Freedom Pancakes for Ukraine

By: Dr. Janice Cohn
Illustrated by: Yana Holubiatnikova
Publisher: Le Chambon Press
Publication Date: October 31, 2024
ISBN: 979-8989163588
Reviewed by: Lily Andrews
Review Date: April 17, 2025

Freedom Pancakes for Ukraine, authored by Dr. Janice Cohn and drawn by Yana Holubiatnikova, is a moving and deeply informative children's book that highlights how young people can make a significant impact in the lives of those facing injustice and hardships in the society and beyond. It narrates the story of a little boy fleeing his war-torn nation and an American girl who is ready to lend a hand as news of the conflict in Ukraine floods her mind.

With tears in his eyes, Artem embraces his father, who has volunteered to stay in Ukraine and protect the country from its invaders. Leaving everything familiar behind, he and his mother board a train to the Polish town of Przemysl, eager to see what the new nation holds. The sight of so many dejected women and children running from their homes on the train is unlike anything he has seen before. However, despite the new nation's promises of peace and security, memories of home and his father, as well as uncertainty about his and his mother's future, persist.

The story's second part centers on Hannah, an inquisitive little girl living in America. She worries a great deal about whether there is enough food for the kids in war-torn Ukraine. A conversation with her mother about it motivates her to make a daring step. She chooses to support World Central Kitchen by baking deruny, a Ukrainian delicacy that she dubs "freedom pancakes." Surprisingly, the decision yields far more than she hoped for, and she is able to take an action that allows her to perform at a level above her age while also impacting in her a revolutionary insight.

The terrible reality of war is abundantly evident in this story. The terror, bewilderment, and longing that accompany it have been deeply depicted through the eyes of the young characters. The reader can readily sense the seriousness of the situation with the boy, as well as the feelings of loneliness and alienation. His strength and drive to maintain optimism are evident despite his seeming helplessness. Cohn has also done a fantastic job with the little girl in emphasizing the value of compassion and kindness in everyday life, as well as the power these two values can wield.

The book is replete with themes of support, hope, and resilience. They are effectively written to leave the reader with worthwhile lessons and a lasting impression. With a clear call to action for children and young people to step up and contribute in meaningful ways, the book has been presented in a kind and emotionally stirring manner. It features colorful and breathtaking graphics created by an illustrator who was stationed in the most unexpected setting. She has skillfully water-colored them in vivid hues inspired by the Ukrainian flag.

Quill says: This is the ideal children's book if you are searching for one that is packed with meaningful concepts that will motivate your child to be helpful, resilient, kind, compassionate and loving. Notably, it effectively talks to both youngsters and adults which means that its lessons are ageless. The author has taken considerable effort to ensure that even readers as young as seven years old would not find the book's main theme—the effects of war—to be too overpowering.

For more information about Freedom Pancakes for Ukraine, please visit the author’s website at: www.freedompancakesforukraine.com.