Mishka

Mishka is a heartwarming chapter book about Roya, a young refugee girl, and her family as they settle into their new life in the Netherlands. With their new pet bunny, Mishka, as a comforting presence, each family member shares their unique perspective on their journey from Afghanistan. This tender, lyrical story explores themes of belonging, resilience, and the power of family bonds, offering a gentle yet profound look at the refugee experience for young readers aged 4-11. It is beautifully illustrated and perfect for opening conversations about empathy and new beginnings.

Winner of the national book award for children's literature in the Netherlands — a sweet and tender story of a girl refugee finding a new home! Roya, her three brothers, and their parents have a new family member — Mishka, a bunny rabbit. He soon becomes a beloved part of their new home and gradually, the rabbit — and also Roya — get to hear the story of the family's journey from Afghanistan to the Netherlands. Told from different perspectives every time: big Bashir, gentle Hamayun, tough Navid, and sometimes Mom and Dad. Mishka and Roya listen. Anoush Elman and Edward van de Vendel became friends upon Elman's arrival in the Netherlands, and fifteen years later, they decided to write a story for younger readers about his family's experience. This gorgeous chapter book — illustrated throughout in full color — is a tender, lyrical story of a young girl processing a new country, new school, and new friends — and a bunny escape! — in a story readers and parents will treasure.