Juliette Rogasik, creative director at N.Y.C.-based kids’ content studio Story Critters, announces the release her debut children’s book, Fledgling. Inspired by her award-winning animated short film of the same name, the story follows a little boy in a Syrian refugee camp who rescues a fragile bird, offering a moving narrative about the power of love and care amidst conflict and fear.
Adapted for print with expert consultation child development specialists FUNdamentally Children, Fledgling uses a gentle approach to address themes of fear, conflict, and separation. The story emphasizes the power of love and care as a source of meaning and happiness. It also introduces young readers to the important work of humanitarian organizations supporting refugees.
Rogasik, an officer on the board of KEPYR (Kids Entertainment Professionals for Young Refugees), has committed 10% of the book’s proceeds to KEPYR’s efforts supporting refugee children globally. The award-winning non-profit organization harnesses the resources and talents of the kids’ media industry to raise awareness and vital support for the children affected by the world’s refugee crisis.
“With this story I wanted to highlight the fact that the solutions to this crisis are right here in our hearts, in our innate and boundless capacity for compassion and care,” said Rogasik. “The richness of human connection and its power to heal and empower is the common thread running through both my own work and KEPYR’s as well.”
Fledgling is available for purchase at www.kepyr.org as well as on Amazon, Lulu Bookstore and at global retailers, while the original short film can be viewed on the Planet Classroom Network and SIMA Academy.
