Embark on a Magical Adventure Through Change "Lily: An Unexpected Journey" By Volodymyr Samoiliuk

Welcome to an exploration of "Lily: An Unexpected Journey," a captivating illustrated chapter book that invites young readers to embark on a magical adventure filled with themes of friendship, resilience, and self-discovery. Authored by Volodymyr Samoiliuk and beautifully illustrated by Kateryna Didevych, this enchanting tale follows Lily as she navigates the challenges of moving to a new country, grappling with feelings of loneliness and anxiety. With the help of a tiny dragon named Ding-Dong, Lily learns to confront her fears and embrace new beginnings. In this post, we will delve into the book's details, themes, and the heartfelt journey it offers to children aged 7 and up. Join us as we uncover the magic woven into this story and the valuable life lessons it imparts.

Book information

• Title: Lily: An Unexpected Journey

• Author: Volodymyr Samoiliuk

• Illustrator: Kateryna Didevych

• Translator: Viktoriia Medvied

• Publisher: Sayvi Studio S.L.

• Publication Date: March 7, 2026

• Genre:  Contemporary, Fantasy, Magic

• Age Category: Children's, 7+

• Known formats: e-book, paperback, hardcover

• Known languages: English, Ukraine, Spanish

• Format: Illustrated Chapter Book

• Representation and Themes: Emotional growth, friendship, self-discovery, resilience, coping with anxiety, creativity, adjusting to change, diversity in culture.

• Read Around the World: Ukraine - Author, Illustrator, Translator, Spain - Setting

I would like to thank the author and publisher for supplying me with an e-arc copy of the book through Netgalley. All views expressed are my own and reflect my personal reading experiences and thoughts on the book.

Book Synopsis

In this enchanting tale, Lily's world is turned upside down when her family relocates to sunny Spain. She faces a new house, a foreign school, and a language she barely understands, leading to feelings of loneliness and anxiety. Everything changes when she discovers a mysterious old book and meets Ding-Dong, a tiny dragon with a gentle heart. Together, they embark on a magical journey filled with drawing, imagination, and enchantment, helping Lily confront her fears, build confidence, and make new friends. This heartwarming illustrated chapter book beautifully blends fantasy with themes of emotional growth, guiding children through change, friendship, and self-discovery. Ideal for readers aged 7–10, it’s perfect for those adjusting to new environments, coping with anxiety, or learning social skills. Join Lily and Ding-Dong on a heartfelt adventure celebrating resilience and the realization that home is defined by love and understanding.

My reading log

Day 1 - August 23, 2026 pg. 25 (read 25 pages)

My rating and review

Rating: ★ ★ ★★ ★, 5 stars

The characters in this story are crafted with a remarkable level of realism, humor, emotional depth, and a touch of sass that makes them incredibly relatable to readers of all ages. At the heart of the narrative is Lily, a captivating main character who embodies the essence of childhood filled with wonder, imagination, adventure, and magic. Through her eyes, readers experience not only the joy and creativity that come with being a child but also the complex emotions, struggles, and changes that often accompany this formative stage of life—feelings that may be difficult to fully comprehend at a young age.

Lily's parents are portrayed as multifaceted individuals who grapple with their own challenges and transitions, reflecting the reality that adulthood is fraught with its own set of difficulties. They are tasked with the responsibility of guiding their children through these changes while simultaneously managing their own emotions and uncertainties. This dynamic creates a rich backdrop against which the story unfolds, illustrating how the adult world can sometimes feel overwhelming and confusing, not just for the parents but also for their little ones who look to them for guidance and support.

