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.

Through the campaign we are raising funds for:

📖 Illustrations and cover design

🎨 Graphic layout and preparation for printing

📚 Hardcover picture book printing

✍️ Work of the editor, proofreader and proofreader

🎁 Bookmark design and printing

💻 Production of a lasting, quality edition

🖋️ Author's fee (writing, concept, project coordination)

📢 Campaign promotion and communication costs

🌐 PR and advertising

📦 Packaging and sending picture books to donors

This project is being created with the support of wonderful artists and experts — and every bit of support allows the story to come to life in the best possible form.

Thank you for recognizing the value of this story.

What do you want to share with children, with those who are waiting, hoping, and looking for a sign that they are on the right path.

👉 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