em>, Dr. Janice Cohn delivers a moving story that explores the power of kindness and compassion in the face of war. Beautifully illustrated by Ukrainian artist Yana Holubiatnikova, this picture book takes readers on an emotional journey from war-torn Ukraine to the heart of a compassionate volunteer in Poland-and even across the ocean to a girl in the United States.

Young Artem lives in Ukraine and, when war breaks out, his father stays to fight for freedom while Artem and his mother flee to safety by train in neighboring Poland. Struggling with sadness and confusion, Artem worries about his father and his own future. But he finds strength and hope in the kindness of Paolo, a volunteer with World Central Kitchen, who provides him with warm meals and comforting words.

In an interconnecting storyline, Hannah, a young girl in the United States, is concerned about the plight of Ukrainian children. Determined to make a difference, she finds a way to counter her own feelings of helplessness and offer support, proving that it's possible to have an impact, even from afar.

As children today often absorb narratives of violence and fear from the news, it is important to offer them stories about the powerful antidote of goodness and courage, and to inspire them-no matter how overwhelmed they may feel-to create change in the world around them one step at a time. At a time when the world is witnessing heartbreaking images from war zones, Freedom Pancakes for Ukraine reminds us of the resilience of the human spirit while showing us that helping others helps ourselves.