A bouquet of flowers, a knotted piece of rope, twelve matchboxes filled with ashes, and a ushanka, soft and fluffy.

Beautiful, delicate words and a story rich in small kindnesses provide the perfect basis for this
powerful tale set in WWII Russia. Rabbit, Soldier, Angel, Thief tells the story of Sasha, a six-year-old
boy trying to survive a war without family and without a home. Although the hero is six, the book is
definitely for older tweens who will be able to comprehend the complex mix of emotions that is
love, compassion, confusion, being scared and feeling lost – and often all at the one time.

Author Katrina Nannestad is Australian and has researched thoroughly to craft such a detailed novel, her dedication and diligence showcased on each page. Her unique style of narrative is also on display throughout the book, with the heavy historical topic balanced with an overarching sense of family, friendship and belonging.

Given the current state of the world, this book is a particularly timely read with the realities of War
brought to life in a way that is realistic though not explicit. A good way for tweens and teens to begin to understand such monumental historical events from a first-person perspective.

A beautifully written and thought-provoking book that handles a very mature topic with grace – and makes for an ideal conversation starter with your tween