Lily's siblings add an extra layer of depth to the narrative, showcasing a diverse array of dreams, hopes, inspirations, interests, and personalities. This diversity is particularly evident in the sibling banter between Lily and her sister Sarah, which brings an authentic and relatable element to the story. Their interactions are filled with humor and warmth, capturing the essence of sibling relationships. The contrast between the two sisters is particularly poignant as they navigate the upheaval of moving. Lily, with her vibrant imagination and a circle of supportive friends, approaches the changes with a sense of optimism, finding ways to embrace new beginnings. In contrast, Sarah, who is a bit older and more aware of the implications of their move, grapples with feelings of grumpiness and sadness, mourning the loss of her friends and the familiarity of their childhood home. This juxtaposition highlights how individuals can experience change in vastly different ways, which is a valuable lesson for young readers.

The story also introduces enchanting characters such as Bunny and Ding-Dong the Dragon, who serve as allegorical figures representing different perspectives on change. Bunny embodies the struggle to hold onto memories and the past, yearning to preserve the essence of their old home. Meanwhile, Ding-Dong the Dragon provides a comforting presence, illustrating through the guidance of their mother that everyone processes change uniquely. Together, they reinforce the idea that while change can be challenging, it is through cherished memories and the love we carry in our minds and hearts that we can navigate these transitions.

The settings throughout the book are beautifully rendered, with vivid descriptions that transport readers into a world that feels both magical and realistic. Each location is thoughtfully crafted, enhancing the reader's immersion in the story. The writing itself is skillfully executed, striking a balance between emotional resonance and accessibility. The author adeptly employs relatable examples and comparisons that young readers can easily grasp, making the themes of the story resonate on a personal level.

The plot is a beautifully woven tapestry of realism, action, adventure, and emotional depth. It unfolds in a way that keeps readers engaged, with each twist and turn adding to the overall richness of the narrative. The illustrations accompanying the text are nothing short of stunning; they are vibrant, detailed, and immersive, allowing readers to not only visualize the characters and settings but also to feel the emotions and actions as they unfold. This integration of text and illustration creates a dynamic reading experience that enhances the storytelling.

At its core, this book is imbued with valuable lessons about change, friendship, family, and the concept of home. It emphasizes that moving forward in life is a journey that everyone experiences differently, and that with the support of loved ones, friends, or community, we can learn to cherish our memories while embracing new beginnings.

"Lily: An Unexpected Journey" by Volodymyr Samoiliuk is not just an educational illustrated book; it is a heartfelt exploration of what it means to adapt to change and how we can keep the essence of the places and people we love alive through our memories. It serves as a reminder that while life may take us on unexpected paths, it is our experiences and the connections we make along the way that truly shape who we are. This book is a treasure for readers of all ages, encouraging them to reflect on their own journeys and the beauty of the memories they carry with them.

Discussion Questions for Young Readers

Before Reading

• What do you think the story will be about based on the title "Lily: An Unexpected Journey"?

• Have you ever moved to a new place? How did it make you feel?

• What do you think the themes of friendship and change might mean in this story?

• Looking at the cover and illustrations, what emotions do you think the characters might experience?

During Reading

• How does Lily feel about moving to Spain? Can you relate to her feelings?

• What role does Ding-Dong the dragon play in Lily's journey? What do you think he represents?

• As Lily encounters new challenges, how does she cope with her anxiety? What strategies does she use?

• How do Lily's interactions with her family members affect her experience in the new environment?

After Reading

• What did you learn about coping with change from Lily's story?

• How did Lily's friendships develop throughout the book? Why are friends important during times of change?

• What was your favorite part of the story, and why did it resonate with you?

• How can you apply the lessons from Lily's journey to your own life?

• What do you think makes a place feel like home? How does this relate to Lily's experiences?

Activities for Young Readers

Before Reading

• Discuss the cover: Ask the readers what they think the story is about based on the cover art.

• Predict the story: Have them make predictions about what might happen in the book based on the title and synopsis.

• Explore themes: Introduce the themes of emotional growth, friendship, and resilience. Ask readers if they have experienced similar feelings.

• Research the setting: Provide some background information about Spain, where the story takes place, and discuss its culture.

