As the sun set on Saturday , the #TrueLeap Pop Up Library hosted an event that will linger in the hearts of those who attended. On September 23rd, at the cozy Leven Bakery & Cafe in Houston, we were graced with the presence of two extraordinary authors, Olena Kharchenko and Michael Sampson, who shared their latest masterpiece, “The Story of Ukraine: An Anthem of Glory and Freedom.”
A Gathering of Storytelling and Art
Michael Sampson, a name synonymous with beloved children’s books like “Chika Chicka Boom Boom” and “Brown Bear Brown Bear,” captivated the audience. As a Fulbright professor with firsthand experience of the war’s impact on Ukrainian families, Michael’s storytelling resonated deeply, offering both comfort and inspiration.
Olena Kharchenko, a marvel in her own right, added an extra touch of magic. She not only brought hand-painted artwork as souvenirs for the children but also led a hands-on craft session. The joy and pride in the children’s eyes, including my own, as they crafted under her guidance, were unforgettable.
Reflecting on Shared Humanity Through Stories
Looking back on this event, We are reminded of the power of stories to celebrate and preserve our shared humanity. No matter where we come from, stories have the power to connect us, to teach us, and to remind us of our common bonds.
Acknowledging Our Partners
The event wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and partnership of Iryna Marchiano, PhD, Luba Dub, and friends at HTX4Ukraine, along with Amy Goppert from Brown Books Publishing Group. A special shout-out to Wendy Nguyen and Wen Kosters-Qin at LEVEN Bakery and Cafe, and the team at Katy Budget Books – their hospitality and support created the perfect ambiance for this special edition.
Heartfelt Thanks and Anticipation
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partners and hosts for making this event a reality. To the TrueLeap community, your continual inspiration and uplifting spirit make each event a joyous celebration of learning and culture. Join us as we continue to turn pages and tell stories that unite us all.
An Invitation to the Next #TrueLeapPopUpLibrary Event
As we turn the page on this successful event, we look forward to the next #TrueLeapPopUpLibrary happening this Sunday from 2-4pm in Katy, west side of Houston. We will have the honor of welcoming Rev. Dr. LiFong (PhD) GammaE_Woo, an internationally renowned producer of multicultural community projects. This is an opportunity to nurture our future generation and celebrate a global mindset through the world’s books, music, and art.
TRUELEAP INC.: More Than Digital Classrooms
At TRUELEAP INC., we’re committed to nurturing a dynamic, interconnected, and empowering learning community. Our vision extends beyond creating digital classroom modules – we aim to make education accessible to everyone, transcending location, gender, or ethnicity.
Let’s come together once again to nurture our future generation with the rich tapestry of global culture and knowledge. See you at the next TrueLeap Pop Up Library!
