What begins as a simple children’s story can sometimes grow into something much larger — a shared experience that connects families, professionals, and communities across borders. Book “Where Is My Fur?” is one such example: a children’s book that gradually evolved into an international social initiative centered on empathy, self-acceptance, and care for vulnerable children.
Written by physician and pediatric trichologist Myroslava Novosilska, the book addresses a topic rarely discussed openly with young audiences — hair loss caused by illness or severe stress. Instead of focusing on diagnosis or fear, the story introduces a gentle metaphor through its main character, Korzhyk, who learns that identity and worth are not defined by appearance. The result is a narrative that helps children process complex emotions in a safe and accessible way.
From a Local Presentation to an International Audience
The first public presentation of “Where Is My Fur?” took place in Lviv, Ukraine. What was initially planned as a local literary event quickly revealed a much broader resonance. Parents, healthcare professionals, psychologists, and educators recognized the book’s potential as a supportive tool for children facing medical or emotional challenges.
Following this first presentation, interest in the project began to grow beyond Ukraine, opening the door to international events and collaborations.
A Meaningful Series of Events in the United States
The book’s journey continued in the United States, where several presentations were held in cities with active Ukrainian and international communities. Los Angeles hosted two separate events, bringing together families, medical specialists, and community members interested in child-focused mental and emotional health initiatives.
Additional presentations followed in Miami and New York, each adapted to its local audience. These gatherings combined storytelling with open conversations, creative activities for children, and discussions about emotional resilience. Across all U.S. locations, the events emphasized inclusion, understanding, and the importance of emotional support during childhood illness.
Expanding Across Europe and Canada
As awareness of the project grew, presentations were organized in Toronto, Prague, Krakow (twice), Leipzig, Kyiv, and Odesa. While Myroslava Novosilska was not able to attend these events in person, she remained closely involved through recorded video messages prepared specifically for each city.
These messages helped maintain a personal connection with audiences and reinforced the book’s central idea: children experiencing physical changes should never feel isolated or defined by their condition. The hybrid format also demonstrated how meaningful engagement can continue even when direct presence is not possible.
Organization and Community Coordination
A key factor in the success of these international events was strong coordination and local engagement. The organizer of all presentations was Yulia Novosilska, whose work ensured that each event reflected the project’s values while remaining relevant to its local community. Thanks to this structured approach, the presentations went beyond standard book launches and became platforms for dialogue and social connection.
More Than a Book
Today, “Where Is My Fur?” is used not only as reading material but also as a supportive resource in hospitals, educational settings, and family environments. Part of the project’s mission includes donating books to children undergoing oncology treatment and organizing visits that bring comfort, attention, and encouragement.
Through its growing international presence, the project continues to show how storytelling can function as a bridge — linking medicine, education, and compassion. What started as one carefully written story has become a reminder that meaningful ideas, when shared thoughtfully, can travel far and leave a lasting impact.
