Anna Desnitskaya is the author and illustrator of the new children's picture book A Star Shines Through. Her other books include On the Edge of the World.
Q: What was the inspiration behind your creation of A Star Shines Through?
A: In February 2022, my husband, children, and I left Russia. We had never wanted to emigrate and had not planned to, but after the war in Ukraine began, we realized that we could no longer stay in our country.
As it happened, we ended up in Israel. It was very difficult: a completely foreign and unfamiliar country, an unfamiliar language, unfamiliar holidays, and a small rented apartment.
One day, we went to the Israeli IKEA and bought a cardboard star — the same one we had in our window in Moscow. And when we put it in the window and lit it up, I saw that the world around us became a little more welcoming and understandable. And also that this could turn into a book.
Q: Did you work on the text first or the illustrations first—or both simultaneously?
A: The idea came first, then I wrote the text very quickly (right during a Hebrew lesson, in half an hour), and after that, I spent about six months working on the illustrations and layout.
Q: The Booklist review of the book says, “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.” What do you think of that description?
A: This quote resonates with me, and it’s roughly what I aimed to convey in my book.
Q: What do you hope kids take away from the story?
A: I would like readers to understand that it’s okay to feel sad and lonely in a new place, and that it’s okay not to love it right away. Moving (even when it’s desired) is always a loss, and you need to grieve for it. But over time, the new place becomes closer and more understandable — you just need time.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: Right now, I’m working on a book about bread! It’s a very joyful and pleasant project.
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
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