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“An Afghan family, having been recently granted stay in the Netherlands, decides to adopt a pet. Accompanied by her older brothers, 9-year-old Roya heads to the pet store, where she picks out a white dwarf rabbit, whom she names Mishka. …Mishka’s presence helps the family cope with their pain and prompts Roya to ask more questions about their arduous journey across continents by plane, train, bus, and foot, through various Dutch refugee centers, schools, and continued denials for citizenship. Deftly weaving in moments of humor, joy, and sadness, the authors offer a gentle, child’s-eye view of the dangers the family faced, with underlying implications of trauma.”
—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

Mishka

Written by Edward van de Vendel and Anoush Elman, Translated by Nancy Forest-Flie
Illustrated by Annet Schaap
Published by Levine Querido

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.

Primary ISBN: 9781646144587
Publication Date: November 2024
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook, eBook
Chapter Book, Age 07 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: Netherlands

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Refugee

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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