Dagmara Sitek: Empathy Lessons (SEL)

Characters from the Courage Tales series by Dagmara Sitek

Hi Dagmara! Welcome to the A NOVEL MIND blog! Please tell us a little bit about yourself your background, and how you came to writing for children.

Hi! I’m a children’s book author and emotional literacy advocate living in Canada, originally from Poland. I started in the video game industry but eventually shifted my focus to stories that help kids understand big emotions. I’m especially passionate about children who’ve experienced adversity, including kids in foster care, and helping them feel seen through character-driven storytelling.

I was a sensitive kid with a big imagination. I started writing my own stories early, first fairy tales with princesses and princes, then more modern ones inspired by shows like Beverly Hills 90210. But even then, emotions were always at the center. Over time, my interests shifted. I studied journalism and later worked in the computer game industry as a writer, diving deep into imaginary worlds.

What truly pulled me back into writing for children was something heartbreaking I read about a boy named Kamilek from Częstochowa. His terrible abuse at home and tragic death shook me. Kids deserve protection, love, and a voice. They often can’t speak up for themselves. I realized I wanted to teach empathy, not just to kids, but to the grown-ups around them, too. While reading children’s books, we not only bond, we learn, too, even as adults. That’s why my stories are for anyone who loves meaningful, value-packed tales.

What was the inspiration that started you writing with empathy front and center -- Was there any certain moment when you thought: "THIS is what I want to concentrate on?"

It started with kids who grow up without love at home, children who carry invisible wounds and are often forced to grow up too fast. I’ve always felt drawn to their stories, to the quiet strength they carry. Also, as a mom, I began observing my own kids and saw how deeply they responded to emotional storytelling. One of my children was going through a hard time, and I realized books were the only thing that truly reached him.

That’s when it clicked. If we can create stories filled with empathy and emotional truth, especially ones that center kids like those in foster care, we’re not just helping those kids feel seen. We’re helping all kids grow into kinder, more compassionate people.

That idea eventually led me to develop The Ultimate Empathy Lesson, a resource I share with families and schools who want to bring those values into everyday life. And it helps see that empathy isn’t about being soft, it’s about being strong enough to sit with big feelings.

Tell us a bit about the characters and their adventures.

In my books, emotions are often hidden inside action-packed adventures. Loris Opens Up His Heart is about a little boy in foster home who discovers that emotions aren’t scary, they’re signals. Cam Creates a Hero is about inner strength and growth mindset, and my new series tackles big life temptations like greed, fame paired with lots of humor. The main character, Tonia, is wildly creative and stubborn, but she’s learning what really matters.

Why is it so important that children learn empathy and social-emotional skills?

Because emotional intelligence is a life skill, like reading or riding a bike. If kids can name and understand their feelings, they’re less likely to be overwhelmed by them. They connect better with others, they regulate better, and they build confidence in who they are. Empathy creates safer homes, classrooms, and friendships. That’s why I also work with families and educators to help bring those lessons into everyday life in fun, practical ways. 

What has the experience of self-publishing been like? What advice would you give others?

It’s empowering, and also humbling. You’re in charge of the creative vision, but you also wear every hat, from editor to marketer. My biggest advice? Be clear on why you’re doing it. If your story serves a real need, you’ll find your readers. Don’t chase trends, chase truth, include your experience, maybe even your own story? That’s so important to be relevant when writing for children.

What are your future plans for the series?

I’m expanding the Courage Tales series with new comic-style titles. I am searching for an agent! Please ping me if you are interested in representing my emotionally vibrant stories with strong, creative characters. I’m also working on an augmented reality experience to bring my first book to life through interactive storytelling, music, and emotion-based play. It’s all part of a bigger mission to make empathy engaging and real for kids. (You can find more about my work at www.couragetales.com.)

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Dagmara Sitek is a Montreal-based mom of two, originally from Poland, and a passionate advocate for children’s emotional well-being. By day, she works in digital performance marketing, but her heart is in storytelling.

Once a kid who loved drawing and inventing stories, Dagmara never planned to write a “real book” until she realized that not all children get a fair shot at life. Her debut, Loris Opens Up His Heart, was inspired by the tragic story of an 8-year-old boy, Kamilek, from Częstochowa. The book encourages empathy, models healthy emotional expression, and reminds kids that kindness can be a superpower.

She’s now working on an augmented reality version of the book to bring Loris’ story to life in a more interactive and immersive way.