Lily: The Dream House - A Heartfelt Journey Through Change, Belonging, and Home by Volodymyr Samoiliuk
In a world where change is the only constant, the journey of self-discovery and adaptation becomes paramount, especially for children. "Lily: The Dream House," penned by Volodymyr Samoiliuk and beautifully illustrated by Kateryna Didevych, invites young readers to embark on an enchanting adventure through the vibrant streets of Barcelona. This illustrated chapter book not only captivates with its whimsical characters and magical elements but also addresses profound themes such as friendship, emotional growth, and the essence of home. As we delve into Lily's heartfelt story, we explore the challenges of adjusting to new environments and the importance of love and support in transforming a house into a true home. Join us as we uncover the layers of this delightful narrative, perfect for children aged 7 and above, and discover the valuable lessons it imparts about navigating life's changes with courage and compassion.
Book information
Title: Lily: The Dream House
Author: Volodymyr Samoiliuk
Illustrator: Kateryna Didevych
Translator: Viktoriia Medvied
Publisher: Sayvi Studio S.L.
Publication Date: July 11, 2026
Genre: Contemporary, Fantasy, Magic
Age Category: Children's, 7+
Known formats: e-book, paperback
Known languages: English, Ukraine, Spanish
Format: Illustrated Chapter Book
Representation and Themes: Mental Health, Diversity, Friendship, Emotional Growth, Home and Belonging, Honesty and Trust, Immigrant experiences,
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
Lily embarks on a heartfelt journey through the vibrant streets of Barcelona, a city bursting with life, culture, and history. As she navigates the challenges of adjusting to a new school, she is surrounded by her loving family, her loyal friends, her cherished toy Bunny, and her whimsical dragon companion, Ding-Dong, who adds a touch of magic to her everyday life. Amidst the excitement of new experiences and adventures, Lily grapples with a deep sense of nostalgia for her hometown, a place filled with familiar sights and comforting memories that she holds dear. One day, while exploring her new surroundings, Lily creates a beautiful drawing of her dream house, a representation of her cherished memories and the love she feels for her family and friends. However, her joy turns to dismay when the drawing mysteriously goes missing, only to be found later in a torn and damaged state. This incident sparks a whirlwind of emotions within Lily, prompting her to seek the truth behind the disappearance of her artwork. As she observes her new friend Jenny's peculiar behavior, she begins to suspect that there may be more to the story than meets the eye. Through a series of thrilling adventures, filled with unexpected twists and turns, Lily learns invaluable lessons about the nature of friendship, the importance of honesty, and the true essence of what it means to call a place home. She discovers that home is not merely a physical structure but rather a feeling created by the love and support of those around her. This enchanting illustrated chapter book is perfect for children who are facing new environments, navigating the complexities of friendship, or learning the importance of honesty. It offers a delightful narrative that celebrates the values of truth, companionship, and the realization that home is ultimately where one feels loved and understood, regardless of geographical location.
My reading log
Day 1 - September 18, 2026 pg. 54 (read 54 pages)
My rating and review
Rating: ★ ★ ★★ ★, 5 stars
The characters in this story are all well-developed, realistic, and resonate with readers of all ages. They are infused with humor, emotion, and relatability, making it easy for readers to connect with their experiences. Lily, in particular, showcases remarkable development throughout her journey, filled with moments of humor and heart. Readers will find themselves growing alongside her as she navigates the challenges of adapting to a new school, forming friendships, and understanding the concept of home amidst change.
Lily's sisters also play significant roles, offering diverse perspectives on how to handle change and the emotions that accompany it. Their interactions provide a realistic portrayal of sibling dynamics, showcasing how they can bicker and disagree yet still deeply care for one another. This relationship adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the importance of family support during times of transition.
Lily's parents exemplify the balancing act of managing work and life responsibilities, illustrating how these challenges can sometimes lead to chaos but also moments of reflection on what truly matters—family and love. Bunny, the stuffed toy rabbit, and Ding-Dong, the imaginative dragon, return to the story, providing humor and contrasting perspectives that enrich Lily's adventures. The new characters introduced, such as Lily's teacher and her classmates, embody open-mindedness, kindness, and the realistic nature of how friendships can blossom through shared experiences, whether it's moving to a new place or bonding over art and creativity.
