Seeds of the Sun
A story of Adventure, Curiosity, and Connection.
Important Update
Learning Continues Even Underground
October 2026
In the past 24 hours, the Ukrainian community we work with has experienced devastating attacks on its energy infrastructure. Without electricity, teachers and students continue their lessons in underground shelters, wearing coats to stay warm.
For their safety, I cannot share the photographs I receive. But I can tell you what I see: children learning, adults helping, and students making camouflage nets. Even under extraordinary circumstances, their community continues to show up for one another.
Our Seeds of the Sun project began with a children's book and grew into a partnership between students in Michigan and Ukraine. Together, we have provided computers, a 3D printer, and internet connectivity. Now students from both countries are using Design Thinking to identify what Ukrainian students need most—from musical instruments and volleyball nets to opportunities for learning and connection.
This work matters more than ever.
We will continue listening, connecting, and responding to the needs identified by the students themselves.
You don't have to solve a war to make a difference in someone's life.
Follow the journey. Share their story. Support the next chapter.
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Exploring & Tasting!
‘Seeds of the Sun’ is a heartwarming story about friendship & global connection. Charlie, a curious fox from Michigan, travels to Kherson, Ukraine to visit his cousin Sophia. Together they explore Sophia’s beautiful homeland, discovering how people in different parts of the world share appreciation for nature, friendship & yummy treats! Their adventure is complete with the making of nalysnyky with a touch of Michigan Maple Syrup.
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Curiosity softens Differences
Charlie & Sophia show how friendship & understanding can grow across distance & differences. Through their adventures, readers learn about another culture while recognizing familiar feelings - curiostiy, kindness, & the comfort of being cared for. Seeds of the Sun’ helps readers build empathy, see the world through someone else’s eyes, & realize that even when the world feels uncertain, small connections can bring hope & light.
100% of the profits from this book go directly to classrooms in Ukraine.
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Give Hope, Share Light!
All proceeds from Seeds of the Sun will go directly to Tetiana’s school in Ukraine, supporting students ages 5-15 as they continue learning through unimaginable challenges. You can donate now, buy the book - or do both! Every dollar helps keep classrooms open, spirits lifted & young minds growing. Together, we can remind these kids that even in the darkest times, the world still cares.
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Seeds of the Sun Presentation: What Can a Normal Person Do?
Learn how a connection between two ordinary educator, one from Ukraine and the other from Michigan developed into a project that has provided computers, a 3D printer, network, podcast and TV news coverage. Presentation includes videos of Tetiana in a bunker with her students, her students answering questions from US students, & photos from Ukraine that inspired illustrations.
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Podcast for a Deeper Connection
Seeds of the Sun began as a children's story about curiosity, adventure, and friendship between Michigan and Ukraine. It has grown into something much bigger.
Students from West Michigan and Plesna Gymnasium in Ukraine have met through Zoom conversations, shared stories, learned about one another's cultures, and even created a podcast together. What started as practicing English became genuine friendships that continue to grow across an ocean.
Every purchase of Seeds of the Sun helps support these connections and provides technology and learning opportunities for students in Ukraine
Together, we're discovering that kindness, curiosity, and connection can make the world feel a little smaller—and a lot more hopeful.
