About Author
Get to know an Author and the story behind her books
Renata Kaminska's story
Since she was, 12, Renata dreamed of publishing her own novel to raise money for dog foundations. Her idea for the novel was to explore how the world and our lives would look through the perspective of a dog. Finally, she made her dream come true. She is an social activist and author of various educational children’s books about the adventures of Hector the dog. Her books are a result of the “Hector & Friends” project, which she founded to help improve out-of-school education and the development of empathy among young people. Her first book, “Hector, a Dog’s Story” has been read in more than 16 countries across 5 different continents.
As part of the ‘Hector & Friends’ project, she also runs various workshops on topics such as empathy development, creative writing, and multiculturalism under the auspices of Westminster Children’s University. You can learn more here.
Renata also launched and actively promoted ‘Hector and Friends for Ukraine’ – a project that involved the translation of her book ‘Hector, a Dog’s Story’ into Ukrainian (ukr. Hektor, Sobacha Istoriya). She also donated 1,300 copies of the book free of charge to Ukrainian children on Children’s Day. Renata is proud of her support and achievements, having received the University of Warsaw Entrepreneur of the Year award in the Social Entrepreneur category as well as being a finalist in the BOLD Awards III competition in the Crowdfunding Projects 2022 category in Venice.
Her initiative was supported by 11 organizations, including 7 charity foundations and was featured in e.g. Love Reading for Kids, UK’s Dog Magazine, Westminster Children University, Kensington Magazine, Robin Age – India’s magazine for children. See more here.
During the process of creation, Renata consulted psychologists and gathered feedback and insights from parents and children, as well as animal lovers of all kinds. To finalize the first book, Renata worked with well-known (extremely helpful) editor, Mary Kole.
The colourful illustrations and covers were designed by a very talented and awarded Indonesian illustrator – Irfan Budi Harjo.
Renata believes that dogs, just like people, have personalities and feelings – they need our love and support. She writes books to help highlight these important issues using Hector the dog as the main character. A lovable dog that, just like a child, asks questions and seeks answers to understand the complexity of the modern world. Hector helps parents to have conversations with their child about difficult topics based on their knowledge, experiences, and their own value. Renata shows which values should be important in our lives – from the unique perspective of our beloved animals!
Her first book Hector, A Dog’s Story is a story about a love, friendship and a puppy named Hector, looking for happiness compared to the grey reality of the Second World War. It is a story that proves that hope never dies and that happiness awaits everyone.
The book’s theme is focused on developing empathy and breaking the taboo of difficult topics such as war, death, discrimination, and attitudes to God in children’s literature.
Her second book Hector and the Time Machine is a fast-paced, adventurous story about the journey of the Hector, the dog. The story of his journey helps to raise awareness of the diversity of cultures as well as contemporary issues and challenges in life.
Hector arrives at the year 2020 in a time machine and, on his journey around the world, he observes landmark events and phenomena including pandemics, climate change, Brexit, the BML movement, multiculturalism and much more.
Both children and young adults will enjoy reading. They are stories for ever dog lover out there!
Just as important, part of profits from the sale will go straight to foundations supporting our furry friends and children, so your contributions are going to a great cause.
‘I want to give what I can to those most in need’, says Renata.
If you have any suggestions for co-operation, Renata is keen
to hear rom you. Write e-mail to: contact@hectorandfriends.com
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