Page 63 - Mosaic Digest Magazine

brilliantly when things don’t quite work out, goes a very long way to building confidence,” she explained. This philosophy extends to her writing, where themes of fun and exploration are woven into her stories.
Collaborating with illustrators has been another rewarding aspect of Danylo’s journey as an author. Her first book featured illustrations by
Remi Bryant, who also mentored her through the self-publishing process. Despite the challenges of coordinating across time zones while Danylo was traveling in Bulgaria, the collaboration brought
her vision to life. “I had some strong thoughts about the style I wanted given my background in directing,” she admitted, “but Remi was fantastic to work with.” Learning from this process, Danylo worked with illustrator David Griffiths on her second book and even added coloring pages to both works to make them accessible and interactive for children.
Themes of perseverance, dreams, and inclusivity drive Danylo’s work, inspired in part by her personal experiences. One such moment occurred during a Christmas performance for a culturally diverse audience, where she was asked to remove all “Christmas” references. After confusion was cleared—it was indeed a Christmas party—she was struck by the idea of inclusivity, which later influenced The Elephant’s Christmas Wish. “It
struck me one day that an elephant might want to be part of Christmas too,” she said.
From inspiring young
readers to empowering
her acting students, Ania
Danylo’s creative journey is a testament to the enduring power of stories to connect, educate, and entertain. With her roots in theatre
and her wings in children’s literature, she continues to blend her many talents into a rich narrative tapestry that speaks to audiences of all ages.
Award-winning actor, director, and children’s author Ania Danylo shares her inspiring journey from theatre to writing picture books.
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