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True Story Ages 4–99 42 pages · Hardcover
Children's Picture Book

Verjamem v
drugačne sanje

I Believe in Different Dreams

A story about a real Girl, inviting you to discover your personal power — for dreamers of all ages. Based on a true family story, full of love, unimaginable courage, and different dreams that came true.

AuthorAlja Pak Storjak
IllustratorIrena Režek
PublisherZaložba Chiara
ShipsWorldwide

Verjamem v drugačne sanje is a picture book unlike any other. It was written by Alja Pak Storjak — a mother, counsellor and wellbeing coach, and author — based on the real story of her daughter — a very special Girl — and their family's extraordinary journey.

With strong, carefully crafted messages and Irena Režek's breathtaking illustrations, it guides children and adults to discover their own desires and shows the way to new possibilities. It holds one important truth: dreams can come true — even different ones.

"Then she saw them: her little stars, which she loved to watch so much, lifted her up with love and playfully carried her higher and higher. She spread her arms and surrendered to lightness. She felt her own INNER STRENGTH."

— From the book · Iz knjige

"How much love is woven into it. And how much universal collaboration: the author in New Zealand, the magical girl from the cover too, and we satellites across the Slovenian countryside. I believe the book will find its way to YOUR heart. An extraordinary gift for young and young miracle-makers who are still learning — or already know — how to build a path to the stars."

— Tadeja Zupan-Ph Red, Editor · Urednica

The book is for dreamers of all ages. It speaks to the child discovering themselves, the parent sitting beside them at bedtime, and the adult who still carries a dream they haven't yet followed. Also introduced in the book is the I AM WELLth. Mindful Lifestyle concept — the foundation of Alja's coaching work.

2 Books in 1
Large print for early readers, full story in small print for older readers & adults.
Interactive Ending
Surprises at the end invite every reader to create their own brightest star.
Based on a True Story
The real journey of a real family, full of love, courage, and different dreams.
Slovenia → New Zealand
A family who followed their heart to the other side of the world.

A powerful tool for the classroom

This book opens conversations that matter — about diversity, inclusion, emotional intelligence, and the courage to be yourself. It is used by teachers, counsellors, and wellbeing coordinators across New Zealand and Slovenia.

Diversity & Inclusion

Introduces children to the idea that we are all different — and that difference is a strength. Ideal for discussions on neurodiversity, disability, and belonging.

Social-Emotional Learning

Sparks conversations about feelings, resilience, and what it means to believe in yourself when things are hard. A natural fit for wellbeing and values programmes.

Literacy & Creative Writing

The unique 2-in-1 format (large print + full story) makes it a flexible tool for early readers and more advanced students in the same classroom.

Mindfulness & Inner Strength

Introduces the concept of personal power, visualisation, and creating your own path — aligned with the I AM WELLth. Mindful Lifestyle framework.

School Gifting & Packs

Available for bulk orders — perfect for end-of-year gifts, school libraries, reading corners, or as part of wellbeing resource packs.

Cross-Cultural Bridge

A story that travels from the heart of Slovenia to New Zealand — connecting cultures and showing children that dreams have no borders.

Interested in bringing this book into your school? Get in touch for school pricing, bulk orders, and author visit enquiries.

Enquire for Schools

A world of starlight & wonder

Each spread is a dreamscape — soft, magical, and full of emotion

Photo coming soon
01
The Special Girl is Born

On the last day of the year, a very special girl arrives — carrying a light the world cannot yet see.

Photo coming soon
02
The White Cloud Friend

Her fluffy white cloud — invisible to many — reveals to her the magic of the starry sky and the quiet of her own thoughts.

Photo coming soon
03
Spreading Her Arms

"She spread her arms and surrendered to lightness. She felt her own special strength." The heart of the story.

Page photos will be added soon — contact us to request a preview · Fotografije strani kmalu

Slovenia

Irena Režek — a truly dream landscape

Irena Režek is an illustrator and animator with passion for illustrating children's books. For this story, Irena imagined a completely special world: when you immerse yourself in it, you discover that wishes, thoughts and dreams are more real than anything we consider… real. The cloud is sturdier than a chair, the star more solid than a house, and a thought or wish more reliable than the world in which we sometimes allow ourselves to be trapped. The publisher describes her illustrations as a "truly dream landscape."

Irena Režek
Illustrator & Animator

Illustrator & animator. Mother of three. Her passion: children's books, humour, and creating magic through illustration. Each project is a new challenge through which she grows.

Watercolour Animation Dreamscape Children's Books

Words from those who've lived with this book

"A truly different picture book — with a powerful message and carefully crafted images that guide us toward discovering our own desires and showing the way to new possibilities."

Založba Chiara
Publisher · Slovenia

"The book warmly recommends itself for reading and reflection. An interesting topic for conversation in the family — a real journey that leaves a mark on the heart."

Vladimira Rejc
Ventilator Besed · Literary Review

"The original illustration charmed me immediately — a sweet girl, lost in her world of imagination. A story that opens an important possibility: dreams can come true."

Reader Review
Goodreads · 5 stars
Get in touch

Bring this book to your world

The English edition is coming. In the meantime — register your interest or bring Alja and the book to your school.

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Book a School Visit
Invite Alja to read the book and run a session with your class or school.

The Slovenian edition is available now · English edition coming soon