‘Silent Night, My Astronaut' is a children's picture book that takes young readers on a journey into Ukraine during the ongoing Russian invasion. It brings us directly into the war, opening just as the sounds of sirens and exploding bombs replace the comforting familiarity of ordinary life.
The book is a great introduction to a difficult subject for inquiring young minds. Although human conflict may seem like a topic to keep away from children's literature, many will ask questions as they navigate their way through life. ‘Silent Night, My Astronauts' sets out the impact of the war on families in a safe and accessible way, without throwing any punches. It is narrated by Ia, a young girl who has drawn an astronaut for her father as a keepsake before he leaves to serve his country.
Oksana Lushchevska is the author of many children's and young adult books, and she brings her natural talent for storytelling to bear in this title. It is vividly illustrated by Kateryna Stepanishcheva, who accurately captures the innocence of children's art for the illustrations. There is heavy use of gold and blue – the colours of the Ukrainian flag that has become such a prominent feature in Europe following the Russian invasion. ‘Silent Night, My Astronaut' won the Goethe-Institut Best Book Design award, and the clever way that the illustrations bring the story to life is surely a contributory factor in that recognition. Stepanishcheva picks out hand-written lines in readily-recognisable text bars as people within the local Ukrainian community talk to one another in the aftermath of the invasion.
As it is told through the eyes of a child, there is no moralising or overt commentary. The impact of disruptive events such as school closures are mentioned, but not laboured upon. The absent father checks in on the family periodically through video calls, keeping upbeat and reassuring his young daughter as he makes light of his military duties. The story leads up to the tenth day of the war as the child is adjusting to the turmoil engulfing her family. Its open-ended resolution may not be to everybody's taste, but as Ukraine remains under occupation, a happy ending would not ring true. There is, nevertheless, an injection of defiance and optimism in the final pages. There is bravery in not sugar-coating the story.
‘Silent Night, My Astronaut' succeeds in strongly conveying its message through subtle storytelling and vivid illustrations. The author provides a passionate description of her home country and its plight in the final pages, and there are some questions that can be posed to young readers to help with their understanding of the issues raised by the book. Overall, this is a strong and visually arresting book for readers of around four to eight years of age. It is ideal for youngsters with questions about what is happening to Ukrainians. With a big heart and an injection of hope for the future, ‘Silent Night, My Astronaut' is a safe and way to help children to understand the war, why Ukraine matters and why they and their parents should care.
Ten per cent of the proceeds will go to the Voices of Children Charitable Foundation.
Publisher: Andersen Press Publication date: 15th August 2024 Buy ‘Silent Night, My Astronaut'
