuge after Russian strikes on the energy grid left their homes without heating, electricity, or water.
Our mission here does not end. Thank you for helping us together.
