Meet Anna Desnitskaya
Anna Desnitskaya is the award-winning author-illustrator of A Star Shines Through (Eerdmans), On the Edge of the World (Eerdmans), The Apartment: A Century of Russian History (Abrams), and many other books for young readers. In 2018, she was Russia’s nominee for the 2018 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, the world’s largest award for children’s literature. She lives with her family in Montenegro. Follow her on Instagram @anyadesnitskaya.
About the Books
A Star Shines Through
When war forces a young refugee and her mother to make a new home in a foreign place, they experience the long process of healing and the power of art to bring hope and belonging. This tender, sensitive picture book was inspired by the author’s experience leaving Russia after the start of the Ukraine War.
Reviews
⭐ Booklist (STARRED REVIEW)
Encouraging empathy and understanding, this illuminating picture book offers a realistic account of finding oneself in a new place and shines a light on the healing power of hope.”
⭐ Kirkus Reviews (STARRED REVIEW)
“Beautifully crafted and warmly empathetic.”
⭐ Publishers Weekly (STARRED REVIEW)
“Straightforward, heartfelt words and thin-lined, fully imagined drawings from Desnitskaya (On the Edge of the World) give tender voice to one child’s refugee experience.”
⭐ School Library Journal (STARRED REVIEW)
“A beautiful tale of loss and adjustment; for those who have never had to leave home, perhaps a lesson in insight and empathy. Highly recommended.”
Media Coverage & Interviews
Anna Desnitskaya on Leaving and Finding Home – Publishers Weekly (Aug 15, 2024)
Happy Book Birthday A STAR SHINES THROUGH +Six Questions with author/illustrator Anna Desnitskaya – Erin Dealey (Aug 20, 2024)
A Star Shines Through Cover Reveal – A Fuse #8 Production (Feb 24, 2024)
On the Edge of the World
Vera and Lucas live with their families on opposite ends of the world—Vera on Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula and Lucas thousands of miles away on the coast of Chile. Both enjoy reading, playing, and exploring the outdoors, but they long desperately for a friend to join them. One evening, they each head to their local beach, blink their flashlights into the dark, and discover a surprising response that makes the edge of the world a little less lonely.
The Children’s Book Council Teacher FAVORITES List 3rd-5th Grade
Cooperative Children’s Book Center CCBC Choices List – Picture Books
The United States Board on Books for Young People (USBBY) Outstanding International Books List – Grades 3-5
Reviews
⭐ Publishers Weekly (STARRED REVIEW)
“Beautifully drawn…satisfying…evocative.”
⭐ School Library Journal (STARRED REVIEW)
“A tender and beautiful work about loneliness and yearning for connection. A modern classic.”
Booklist
“A reminder that we share more similarities than differences, this speaks to anyone longing for a friend.”
Kirkus Reviews
Will spark joy and inspire.”
Media Coverage & Interviews
Simply 7 with Anna Desniskaya: On the Edge of the World – Jena Benton (Sept 27, 2023)
Interview with Anna Desnitskaya – Picture Book Buzz
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