Pushka. Kitten in War

This is the story of a kitten whose world is turned upside down by war. Alone and without a home, she begins a difficult journey, learning about the hardships and resilience of the Ukrainian people along the way. Her path leads her to a fearless soldier, who saves her and names her Pushka. Inspired by real events, this book offers a soft, compassionate look at the themes of war and refugees, seen through the innocent eyes of a little kitten. A portion of the proceeds from this book will be used to help Ukrainian orphans who lost their parents in the war.

Designed for first readers aged 6 to 11, this picture book tells a story with illustrations carrying the primary narrative. The narrative begins on a peaceful evening in a village, bathed in soft sunset colors. Colors serve as a "second narrator" throughout the book; sad moments are depicted with a desaturated palette, using minimal color to highlight characters like the kitten or the soldier's face. In contrast, a rich and vibrant palette is used to accentuate the good moments and the happy ending.

Olha Tkachenko both wrote and illustrated this moving picture book, which is based on the real-life story of a Ukrainian soldier and the kitten he rescued. Her stunning illustrations were selected as a finalist at the prestigious Bologna Children's Book Fair. The book was created with the generous support of the Shevchenko Foundation, Canada, and the Ukrainian Canadian Veterans Fund, with all proceeds dedicated to helping Ukrainian orphans displaced by the conflict.

The book is an excellent tool for discussing the difficult topics of war, loss, and the refugee experience with children. The main character, a sweet and fluffy kitten, creates an instant emotional connection, allowing young readers to see the war through her eyes. The story is realistic: the kitten does not speak or walk on two legs. The soft watercolors and colored pencil drawings ensure the images won't be frightening, leaving room for a child's imagination. A key message is delivered through the soldier's character: those who are strong have a duty to protect and care for the vulnerable.