A brave-heart movement for children and families

She was born
with a brave heart.

Lil’ Owl is a children’s brand, story, and growing nonprofit mission bringing courage, comfort, and emotional support to children facing congenital heart disease.

Meet Lil’ Owl ↓Explore the mission

Storybook · Comfort companion · Hospital hero kits

Lil’ Owl with her stitched heart
Hope children
can hold. ♥

Our story

Built by two siblings.
For millions of children.

✦

Francesco Civetta

Founder & creative director

A New York–born creative director, entrepreneur, and advocate whose work spans music, fashion, culture, and purpose-driven storytelling. Francesco transformed his family’s experience into a character children can carry with them.

♥

Cristina Civetta

Chief of marketing & co-founder

Born with congenital heart disease, Cristina has undergone seven lifesaving open-heart surgeries. Her lived experience and advocacy shape Lil’ Owl’s mission to support children and families navigating the same uncertainty.

CHD awareness

The most common birth defect
most people have never heard of.

Congenital heart defects affect children and families everywhere. Medical progress has changed survival; Lil’ Owl exists to help change the emotional journey, too.

1 in 100babies

Nearly one percent of babies are born with a congenital heart defect.

40K+U.S. births yearly

About 40,000 babies are born with a heart defect in the United States each year.

90%+reach adulthood

More than 90% of children born with CHD now survive into adulthood.

Sources: CDC and American Heart Association.

The book & story

A small owl.
A powerful journey.

Lil’ Owl Heart Hero illustrated book cover by Francesco Civetta

Lil’ Owl: Heart Hero follows a little owl born with a heart that needs extra care. As she moves through fear, healing, and the unfamiliar world of heart care, the love of her family helps her discover that her stitched heart is not something to hide—it is the mark of a hero.

“Your heart is your superpower.”
Lil’ Owl flying through a hospital hallway as children’s hearts glow

More than a story

A familiar friend for unfamiliar moments.

Children with heart conditions face more than physical pain. The book creates language for fear, loneliness, recovery, and hope—without losing the wonder of a true children’s adventure.

  • For childrenA hero who shares their journey.
  • For familiesA gentle way to begin hard conversations.
  • For care teamsAn emotional bridge before and after procedures.

The problem

Children with CHD face more than physical pain.

Even with excellent medical care, children can face deep emotional and psychological challenges that medicine alone cannot address.

😟
Fear & anxiety

Before procedures and during hospital stays.

💔
Loneliness

Emotional distance from home, school, and familiar routines.

🔎
Few relatable characters

Children deserve heroes who understand their journey.

🛡️
A need for courage

Tools that comfort, empower, and stay close.

The hospital hero kit

One story.
A companion to hold.

Our vision extends beyond the page: a comforting set designed for hospital rooms, recovery days, and the journey home. Each kit can pair Lil’ Owl’s story with a stitched-heart companion and child-friendly courage tools.

Illustrated storybookComfort plushCourage activitiesCaregiver resources
Lil’ Owl stitched-heart plush presented in its yellow gift box