Katya's Sunflowers

For all those who do good deeds because they can’t otherwise

Children - Picture Book
27 Pages
Reviewed on 11/29/2022
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Stephanie Lynn for Readers' Favorite

Katya's Sunflowers by Julie G. Fox is a story both timeless and relevant in today's ever-changing world. The book introduces us to a girl and her grandfather. When he speaks another language, out of curiosity she asks him what the words mean. He explains that it's Ukrainian. He then tells her of his childhood, revealing that he was born there. The words he spoke meant sunflower seeds, and he then relates the story of how he and his childhood friends were gathering sunflower seeds one day when their lives suddenly changed. These small black seeds hold fond memories, reminding him of Katya, the mother of his friends. Their story is a recurring theme among many Jewish families who have dealt with centuries of hardship that other families face even today. Katya's Sunflowers is a beautiful testament to humanity's compassion and resilience even in history's darkest hours.

I loved reading Katya's story! Katya's Sunflowers by Julie G. Fox is a heartwarming reminder that even when things look bleak, we can still help each other. This is an engaging read that is easy for children to enjoy while at the same time telling a deeper story that parents or older children might also learn from. Barbara Owczarek is wonderfully talented and her artwork in Katya's Sunflowers brings the story to life in beautiful color and matches the tone well with her touching illustrations. This story is an important reminder for us to love our neighbors, whether they be those next door, or living in other countries. It's a message that transcends time and is a beautiful tale that promotes awareness of struggles in places like Ukraine, Poland, and other countries around the world where people are facing similar challenges and having their daily lives abruptly thrown into chaos.