WHEN I WAS WALKING TOWARDS YOU

– a picture book that walks the world and the heart –

The path to a child is sometimes not a straight line.

Sometimes it leads across oceans, deserts and mountains.

Through 12 countries, through languages we don't speak, customs we are just getting to know, and dreams we carry within ourselves.

This picture book was born from such a journey — and became more than just a book.

It became a message to all parents who are walking their own path towards a child:

to those who give birth to it, and to those who decide to find it and love it with all their hearts.

To those who dream, seek, and don't give up.

"When I Walked Towards You" is a story about love that knows no boundaries.

About the courage to go far — physically and internally — to get closer to what we love.

Through 12 chapters, each set in a different country — from the Trans-Siberian Railway, Mongolia, Tanzania, Japan and Hong Kong, through Mexico, Cape Town and all the way to Greece, the paths of Don Quixote, Jordan and finally to Barakel's Congo — we reveal the world to children, and tell adults that love is the most important destination.

The picture book is enriched with real photographs from my travels and authentic details from each country, combining reality and emotion, distance and closeness.

It has been in the making for years — quietly, gently, persistently — and this campaign begins symbolically: at the time of my birthday (beginning of the seventh month), and ends at the time of Barakel's birthday (end of the ninth month), the child to whom this story is dedicated.

The publication of this picture book also marks 25 years of my professional work as a writer, playwright, and mentor who helps others write their own picture book or book.

This is my most personal and important work to date.

The book's official launch is planned through tours of schools, libraries, and cultural centers — where this story will find its way to the children and parents who need it most.

Because there are books that are read with the eyes.

And those that are read with the heart.

The author's picture book "When I Walked Towards You" - a book that carries a message of love, tenderness and togetherness.

I want this picture book to find its way to children, parents, and grandparents, to be read aloud, to warm hearts, and to connect families.

In order for the picture book to see the light of day, certain investments are required. I want to share with you a completely transparent financial structure – because every donation you make directly helps in the creation and dissemination of this story.

📖 Financial construction

🖊️ Writing the text of the picture book ................ €1,100

📝 Picture book text editing ............. €450

🔎 Picture book text proofreading ............... €250

📚 Picture book text proofreading ................... €150

🎨 Illustrations ................................................... 750 €

🖼️ Cover design .................................. 250 €

🎁 Bookmark design and printing ..................... €150

🖌️ Graphic preparation .................................. 950 €

📐 Formatting ................................................ €250

📚 Printing (300 pcs, hardcover) ...... €1,350

🗂️ Project management .......................... €650

📢 Promotion and PR ......................................... €900

📦 Packaging and shipping of picture books to donors ..... €200

💡 Unforeseen expenses ............................ €100

Total: €7,300

🌱 Why is your support important?

With your donation, you not only support the publication of the book, but also the dissemination of a story that can become a valuable part of children's growing up. You help with printing, illustrating, and bringing the picture book to life among readers through promotion and distribution.

💌 Every support, big or small, makes a difference. Thank you for walking this path together – towards a picture book that will live in the hands and hearts of children.

✨ Support, share and walk with me towards this story! ✨

👉 Support the picture book "When I Walked Towards You".

Choose your support package and help get this book into the hands of those who will find it a guide, comfort, and inspiration .

Because love doesn't choose the easiest path.

But he always — absolutely always — finds a way.

From the heart, with a smile,

Lana Bitenc, Barakel's mom