Hello, My Name is Lev

Meet Lev, a bear, who was rescued as a cub and who helps change the course of a family’s life, while having lots of fun in the process. 

This true story takes place in the forest of Siberia and in an eastern rural Russian village. 

Lev’s family consists of Mr. and Mrs. Angeloff, their five children, Big Malachi, a large eagle, who was also rescued and chooses to live inside a closet and refuses to be set free! Then there is also Kazimir, the intense cat, another member of this very unusual family, who is in the habit of stare stare stare-rrring. Tune in to this snowy tale and learn about people from another place and a bear, who finds his purpose and is so very happy to be a bear!

Viviana Maria Falleti is an insightful, critically-acclaimed children's storyteller, and an aficionado of splendidly-illustrated, upscale, high-quality books. She created Little Feather Press for the people who are hungry for wholesome and better books for the children in their lives. The books have received great reviews from Publishers Weekly Booklife and Kirkus, and have all been recipients of the Mom’s Choice Award. 

Every Little Feather Press book contains stories that entertain in the magical world of a child’s mind and can be presented to a child with the assurance that the innocence and beauty of childhood are respected. The talented world-famous artists Viviana employs bring her wondrous books beautifully to life even more. 

At Little Feather Press, each book is made with outstanding artistry and skill. They are hardcover, oversized books with dust jackets, printed on the highest quality paper available. Some of her books have even been called masterpieces! Some have been chosen to be carried at the prestigious Rizzoli Bookstore in NYC.

Little Feather Press books are becoming widely recognized for their wholesomeness and classical lasting beauty. They have a timeless quality and an enduring appeal. They are sure to be treasured and reread many times. 

The critically-acclaimed books Viviana has authored include: The Cats’ Museum; The Happiest Christmas Tree Ever; King Avalanche The Great & Other Fantastic Cat Tales; The Circus of Cats in Venice; and Hello, My Name Is Lev. Some of her books have been internationally recognized and have won prestigious competitions.

• Mom's Choice AwardWinner 2026

Viviana Falleti’s picture book for young children introduces Lev, a bear raised by humans. Orphaned as a cub, Lev is adopted by Mr. Angeloff, a kind middle-aged man, who treats Lev as a member of the family. In the Angeloffs’ cozy apartment, in Siberia, Lev enjoys the company of their five children and family pets, including Big Malachi, a rescued eagle, who likes to live inside a closet, and Kazimir, an intense cat. In his domesticated life, Lev helps the poor family by performing at the market riding his tricycle, and also posing for photos with people. Eventually, when Lev is almost fully grown, the family decides to release him into the forest, thinking he will be happier there.

Lev gets very lonely and misses his family. He tries to connect with a couple of other bears, but they are not at all interested. When Mr. Angeloff comes to check on him, Lev begs to return home. Mr. Angeloff agrees, and the two of them head home just in time for Christmas. Lev’s journey shows young readers that it is wonderful to help others. Lev is happy and content and joyful that he chose this path.

Victoria Fomina’s immersive illustrations charm. They center on Lev, a chocolate-brown bear with kind, expressive eyes. Each scene is replete with sensory details that reward close attention:

• In the apartment, Mama Masha prepares delicious gooey-chewy cakes, dripping with frosting, alongside a steaming pot of tea.
• At a family outing, they pick bright orange-colored sea buckthorn berries. They are surrounded by featherlike grasses dotted with wildflowers. The sky is bathed in a golden hue.                             
• Ultimately, Lev’s ability to find happiness is based on the love he finds and gives within his very unique family. 
• Takeaway: Cheerful picture book follows Lev, a bear, rescued and raised by humans in their apartment, in a very cold place called Siberia. 

Hello, My Name is Lev is a picture book celebration based on a true story. It’s set in Siberia and tells of a bear, Lev, who helps change a human family with his exuberant attitude towards life. Other members of this very unique family include five lively children, Kazimir, an intense cat, and Malachi, an old and grumpy eagle! 

Victoria Fomina provides vivid, colorful illustrations to accompany this tale of how a middle-aged man rescues a bear cub in the forest and brings him home to his family. The man, the father of this very unique family, had lost his job at the coal mine when it closed, and he was forced to undertake a new venture to support his family—entertaining at the marketplace. Lev learns how to ride a tricycle, which is quite remarkable for a little bear, and gathers much enthusiasm from bystanders, and tips!

The delights and changing of the seasons accompany Lev’s growth. At some point, the family believes that Lev might be happier living in the forest. Lev is not sure but decides to try it. As the days go by, Lev misses his family so very much, and when the papa of the family comes to check on him, Lev is exuberantly happy! He is taken back home, and a jubilant reunion occurs. "Kazimir, the intense cat, might have even purred, for the very first time!” As it is Christmas time as well, the celebration continues with great gladness!

Libraries can eagerly recommend Hello, My Name is Lev for its vibrant celebration of life, its emphasis on gratitude for those around us, and its highlighting the joy of contributing to a family’s wellbeing. 

Diane Donovan

Editor, Donovan's Literary Services