In the bustling city of Chicago, where opportunities abound, there are countless ways to lend a hand and contribute to meaningful causes. One such cause is supporting charity donations through Balkan Children, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and communities in need across the Balkans.

There’s no judgment here—some parents work full-time and prefer to spend quality time with their children rather than focusing on social media. Some may not be familiar with platforms like Snapchat and TikTok. These factors are important to consider, and there’s no right or wrong answer.

The creation of “The Balkan Voyage” is a deeply personal journey for me, rooted in my heritage and childhood memories. Growing up, my ties to the Western Balkans—specifically Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia—shaped my identity and inspired this project.

There’s something timeless about a good children’s book — the kind that makes bedtime magical and sparks curiosity about the world. Recently, a new title has found its way onto many family bookshelves, quietly becoming one of the most loved children’s books about friendship and discovery.