A Ukrainian Children’s Book for Safety and Healing 

“I liked this book because it talks about how to take care of yourself in a simple and interesting way. I learned how to recognize bullying and where to seek help, how to behave on the internet, and what to do at home or on the street to stay safe. The section on mine safety is really important right now. The book has a lot of advice that helps you not panic in difficult situations!” - Nadiya*, Age 9, Ukraine 

Olena’s daughter, Nadiya*, was only six-years-old when the war began. Now, with a curious nine-year-old, Olena* is constantly on the search for tools to help prepare her daughter for life in wartime Ukraine. Like many Ukrainian parents, Olena has struggled to strike the balance between teaching her child how to stay safe vs. flooding her head with fear and anxiety over what could happen.

Which is why Olena is very grateful to have come across the book PRO Bezpeku (“About Safety”). About Safety: The Protection and Safety Guidebook for Children and their Parents is a groundbreaking resource, as it’s the first resource in Ukraine dedicated to child protection. Created by the partner organization “ODESA WOW” with the support of NP, it’s designed for children ages 8-14 to read with their parents. 

The guide serves as both an educational resource and as a tool that strengthens emotional bonds between children and caregivers. In an effort to make complex safety topics more accessible, the guidebook is written in Ukrainian and features colorful illustrations that kids can relate to.

Olena’s daughter enjoyed reading through the booklet so much, that they read through each section together nightly. They’ve explored topics ranging from health and emotional wellbeing to safe behavior at home, online, and during emergencies.

“I finally understand what to do if something scary happens,” expressed Nadiya. 

Topics that Children Can Discuss with Adults Through Reading About Safety (PRO Bezpeku): 

Emotional Health & Well-Being: 

Children experience war differently, and helping them process trauma requires care and creativity. About Safety is grounded in psychological support and uses engaging storytelling to teach safety habits and emotional coping. 

For Olena and her daughter, the chapter on psychological safety led to discussions around topics that they had never talked about before. In addition to conversations around the emotional toll of war, Nadiya has started confiding in her mom about challenges that can come along with childhood, like bullying, school stress and conflicts with classmates.

Both Nadiya and Olena have found the book’s self-regulation tips particularly useful. They’ve even practiced breathing exercises and grounding techniques together. As Olena shared, “My daughter started using some of the self-regulation tips, and I can see it has become easier for her to manage her emotions.” 

Digital Safety: 

Children in Ukraine are at severe risk for victimization online. Widespread misinformation, exposure to wartime content, and recruitment of minors to commit acts of sabotage are intentional war tactics. 

Through the lessons on digital safety, kids can learn how to recognize suspicious messages, why it’s dangerous to share personal information, and how to respond if someone behaves inappropriately online. 

“Now I think before I click,” shared Nadiya. 

Emergency Preparedness & Mine Safety: 

Living through wartime means that preparedness can save lives. One section of the book explains what kids should pack in an emergency bag and what to do during air raids. 

When Olena reached the section on mine and missile safety, she realized how vital these lessons were. After reading for the night, she can still recall her daughter saying, “Mom, this book helps me not panic!”

In that moment, Olena knew that she’d landed on the resource she’d been looking for— an age appropriate guidebook that could help her daughter feel empowered in the midst of war and conflict.

How the Guidebook Is Helping Families 

Olena has been surprised by how much her daughter has learned from the guidebook. She was also surprised by how easy it is for Nadiya to connect with each character’s story featured in each section. 

“It’s written in such a simple and interesting way for kids like me to understand,” Nadiya said one evening.

About Safety is a must-read for Ukrainian parents with kids ages 8-14. For Olena, PRO Bezpeku has been a lifeline that has truly helped her child feel capable and prepared to face uncertainties. “Every Ukrainian family should have this book,” Olena now says. “It does not just teach rules. It teaches children how to think, stay calm, and take care of themselves and others.” 

Families have provided such positive reviews of the guidebook, staff has began distributing them in shelters and classrooms. By expanding the reach of the book, more children and caregivers are having really important conversations around their fears, emotional health, and how to stay safe.

We’re happy to share that the success of the guidebook has inspired further collaboration between NP and “ODESA WOW.” With NP’s assistance, “ODESA WOW” has established a Safety Place for women and children called “ProRozvytok” (ProDevelopment). 

The initiative provides a secure and supportive environment, where women and children can receive psychosocial assistance, focus on recovery, and engage in personal growth. Since opening it’s doors, the center has become a trusted and welcoming space where displaced families and local residents can restore a sense of stability and connection.

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Now, a digital copy of About Safety (PRO Bezpeku) is available for Ukrainian children, families, and caregivers to download and start reading today!  

*The name has been changed for security reasons and in accordance with the author’s request.