Description
Hector, a Dog’s Story has been read in more than 16 countries across 5 continents. 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. This novel is an amazing story of a dog named Hector who, like each of us comes in to the world wishing to find happiness. This is a story about growing up, true love, friendship, searching for a real home, and safety. Both children and young adults will enjoy reading. It is a story for every dog lover out there!
Hector, a Dog’s Story also featured in various publications including in Love Reading for Kids, Indian Robin Age, Australian Dog Lover, Your Dog UK Magazine and various others.
In summary, the book tells the story of love, friendship and a puppy named Hector seeking happiness against the harsh reality of the Second World War. It’s a wonderful story that proves that hope never dies, and that there is happiness waiting for everyone.
Under the auspices of Westminster Children's University in London, author has been running various school workshops on topics such as empathy development, creative writing and multiculturalism.
A Ukrainian version of the book (ukr. Hektor, Sobacha Istoriya) was also published as part of the charity project “Hector and Friends for Ukraine” and 1,300 copies were donated, by Renata, to children on Children's Day.
While planning and writing her books, author consulted with psychologists and gathered feedback and insights from parents and children - as well as animal lovers of all kinds, to ensure that her books are inspiring, fun and educational. For this book, Renata also collaborated with well-known American editor, Mary Kole.
Book is recommended for children ages 6–13
Language: Polish
Format: A5, hardcopy with author’s signature
Book includes colourful illustrations
Pages: 99
Agnieszka, mum –
An interesting, touching, positive story for both young and large readers. I highly recommend it also as a gift because it comes beautifully wrapped with stickers of heroes. Thank you Renata for putting so much heart into this book! Brilliant!
Piotr Klepacz –
Hector, A Dog’s Story by Renata Kaminska is a unique proposition. This is a book about universal values – love and friendship, but at the same time an excellent lesson in humanitarianism, communicated in a comprehensible language understood by children. This way of instilling in young people a respect for animals, our smaller brothers, is the best of all possible.This is a good start, so that later an adult has respect for his natural environment and Mother Earth. I would definitely recommend.
Karina, dog lover –
A unique item created by the author in two languages. The book shows that love, happiness and good should be shared. I recommend the book – it is great reading for big and small.
Monika, dog psychologist –
The story of Hector and his friends shows what is most important in life. What if you could see the world through the eyes of dogs and cats and find out what they need or want? And what if it turns out that the history of Hector shows that we are not so different from each other? The book breaks taboos in children’s literature on difficult topics such as loss, loneliness or illness, showing us that these are the natural elements that make up our lives, at the same time giving faith and showing how important hope, serenity, and seeing beauty and happiness is in difficult moments. This is not only the story of one dog, Hector, but also many other animals. Our imagination is aided by beautiful illustrations that were made with the utmost care. The author confronts us with strong emotions, while at the same time telling and showing how important it is to talk about emotions and feelings. And all this served in an interesting and exciting way.
Asia, mum & dog lover –
Perfect gift for a child! A beautiful story that brings children a lot of joy, smiles and, above all, reflection. Reading together is also a great way to spend time with your family. A book in English / Polish can be used by a child to learn the language. The book is beautifully published, well written, with very nice illustrations. I recommend it with all my heart!
Gosia, mum –
A beautiful, warm story that will delight not only children but also adults. It awakens children’s love for animals. It guarantees nice time while reading.
Barbara, mother & dog lover –
This is a beautiful, educational story about a dog named Hector, whose history after the first chapter of the book shows that the dog world is not so different from ours. Twists and turns as the main character finally finds his safe haven, home and people who love him very much. The sentiment for me is the fact that as a child, I had a dog, Hector, with my brother, and reading this book to my eight-year-old daughter, I had a moment to remember him and even talk about him to my little listener. I hope that people after reading the book will look differently at a dog wandering in the street and treat them like a family member
Greg & Paula, parents & dog owners –
A touching story of friendship, love and devotion. Every adult and child should read this book to realize that every animal needs our love. Thanks to this book, when I look at my dog I know that we will always love him and never leave him.
Monika, dog psychologist –
The story of Hector and his friends shows what is most important in life. What if you could see the world through the eyes of dogs and cats and find out what they need or want? And what if it turns out that the history of Hector shows that we are not so different from each other? The book breaks taboos in children’s literature on difficult topics such as loss, loneliness or illness, showing us that these are the natural elements that make up our lives, at the same time giving faith and showing how important hope, serenity, and seeing beauty and happiness is in difficult moments. This is not only the story of one dog, Hector, but also many other animals. Our imagination is aided by beautiful illustrations that were made with the utmost care. The author confronts us with strong emotions, while at the same time telling and showing how important it is to talk about emotions and feelings. And all this served in an interesting and exciting way.
Ola age 8 –
I like the book very much, I like Hector and his adventures. He has gone through a lot but in the end he finds happiness and a real home. I wonder what’s going on at Hector’s now?
Mother Eugenia & daughter Kristina, age 6 –
I read the story together with my daughter. I expected a simple story about the animals and their life. But we were involved in a dramatic and touching flow of events. It was hard to stop reading, as the author gave the fantastic feeling of being a part of the main character’s life and emotions. We both really enjoyed the book and are waiting for continuation.
Mondo CANE Foundation for the Protection of Animal –
Hector, A Dog’s Story by Renata Kaminska is a unique proposition. This is a book about universal values – love and friendship, but at the same time an excellent lesson in humanitarianism, communicated in a comprehensible language understood by children. This way of instilling in young people a respect for animals, our smaller brothers, is the best of all possible. This is a good start, so that later an adult has respect for his natural environment and Mother Earth. I would recommend.
Anna Samusionek, actress, mother & dog lover –
I regret my daughter is already too big to read her fairy tales, because I have no doubt that Hector’s story would be our favorite! The world seen through the eyes of a dog is simple, like the world seen through the eyes of a child, feelings and truth count. Many of us could learn love and devotion from our four-legged friends. I have already seen and read many stories about pooches, this one is special because it deals with difficult topics in an accessible and understandable way for a child. Hector’s story draws in, moves, entertains and teaches, stays forever in the hearts of small and large readers, giving hope that love always wins.