Mariia Gorbova is an author, educator and researcher with a background in law, philosophy and psychology. She creates imaginative stories for children that combine adventure, humour and strong, clever heroines.

Her fairy tale Pyluszka and the Dragon Academy was inspired by the idea that true strength is not about fear or fighting, but about confidence, discipline, kindness and the ability to turn even dragons into a team.

Mariia loves stories with magic, wisdom and a little bit of sparkle — the kind of stories that make children smile and remind them that courage can be gentle, funny and powerful at the same time.