• Character brainstorming: Have the readers create a character profile for Lily and her family, imagining their personalities and backgrounds.

During Reading

• Character tracking: Encourage readers to keep a chart of characters and their traits as they encounter them in the story.

• Illustration reflection: Ask readers to pause and describe their favorite illustrations and how they relate to the text.

• Emotion journal: Have readers note down the emotions Lily experiences throughout the story and how they relate to their own feelings.

• Discussion prompts: Pause at key moments to discuss decisions made by characters and how they might act differently.

• Vocabulary building: Create a list of new words encountered in the book and discuss their meanings and usage.

After Reading

• Creative writing: Encourage readers to write a short story or a diary entry from Lily's perspective after her journey.

• Art project: Have them create their own illustrations or a comic strip depicting a favorite scene from the book.

• Group discussion: Facilitate a discussion about the lessons learned from Lily's journey and how they can apply these lessons in their own lives.

• Book review: Ask readers to write a brief review of the book, focusing on what they liked and what they learned.

• Role-play: Organize a role-play activity where readers can act out scenes from the book, exploring character emotions and interactions.

About the Author

Volodymyr Samoiliuk, a children’s author and theater director, has dedicated over eight years to creating engaging stage productions in Kyiv, helping children understand their emotions and express themselves confidently. His work blends creativity with child development and emotional awareness. Now, his books support children aged 6–11 through changes like new schools and social challenges, drawing from his personal experience of relocating abroad. These stories, infused with adventure and gentle magic, teach young readers about friendship, managing emotions, and resilience, aiming to entertain while strengthening confidence and emotional intelligence.

About the Illustrator

Katerina Didevych is a professional commercial children's illustrator dedicated to bringing creative visions to life. With a passion for storytelling through visuals, she specializes in a variety of illustrative services, including:

• Brand Characters

• Book Illustration

• Stickers

• Package Illustrations

• Postcards

Katerina takes pride in her ability to generate innovative ideas and collaborate effectively with clients. Her goal is to tailor each project to meet the unique needs of every customer. She looks forward to the opportunity to work with others and create something extraordinary together!

About the Translator

Viktoriia Medvied is a Ph.D. student at the University of St Andrews, focusing on Creative Writing and Modern Languages. Her research explores the evolution of Ukrainian children's literature post-February 2022, emphasizing how cognitive metaphor, narrative psychology, fairytale, and bibliotherapy translate the unspeakable into language. She also delves into multilingualism in Ukrainian children's literature, particularly the use of surzhyk, a blend of Russian and Ukrainian, which is underrepresented in young adult prose. Viktoriia is an accomplished author in Ukrainian children's literature and translates contemporary works into English.

Where to buy or find the book

To find Lily: An Unexpected Journey, search for the exact title and author name through trusted sources. Good places to check include:

• Local libraries

• Library request systems

• Local Bookstores

• Amazon

• BookSprout - Open for reading and review requests until August 31, 2026

• Netgalley - Open for reading and review requests until February 28, 2027

Conclusion

"Lily: An Unexpected Journey" is more than just a story; it is a heartfelt exploration of the complexities of change and the importance of resilience, friendship, and self-discovery. Through Lily's enchanting adventure with Ding-Dong the dragon, young readers are not only entertained but also provided with valuable lessons about coping with anxiety and embracing new beginnings. The vivid illustrations and relatable characters enhance the narrative, making it a perfect choice for children aged 7 and up who may be facing their own challenges in adjusting to new environments.

This beautifully crafted book serves as a reminder that while life's journeys may be filled with uncertainties, the connections we forge and the memories we cherish can guide us through the toughest of times. Whether you're a parent looking to spark meaningful conversations with your child or an educator seeking a rich literary resource, "Lily: An Unexpected Journey" is a treasure that will resonate with readers of all ages. Don't miss the opportunity to join Lily on her magical journey and discover the transformative power of friendship and imagination.