Olya & Olena Escape the Invaders

By: Olya Illichov, Maddy Shyba

Narrated by: Lorene Shyba

Olya and Olena Escape the Invaders is about two young Ukrainian ballet students who escape the Russian invasion of Mariupol and embark on a difficult journey to safety. Along the way, they encounter helpers who aid them on their travels, including an angelic Baba grandma and a dog named Rinnie. Although they know they will miss their homeland, they eventually make their way to Canada where they too become important helpers.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2022 Olya Illichov and Maddy Shyba (P)2022 Durvile Publications Ltd.

Critic reviews

"News editors everywhere face a balancing act in determining what to include in war reporting. Wading into sensitive subjects like war for a readership of eight- to 14-year-olds isn’t easy. It is tempting to protect youngsters from bad news, yet children are most disturbed when there’s an information vacuum .... These forms of media may be making children more politically engaged and active."—From “How do you explain war to a six-year-old?" The Economist