In March 2020, when by government order we all had to stay at home due to the declared pandemic, everyone experienced stress resulting from mandatory isolation. Our everyday life changed drastically, and we did not yet know what future the coronavirus would bring.
Seeing how we felt and hearing about the problems employed parents were struggling with, and that for their children it was also stressful, our marketing manager – Kasia – decided to write a fairy tale. Through an interesting story and simple illustrations, she wanted to help children at moments when they do not understand their own emotions or the emotions of others, and make falling asleep easier or provide a pretext for important conversations with parents.
Who among us wouldn't want to find out what lies beyond the horizon? That's also the case for little Gwiazdka (Star). She eagerly wants to know what life outside the sky looks like. But no one except the stars that fell from the sky knows this world. One night Gwiazdka accidentally fulfills her dream and falls to the earth, or rather… falls into the sea. In our case, it couldn't be otherwise, after all, we are a hotel right by the sea. So Gwiazdka sets off on an extraordinary journey during which she meets magical sea creatures and faces many adventures… But how should she get back to the sky?
"Legends of Falling Stars" is a series of short stories presenting various situations we have to face in our life as children or adults. The accompanying emotions are an inseparable part of ourselves, although sometimes it's hard to find one's way in them. Based on her private childhood memories, the author included stories of children – sea creatures who must face various life challenges that shape their later behaviors in adulthood.
The main character of the fairy tale – Gwiazdka – does not judge but tries to understand. And when life places challenges, it turns out that no one is perfect. The whale, although eating little, is perceived as fat; insecure little fish quarrel with each other; the little turtle misses her dad; the dolphin gets tangled in a plastic net someone threw into the sea, and the shy octopus feels lonely in company.
The author conveys the message that education, sensitivity, and self-acceptance can change the way children and adults behave and build a friendly environment. Subsequent chapters guide through various experiences. The author shows how much a child's behavior depends on teaching empathy, observation skills, and accepting different perspectives. She also tries to convey that none of the children's problems should be underestimated, even if to us adults they may seem trivial at first glance. The book consists not only of stories but also unfinished illustrations that can help in a calm conversation with a child about the story read. Thanks to this, the child learns divided attention while having time to reflect, enriched with creative play.
Printed copies are evaluated by the harshest critics – children aged from 3 up to even 12 years old. The first reviews are positive. As a curiosity, children can meet the fairy tale characters in our Kids Room – Underwater World and receive a copy of the fairy tale as part of the birthday package. Read more about our attractions for children in another post.
The character of Gwiazdka and her friends was illustrated by Monika Leosz. She specializes in children’s themed illustrations, from books through packaging projects to fabric patterns. Soft lines and calm colors, unfinished illustrations, the suggestion to color with pastels or watercolors are the hallmarks of the fairy tale's graphic design.
She works creatively based on her own ideas. For many years, she has consistently ensured that the brands she works for show their sensitive side and engage in CSR activities and build trust-based relationships. She observes people’s behaviors, tries to understand their motivations and ways of acting, as well as their causes. Despite her age, she passionately watches and reads fairy tales for children. She believes that each of us, although growing up in many aspects, internally remains a child.
Soon we will launch the sale of the fairy tale. The purchase price is 19.99 PLN, of which 20% of the profit from each fairy tale sale will be donated to the Seal Sanctuary in Hel. Shipping costs are added to the purchase price, unless the pickup is on-site. The fairy tale can currently be pre-ordered by sending us a message on Facebook.
