“Today,
Mia and her mom are going on an adventure.
They are visiting a place called Play Hub.
Mia’s mom heard about it from a friend,
and she is very excited.
Mia is happy too:
a new adventure and a new place.”
In the heartwarming illustrated storybook Mia Goes on an Adventure with Mom, author Paz Heusser-Ferrés invites us into the world of Play Hubs through the eyes of a young child and her mother. Based on research she conducted at three Play Hubs in Slovakia, the story brings to life what data alone often cannot: the emotional, everyday significance of inclusive early childhood spaces for both children and caregivers.
Paz carried out this research as part of her Master’s in Social Challenges, Policies and Interventions at Utrecht University. Her thesis focused on identifying the barriers, facilitators, and promoters that influence whether families with children aged 0 to 3 continue attending non-formal early childhood services. Her findings highlighted the importance of proximity, trust, and social connection, and pointed to maternal wellbeing as a central factor in continued engagement. What helped: Play Hubs close to home, warm staff, and personal invitations. What hindered: lack of time, child illness, and social disconnection.
Bringing the Research to Life
Mia and her mom set off on a simple but transformative journey—to the local Play Hub. From the moment Mia sees the toy-filled space, her curiosity and joy mirror the experiences described by many real-life caregivers who participated in the research. The Play Hubs, part of the TOY for Inclusion initiative led by ISSA Member International Child Development Initiatives (ICDI), are designed to be welcoming, free-of-charge, and embedded in communities.
“Mia was surprised how close the Play Hub was to home.”
Their very setup—proximity to home, multilingual staff, open access—removes practical barriers that so often stand between families and early childhood services. These features make it easier for families, especially from vulnerable backgrounds, to take part in early childhood programs they might otherwise miss out on. Caregivers are often introduced to Play Hubs through friends or school contacts, and that personal connection—combined with ease of access—is often what gets them through the door.
“It’s like an oasis for us. Safe, relaxing, and happy,” Anna’s mom said to Mia’s mom.
While accessibility matters, it’s the atmosphere inside that makes Play Hubs stand out. The story captures this beautifully through Mia’s observation: her mother is laughing, relaxed, connected. For many mothers—especially those from Roma or Ukrainian refugee communities—the opportunity to socialize, share experiences, and receive informal peer support is a powerful motivator for bringing their children to the Play Hubs. As Heusser-Ferrés's study confirms, this social cohesion isn’t just a bonus—it’s essential to sustaining participation and enhancing maternal wellbeing, which in turn supports child development. The Play Hubs offer a break from the home environment, a warm drink, and a place where children play and adults feel they belong.
In Mia’s story, play becomes a bridge to learning, bonding, and community. The toys are more than just fun—they’re resources families might not otherwise afford, available through a toy library that reflects thoughtful, inclusive programming. For children, these spaces nurture early communication, cooperation, and delight. For caregivers, they offer friendship, advice, and a brief respite from the demands of caregiving.
Mia Goes on an Adventure with Mom is a joyful reminder that early childhood spaces work best when they welcome entire families—and when they meet practical needs with warmth, care, and trust. It shows that even small actions—like hearing about a Play Hub from a friend—can open the door to something much bigger.
About the Author and Illustrator
The book was a collaborative effort between ICDI intern Paz Heusser-Ferrés and former intern Emily Oxenaar. Paz, a clinical psychologist from Chile, wrote the story based on her research and fieldwork. Emily, an artist and educator, illustrated the book, drawing on her commitment to youth and community wellbeing.
The illustrations are done in a soft watercolor style, using cheerful colors and gentle lines that echo the welcoming, playful atmosphere of the Play Hubs. Emily’s artwork captures the emotional tone of the story with a lightness that invites children and caregivers alike into Mia’s world.
