Hi everyone. You ok? I’m not ok. There is an awful lot going on in our world. “Awful” used intentionally. Why do people do such terrible things? I don’t know, but I do know that parenting through it is hard right now. Sending virtual support to all the grownups and the kiddos.
These are books we’re reading as we talk our five year old through what’s going on in the Ukraine. Many of them we’ve relied on for talking through conflict, people making decisions we don’t agree with, handling scary things, etc. Some are new to us, an opportunity to grow. I hope these recommendations are helpful for your family through this and all the scary times.
This post includes affiliate links, and I may earn a commission if you choose to make a purchase (thanks!). As always, check your local library first.
The Mitten
The Mitten by Jan Brett (Amazon and Bookshop). Did you know The Mitten is a Ukrainian fairy tale? This picture book is a yearly tradition for us, it comes back into rotation when the weather turns cold. Reading this again is a great way to open the conversation and help your kiddo connect with the Ukraine.
Strictly No Elephants
Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev, illustrated by Taeeun Yoo (Amazon and Bookshop). A great, easily accessible read for preschoolers about how it isn’t fair to discriminate. A kid has a pet elephant, which isn’t the norm, and they’re not allowed into the neighborhood pet club. They meet a neighbor who has a skunk, and the neighbor says they weren’t allowed in either even though skunks weren’t on the “not allowed” list (it goes unsaid that the neighbor presents as Black).
Am I small? Я – маленька?
Am I small? Я – маленька? by Nadja Wichmann (Illustrator), Daryna V. Temerbek (Translator), Galina Konstantinovna Zakharova (Translator) (Barnes and Noble). I haven’t read this yet but you bet it’s on the list. A children’s book in English and Ukrainian, with an utterly adorable fox. Being able to read books in someone else’s language brings us one step closer together.
The Day War Came
The Day War Came by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Rebecca Cobb (Amazon and Bookshop). This is a good one but it’s a feeler, get those tissues handy! Told from the viewpoint of a child, who becomes a refugee after “war came at lunch.” Holy moly I can’t even imagine. Be ready to talk through this story, but it’s really really valuable as we think about Ukranian children who are experiencing something so similar.
War and Peas
War and Peas by Michael Foreman (Amazon) is a fantastic story about the absurdity of war. It’s less heavy hitting, as everything takes place in a world of desserts! A great way to introduce the concept of war (as if there was any great way to introduce something so awful). At the end they ask, “Peace? What’s the recipe?” Wow could we use that recipe right about now.
Pea Pod Lullaby
Pea Pod Lullaby by Glenda Millard, illustrated by Stephen Michael King (Amazon and Bookshop). A gentle, lilting rhyming picture book about a refugee family escaping war by sailing off to the unknown. A beautiful introduction to what it means to be a refugee.
My Voice is a Trumpet
My Voice is a Trumpet by Jimmie Allen, illustrated by Cathy Ann Johnson (Amazon and Bookshop). A couple of uplifting picture books here at the end! We love this book for the musical quality (it is Jimmie Allen after all) and the easily digestible message that we can all speak up. And those illustrations! So inspiring.
Wanda’s Words Got Stuck
Wandas’s Words Got Stuck by Lucy Rowland, illustrated by Paula Bowles (Amazon and Bookshop). I adore this book! The rhymes are a total joy to read out loud. It’s a fantastic story about a little witch who is too shy to even speak, but she finds her voice when her friend is in danger. For kids as little as ours, speaking up is sometimes all they have. Help them speak up now! This is a powerful story for helping them find that voice.
Danbi Leads the School Parade
And finally, one of my absolute favorites, Danbi Leads the School Parade by Anna Kim (Amazon and Bookshop). There are a lot of Ukrainian children who will be going to new schools. Maybe your school. Danbi Leads the School Parade is a celebration of kids learning new food, new words, new cultural norms, and most importantly, making new friends.
You can help the Ukrainian people directly through dozens of organizations, here’s a great roundup from NPR. We’re supporting UNICEF. And if you need more books, this list of Picture Books for Activism and Changemakers is for you.
Looking for more? Take a look at our last read, Our Table by Peter H. Reynolds. If you need a few options, take a look through some quick reviews.