A New Chapter for Every Child

Valeria Kantakevich is a Maryland-based author who lives in Potomac with her husband, Patrick and two children: Tommy and Lucia. Born and raised in the United States, Valeria grew up in a multicultural household with an Argentine mother and a Brazilian father - an upbringing that fostered a deep appreciation for storytelling, family traditions, and diverse perspectives. She is proud to have the best of three worlds.

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Valeria founded BowSash Books as a home for the many stories she hopes to share with young readers. The name is a nod to her maiden name, Bouças, a Portuguese surname that was often mispronounced as “bow-sash.” What was once a frequent source of confusion eventually became the foundation for a name that celebrates both her heritage and her journey as an author.

 

The first title published under BowSash Books is Tommy’s Tee Time. The inspiration for the book came from her son Tommy, whose first words were “ball” and “golf.” A lifelong lover of classic children's books, Valeria had always dreamed of becoming an author but it wasn’t until the birth of her son when she finally found her storyline. Unable to find a suitable children’s book about golf, she decided to create one. 

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Tommy’s Tee Time follows a young boy on his first golf outing with his father as he hilariously mixes up the lingo of the game. Birdies, bogeys, and eagles—oh my! Through Tommy’s eyes, readers are introduced to the language of golf in a playful and engaging way.