The settings and illustrations throughout the book are not only realistic but also immersive, effectively complementing the actions and emotions of the characters and the unfolding plot. The writing itself is impactful, weaving together humor, emotion, and educational elements in a beautifully crafted narrative. The plot is both entertaining and concise, packed with action, adventure, valuable lessons, and a hint of mystery, all while maintaining a realistic portrayal of friendship, change, and family dynamics. This book is rich with lessons on family, navigating change, the significance of friendship, the importance of being open-minded, and the kindness that can bridge gaps between people. It also emphasizes how art can serve as a medium for expressing feelings and fostering connections with others.
Two poignant lines in the book encapsulate its overarching message: "Sweetheart, a house isn't just a place. It's the people in it," and "Home is where someone waits for you and loves you." These lines beautifully reflect Lily's journey as she and her family adjust to their new lives, reminding readers that while leaving behind a familiar home can be challenging, it is the people we surround ourselves with that truly transform a place into a home.
Lily: The Dream House by Volodymyr Samoiliuk is a wonderfully written picture book that transcends the simple narrative of learning about change. It delves into deeper themes of trust, honesty, family, friendship, and, above all, the people who make a place feel like home. This book is a treasure for young readers, providing them with insights and comfort as they navigate their own journeys through change and connection.
Discussion Questions
Before Reading
What do you think the title "Lily: The Dream House" suggests about the story?
Have you ever moved to a new place? How did it make you feel?
What do you think makes a house a home?
What do you know about Barcelona? Can you name any famous landmarks or cultural aspects?
Look at the cover illustration. What emotions do you think Lily might be experiencing?
During Reading
How does Lily feel about moving to Barcelona? What clues in the text help you understand her emotions?
What role do Lily's family and friends play in her journey? How do they support her?
What does Lily's drawing of her dream house represent? Why is it important to her?
How does Lily's relationship with her new friend Jenny evolve throughout the story?
What magical elements are present in the story? How do they enhance Lily's experiences?
After Reading
What lessons do you think Lily learns by the end of the story? How can these lessons apply to your own life?
How do the themes of friendship and family influence Lily's understanding of home?
What did you think about the ending? How did it make you feel?
Which character did you relate to the most, and why?
Can you think of a time when you had to adapt to a new situation? How did you handle it?
Activities for Young Readers
Before Reading
Discuss what "home" means to you and your family. What makes a house feel like home?
Create a list of questions you have about the book based on its title and cover illustration.
Research Barcelona and share interesting facts about the city and its culture.
Draw your own version of a dream house. What special features would it have?
Make predictions about the story based on the synopsis provided.
During Reading
Keep a reading journal to jot down thoughts, feelings, and questions that arise as you read.
Illustrate your favorite scene from the book as you read it.
Identify and discuss the different emotions Lily experiences throughout her journey.
Make note of any new vocabulary words and look up their meanings.
Pause after each chapter to summarize what has happened and predict what might happen next.
After Reading
Write a letter to Lily, sharing your thoughts on her journey and what you learned from her experiences.
Discuss the themes of friendship and home. How do they relate to your own life?
Create a character map to explore the relationships between Lily and the other characters.
Host a discussion group to talk about the book's messages and how they can apply to real-life situations.
Plan a creative project, such as a play or a puppet show, based on the story and its characters.
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: The Dream House, search for the exact title and author name through trusted sources. Good places to check include:
Local libraries
Library request systems
Local Bookstores
BookSprout - Open for reading and review requests until October 10, 2026
Netgalley - Open for reading and review requests until February 28, 2027
Conclusion
"Lily: The Dream House" is more than just a charming tale of adventure; it is a heartfelt exploration of the emotional landscape that children navigate when faced with change. Through Lily's journey in Barcelona, readers are invited to reflect on their own experiences of moving, adapting, and forming new connections. The book's rich themes of friendship, emotional growth, and the true meaning of home resonate deeply, offering valuable lessons that extend beyond the pages.
With its engaging narrative and stunning illustrations, this book serves as a wonderful resource for children aged 7 and above, encouraging them to embrace change with courage and compassion. As Lily learns that home is defined not by walls, but by the love and support of those around her, young readers are reminded that they, too, can find comfort and belonging in new environments. Ultimately, "Lily: The Dream House" is a celebration of resilience, connection, and the magic of friendship, making it a must-read for families and educators alike.
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