Meet Daria and Alexandra - the creators of Guardians of the Four Forces

DH: 

My inspiration has always come from a deep love for children’s books. I’ve always been drawn to their colour, their visual richness, and the way they tell stories not only through words, but through imagery and feeling. I found myself collecting children’s books for my own kids, often preferring them even to adult books in physical form. There is something honest and powerful in the simplicity and beauty of a well-made children’s book. The idea for this project came from my co-author, Alexandra Basargina, who called me one day with a vision to create an ecology-focused book with reusable stickers. At that time, I had already spent about a year exploring ecological living and was inspired by new, more conscious ways of engaging with the world — including reusable materials and sustainable ideas. What truly excited me was the opportunity to collaborate with talented and passionate people. This project felt especially meaningful because it was something we were creating first and foremost for our own children. We didn’t want to create a book driven by fear — not another narrative about destruction or guilt. Instead, we wanted something soft, beautiful, and inspiring. The book carries a simple but powerful idea: that we are not separate from nature, but deeply connected to it. 

AB: 
From the saturates days of a single mom’s life — and the longing to spend leisure time with my child with ease, love, and care. Care for myself, for those close to me, and for the planet as a whole. 

DH:

This is probably the hardest question for me to answer. I’ve always been drawn to so many different kinds of beauty — in colour, in sound, in feeling — and books have touched me in many different ways throughout my life. At each stage, there has been a book that brought something unique: comfort, joy, reflection, or even tears. Because of that, it doesn’t feel honest to choose just one as “the most influential.” It’s a bit like being asked to choose between people you love — a parent, a sibling, a child. Each holds their own place, their own meaning. 

AB:

The Harry Potter series. A wondrous tale of how inner light and pure intention—the power of love—can transform the world. And of how fear and vice seal the heart and give rise to villains. 

DH:

I wouldn’t say I always wanted to be a writer. I’ve never been drawn to one fixed role or profession. Instead, my path has unfolded in chapters — much like the books I love. At different times in my life, I’ve been a photographer, a videographer, a teacher, a mother (and about to be for the third time right now) and have worked closely with children and creative expression. I’ve explored ecology, practiced Buddhism, and led meditation groups. Each of these experiences shaped the way I see the world and how I connect with people. I don’t see myself strictly as a writer. In this project, my role was more that of a conceptual creator — shaping the idea, the meaning, and the vision behind the book. Together with my co-author, Alexandra Basargina, we developed the concept, the structure, and the interactive elements, and brought together a team of talented artists and contributors who helped bring it to life. What has remained constant throughout my life is the desire to serve people — to uplift them, to help them feel good about themselves, and to create spaces filled with kindness, creativity, and shared meaning. So rather than becoming one thing and staying there, I’ve followed what feels alive and meaningful in each moment. This book is a natural expression of that journey. 

AB:

Actually, I wanted more to be a cartoonmaker. But I’ve always loved writing stories and tales. In high school, I kept an online diary, wrote articles, and poured my view of the world and my feelings into romantic essays. In middle school, our teacher asked us to write an essay based on a painting. It showed a forest path and a tree with a hollow. I ended up writing six pages. By the second or third page, my teacher had scribbled in the margin: “And what does this have to do with the painting?!” You see, I kept staring into that hollow — and fell right into a magical world, which I then described over six pages. Looking back, I think the gift of writing — especially the ability to express complex things simply, through examples and beautiful metaphors — is one of my real talents. 

DH:

This book has been a long and evolving journey — almost like something that grew alongside us over time. It took around three years to bring the first version to life. During that time, we developed the concept, built a team, navigated the complexities of design and printing, and eventually self-published a limited edition of 150 copies. After that, we felt the project had the potential to grow further. We began looking for a publishing house that would truly understand and support our vision. That’s when we connected with Little Steps Publishing, whose team helped us refine and elevate the book. The book continued to evolve, becoming more aligned with the message we wanted to share. In total, it has taken six years from the first idea to the final publication in 2026 — a journey of growth, persistence, and belief in the project. 

AB:

Four years. But looking back, we spent more time resisting and doubting than actually creating our first book. And that makes me happy — who knows how long we might have kept doubting ourselves if it weren’t for my friendship with Dasha, our brilliant team of illustrators, and the support of our families, kids, and loved ones. So yes, four years. Different life circumstances, plenty of stress — none of it stopped us on the path to our dream. 

DH:

For me, the challenge wasn’t so much about writing itself, but about the process of bringing a shared vision to life. This project involved many people — each with their own ideas, perspectives, and creative voice. One of the most demanding parts was finding a way to honour that individuality while still moving forward as one team. It required patience, openness, and a willingness to put ego aside, especially when opinions differed. There were moments when the process felt uncertain, and times when we had to step back and regroup. But we kept returning to the same belief — that the idea behind the book mattered, and that it was worth continuing. In the end, the real challenge was to stay true to that original feeling: to trust the vision, to keep going even when it would have been easier to step away, and to bring together the time, energy, and resources needed to make it real. 

AB:

Giving yourself permission to write with lightness and trust your heart. Believing that your story is valuable — just as you are. Keeping on taking small steps while staying in a state of peace, joy, and love. Only then can you create something truly inspiring. 


What do you hope young readers take away with them after reading your book? 

DH:

I hope children feel that life on Earth is beautiful — and that they are part of it. In a world that is becoming increasingly digital, I think it’s important to gently remind both children and adults of something more fundamental: our connection to nature. Technology brings incredible opportunities, but it can never replace the relationship we have with the Earth, the elements, and the living world around us. I hope this book encourages curiosity — about nature, about animals, and about ourselves. A curiosity that goes beyond thinking, and includes feeling, sensing, and being present in the world and acknowledge its beauty. I also hope it nurtures a sense of care — for ourselves, for others, and for the planet. Not through fear or pressure, but through understanding and connection. Because ultimately, I believe that when we feel connected — to nature, to each other, and to ourselves — we experience more love, more joy, and a deeper sense of belonging. 

AB:

The understanding that they are the authors of their own lives. That they can explore the world and themselves with ease. That they can remember their own nature, get to know the world around them through love, and build their story through their inner state and their actions. And that reading and playing can happen effortlessly — bringing moments of joy to family time with children.