Ukrainian book included in the honorary list of the U.S. Council on Children’s Literature

The Children’s Book Council’s list of  “2025 Notable Social Studies Trade Books” includes the book “Quiet Night, My Astronaut — The First Days (and Nights) of the War in Ukraine” by Ukrainian author, translator and poet Oksana Lushchevska.

The list features 150 of the top children’s social studies books from across the globe, aimed at librarians, booksellers, teachers, parents, and guardians. Books are chosen by experts and social studies educators.

“This recognition is about us, about support, about Ukraine, not about the book itself. I am very grateful,” Luschevska wrote.

“Quiet Night, My Astronaut” was published in English by Tilbury House Publishers in February 2024. In Ukraine, the book was published by the #knigolove publishing house in 2022. The illustrations for the American and Ukrainian editions were created by Kateryna Stepanishcheva.

“This gorgeous, expressive picture book shows the first haunting days and nights of the war in Ukraine from a child’s perspective. The child is scared, but will not be afraid. She believes in a higher power watching over her family, keeping them safe–her astronaut. As she narrates, readers get a tender glimpse into a life on the front lines, one filled with love and trauma, fear and hope. A much needed perspective from a Ukrainian author and illustrator,” the annotation reads.

The Children’s Book Council (CBC) is the nonprofit trade association of children’s book publishers in North America, dedicated to promoting children’s books and reading. CBC is dedicated to supporting the children’s publishing industry through programming that connects and educates publishing professionals, advocates for a more inclusive industry, and shines a light on books, creators, and resources available for young readers.

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Copy editing: Ben Angel