In 2020, his interest in writing a children’s book originated from a desire to make a positive difference in the lives of children. In June 2026, his book was published through Crexton Publishers. The book was edited by this columnist and illustrated by Evelina Brozgul, a longtime friend of his family.
“I wanted to create a story that was not only entertaining, but carried a meaningful message about kindness, courage, and standing up to bullying,” said Mullaev. “I have always believed that books have the power to inspire young readers and help them navigate life’s challenges. That inspired me to create Lucky, a story about a remarkable dog who can fly and talk, and uses his unique abilities to protect children from bullying. My hope is that every child who reads Lucky will feel empowered, know they are not alone, and understand that they always have the strength to stand up for themselves and others.”
Mullaev’s major motivation for writing “Lucky” was to help children understand that bullying is never acceptable, and no one should feel alone when facing it. Achieving a story that focused on confidence, friendship, and advocacy was also part of his mission. He explained, “By creating a lovable and heroic dog like Lucky, I hoped to make these important lessons engaging and memorable for children. My goal is for every reader to finish the book, believing that even one act of courage or kindness can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.”
Selecting the name “Lucky” and the breed is a story of abundant meaning. “I visualized the main character as a dog, since dogs are often seen as loyal, protective, and unconditionally loving companions. Those qualities made a dog the perfect hero for a story about helping children who are being bullied,” said Mullaev. Lucky is also simple, memorable, and symbolizes hope. “In my story, children are ‘lucky’ to have a friend like Lucky, but Lucky also reminds them that true courage comes from within,” he continued.
Mullaev selected the breed to reflect Lucky’s character, which consists of being friendly, approachable, intelligent, and brave. “I wanted children to immediately connect with him and view him as a trustworthy friend who is always willing to stand up for those who need help. Lucky represents the kind of companion every child would want by their side during difficult times.”
Mullaev witnessed bullying and comprehends the impact it can have on people, especially children. He explained, “Bullying can take many forms, including hurtful words, exclusion, teasing, and making someone feel like they do not belong. Seeing how deeply these experiences can affect a person’s confidence and emotional well-being helped inspire me to write ‘Lucky.’”
He believes every child deserves to feel valued, respected, and supported. “Through my book, I wanted to address the challenges that many children face and create a message of hope, reminding young readers that kindness, courage, and compassion can overcome negativity. My goal is to encourage children to speak up, support one another, and understand that they have the strength to make a difference.”
Mullaev shared a message for children among multi-generational people who are victimized often. He said, “For children who experience bullying, discrimination, or feel like they are being treated differently, they should always remember their self-worth. No child should ever feel ashamed of who they are, where they come from, or what makes them unique. Our differences are what make us special, and every person deserves to be treated with kindness and respect.”
He wants children to know that they are not alone and that it is essential to speak up, reach out to trusted adults, and support peers who may be experiencing similar struggles. “Small acts of kindness can have a powerful impact, and one person’s courage can inspire many others. Through Lucky, I hope to remind children that they have an inner strength that can help them overcome challenging moments. Just like Lucky stands up for children in my book, we all have the ability to stand up for ourselves, as well as for those who need a friend.”
By writing “Lucky,” Mullaev feels he has acquired the responsibility of becoming an anti-bullying advocate, and his goal is not only to share an entertaining story for children and their parents but also to generate awareness about the importance of kindness, empathy, and standing up for one another. He plans to fulfill his mission by focusing on sharing Lucky’s message with children, families, schools, and communities. He explained, “I hope to participate in school visits, book readings, and library and community events, and engage in conversations that encourage children to treat each other with respect and compassion. I want ‘Lucky’ to become more than just a book, but a reminder that every child has value and that everyone has the ability to make a positive difference. By reaching young readers and encouraging them to choose kindness over cruelty, I hope to help create a world where children feel safe, supported, and confident by being themselves.” He also visualizes forming a partnership with organizations that support children and anti-bullying initiatives.
Lucky bears the potential to become more than just a character between the pages. A physical representation could be symbolic of friendship, bravery, and hope. His book could be a catalyst for additional books, educational programs, and merchandise, and lessons in morals and values for even more young readers. Mullaev explained his vision. “Creating a larger-than-life Lucky figure, as well as a collectible heroic figure similar to classic action figures, would be an exciting way to bring the character into the real world, and enable children to connect with him in a new way. Lucky can become a character who reminds them that they are important and have a voice.”
Becoming a published author was marked by rewarding challenges. “One of the largest challenges was taking an idea that existed in my imagination and turning it into a complete book that could connect with children and families. Writing a story is only the beginning; bringing the characters to life, working on the editing process, finding the right illustrations, and preparing my book for readers all require patience, dedication, and attention to detail,” said Mullaev.
His humanitarian and creative spirit was also met with many pleasant surprises. “Seeing Lucky come to life through illustrations and hearing how the story connects with readers has been incredibly meaningful. Knowing that a character I created can inspire children, encourage kindness, and help start important conversations about bullying, has made my entire journey worthwhile.”
Mullaev also shared insights for younger generations who aspire to follow his path. “For young readers and aspiring writers, my message is to believe in your ideas, and never be afraid to share your imagination with the world. Every great story begins with a simple idea. Writing requires hard work and persistence, but if you are passionate about your story and believe in its message, you can turn your dream into a reality.”
There is much to be grateful for, beginning with the opportunity to share a story that has a meaningful purpose and the potential to make a difference in children’s lives. He explained, “I am thankful for the support and encouragement I received throughout my journey of creating Lucky, from developing the idea to bringing the character and an anti-bullying message to my readers. I am also grateful for my family, friends, and everyone who believed in my vision, and encouraged me to continue pursuing this dream. Their support helped me stay motivated through the challenges of writing and publishing.”
Most importantly, Mullaev is grateful for the ability to apply his creativity and spread a message of kindness, courage, and compassion. “Knowing that Lucky may help children feel less alone and inspire them to stand up for themselves and others is something I truly value,” he said.
When he is not writing or working, he values quality time with his family and seeking opportunities to remain connected with people who are close to him. He enjoys participating in activities that cultivate his creative nature, in addition to making new discoveries, and feeling inspired by the world around him. In his leisure time, he enjoys relaxing, exploring new ideas, and finding inspiration that he can apply to his creative work.
“I have always embraced the importance of kindness, helping others, and being involved in my community. Many experiences and conversations I had throughout my life influenced my writing, and helped shape the message behind ‘Lucky,’” said Mullaev. “Whether through personal experiences, observing the world around me, or sharing my time with others, I believe that everyday moments can lead to meaningful ideas and stories.”
Mullaev hopes that “Lucky” inspires children to be brave, speak up when something is wrong, and remember that they have the ability to make the world around them a better place. “My dream is for Lucky’s message to reach children everywhere, and remind them that kindness is one of the greatest strengths we can share.” Lucky may soon be coming to a street corner near you. Parents, teachers, children, and friends can purchase a signed copy of “Lucky” from the author by emailing Roland.Mullaev@gmail.com. Roland Mullaev is also available for scheduling at book talks and signings in public and private event settings, and his advocacy will continue to take wing.
