Ukrainians pen book to help war-affected children
Tom Percival/BBCA Ukrainian mother and daughter who fled the war have written a fictional book, with all proceeds going to a children's charity in their home country.
Anastasiia Larchenko, 43, and her 13-year-old daughter Lisa, originally from Kyiv, settled in Moulton, near Northampton, in May 2022.
Their book, The Adventure in Headphones: Magic Land, was written by Anastasiia, with Lisa illustrating the story, and follows two boys who discover a pair of headphones that grant them information.
Ms Larchenko said any money made would go to children living in and around Zaporizhzhia - close to the front line - as well as rebuilding a school and building a bomb shelter.
Tom Percival/BBCThe full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces began three years ago this month, displacing more than four million people.
Anastasiia and Lisa fled Kyiv with their parents and French bulldog soon after, first settling in Poland before moving to the UK.
"I lost everything," said Ms Larchenko. "A good house, a good job in pharmaceutical marketing, and my husband", who remains in Ukraine.
Speaking about settling in England, Lisa said: "At first I was a bit scared because the English I learned in Ukrainian school wasn't great, but... now I feel comfortable here.
"It's really nice, I have friends, I have my dog, it reminds me of peaceful times."
Ms Larchenko said she hoped to continue exploring her creative side through writing and strengthen her bond with Lisa.
She added: "Writing has been a source of hope and healing for me during such a challenging time. I hope to continue collaborating with Lisa on the illustrations - it's become such a meaningful part of our lives.
"This is just the beginning. I have so many ideas for more stories that combine adventure, science and important life lessons."
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