Meet Kotyhoroshko: A New Universe Inspired by Ukrainian Folklore

Every culture has its legendary heroes. King Arthur. Hercules. Mulan. Momotaro. Ukraine has Kotyhoroshko. At Shally, we're bringing this remarkable hero to a new generation of readers around the world.

Some of the world's greatest stories began as tales told around a fire.

Long before books, movies, or streaming platforms existed, parents passed stories from one generation to the next. These stories weren't just entertainment. They carried values, courage, kindness, hope, and the belief that even the smallest person could change the world.

Ukraine has hundreds of these stories.

Among them, one hero has remained a favorite for generations.

His name is Kotyhoroshko.

A Hero Born from a Pea

Unlike many legendary heroes, Kotyhoroshko wasn't born into royalty.

According to the traditional tale, he was born from a magical pea.

It sounds unusual.

That's exactly why children remember him.

Despite his humble beginning, Kotyhoroshko grows into a fearless hero with extraordinary strength. He sets out to rescue his siblings, battles a fearsome serpent, and proves that courage and determination matter far more than where you come from.

It's a timeless message.

And one that feels just as meaningful today as it did hundreds of years ago.

More Than a Traditional Fairy Tale

At Shally, we didn't want to simply retell the classic story.

We wanted to imagine what happens next.

What if Kotyhoroshko explored magical islands?

What if he befriended dragons instead of only fighting them?

What if ancient castles hid forgotten secrets waiting to be discovered?

What if children could join him on entirely new adventures?

That question became the foundation of an entirely new universe.

A Living Story World

The Kotyhoroshko Universe isn't a single fairy tale.

It's a growing world filled with memorable characters, mysterious locations, magical creatures, and countless adventures waiting to be explored.

Some stories stay close to the original folklore.

Others take bold new directions while remaining true to the values that made the hero beloved in the first place.

Every adventure is designed to spark imagination while introducing children to a culture many families outside Eastern Europe have never had the chance to discover.

Why We Started with Ukrainian Folklore

Shally is building stories for children everywhere.

So why begin with Ukraine?

Because great stories deserve to travel.

Children all over the world know Greek mythology, King Arthur, and fairy tales collected by the Brothers Grimm.

We believe Ukrainian folklore belongs in that conversation too.

Its heroes are just as brave.

Its worlds are just as magical.

Its stories deserve to be discovered by millions of children.

Built for Modern Storytelling

While the inspiration comes from traditional folklore, the experience is completely new.

Children can become part of the adventure.

Stories change.

New paths appear.

New companions join the journey.

Every reading session can unfold differently, encouraging children to explore rather than simply revisit the same story.

It's the same timeless spirit of storytelling, reimagined for a new generation.

The Beginning of Something Bigger

Kotyhoroshko is only the first universe in Shally.

Many more worlds are already on the horizon.

Each inspired by cultures, myths, and legends from around the globe.

Because we believe every child deserves to grow up knowing not only the stories of their own culture, but the stories of others as well.

Every great universe begins with a single hero.

For us, that hero is Kotyhoroshko.