Hanna Martynenko | Ukraine
The Most Ordinary Day is my debut self-published children’s book, written and illustrated by me. It tells the story of a young girl whose life changes overnight when she becomes a refugee. Based on my own journey with my daughter fleeing the war in Ukraine, the book explores how a child sees the world when everything familiar disappears — and how hope, kindness, and friendship slowly rebuild a sense of home.
The story follows an ordinary day that suddenly becomes extraordinary: clubs are cancelled, school is gone, and the girl and her mother leave everything behind. They travel across borders until they arrive in the UK, where everything feels strange — the language, the people, even which side of the road cars drive on. But step by step, through small moments and new friendships, she begins to feel safe and accepted again.
This book is a reflection of real emotions: loss, fear, disorientation — but also strength, belonging, and the resilience of children. I created it for young readers who have experienced displacement, and for those who haven’t — to help build empathy, understanding, and human connection.
The book was self-published in 2025 and is now available on Amazon. It has already been shared with children during school events and Refugee Week activities, where it has sparked powerful conversations.
I hope this story will continue to travel, speak to others, and open hearts.