There are some meetings that stay with you long after they are over.
This year’s Children’s Day, spent with Class 5C from Primary School No. 56 in Szczecin at Mandala Bookstore, was one of those special occasions.
This year’s Children’s Day, spent with Class 5C from Primary School No. 56 in Szczecin at Mandala Bookstore, was one of those special occasions.
The bookstore was full of energy. At times it was difficult to make your way between the bookshelves, but that is exactly what I love most — the sound of children talking, laughing, asking questions without hesitation, and showing that wonderful curiosity about the world that many adults could learn from.
We talked about books, imagination, writing, and where ideas for stories come from. We spoke about dreams and about the importance of trying to create your own stories, even when they seem imperfect at first. After all, every book begins with a single thought, a single sentence, and the courage to write it down.
Watching the children engage so enthusiastically in our conversation reminded me once again how much we owe to teachers who inspire a love of reading in young people. That is why I would like to express my special thanks to Mrs. Grażyna Zuchlińska. Meetings like this do not happen by accident. Behind them is always someone who has shown children that books are not a school obligation but an adventure waiting to be discovered. My sincere thanks also go to Marzena Marzec for her warm hospitality and for creating a place where readers simply feel welcome. For years, Mandala has proven that a bookstore can be much more than a place that sells books. It can be a space for conversations, inspiration, and meaningful human connections. At the end of the meeting, I signed copies of the first volume of my trilogy, The Saltamontes Chronicles: Escape from the Darkness, for the students.
As I returned home, I found myself thinking that despite all the screens, distractions, and constant rush of modern life, there are still many children who genuinely want to read. More importantly, some of them already dream of writing their own books one day.
And I must admit, moments like these give me great hope for the future.
And I must admit, moments like these give me great hope for the future.
