Dutch Author Publishes Bilingual Children's Book for Ukrainian Kids

What Happened Maria van Royen has created a bilingual children's book, "Ukrainian Dog Igor. Adventures with Two Amsterdam Cats," which is written in both Ukrainian and Dutch. This initiative aims specifically at supporting Ukrainian children in the Netherlands. The news was reported by Ukrinform on March 28, 2026. ## Key Details The author expressed her desire for the book to serve as a useful tool for Ukrainian children adapting to a new culture and language. In an exclusive comment to Ukrinform, van Royen said she aims to help children identify with the characters while learning essential life lessons. Moreover, the book is designed to assist children who have recently moved to the Netherlands with language acquisition. She believes it can help both Ukrainian and Dutch children find common ground and develop friendships. Van Royen, 76, faced significant health challenges while writing the book, suffering from severe back pain. Her creative process began as a coping mechanism, leading to the inspiration for the characters, including the main character, Igor, a courageous dog symbolizing Ukrainian resilience. The story involves two orange cats and Igor the dog, who teach children about friendship, mutual aid, and acceptance across different cultures and languages. Van Royen emphasized the importance of openness to new experiences and people in the narrative. The characters' initial fear of Igor mirrors societal attitudes towards refugees. In the story, the cats learn to appreciate Igor's talents and compassion as they overcome their initial apprehensions. The book culminates in the trio developing a close, loving friendship. The bilingual format enhances the educational value, helping children learn new words and phrases in both languages. The book is currently available in a bookstore in Amsterdam and is being distributed for free among centers for Ukrainians in the Netherlands due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Van Royen shared emotional moments when she learned that children from both Ukrainian and Dutch backgrounds connected with her book. It brings her joy to hear of young readers enjoying the story, reinforcing her belief in the book's purpose. ## Why It Matters This initiative provides a unique approach to helping Ukrainian children relate to their new environment in the Netherlands. It fosters cultural exchange and understanding between Ukrainian and Dutch communities, which is crucial during these challenging times. ## Background Cultural integration can be challenging for immigrant families, particularly for children who must navigate the complexities of a new language and environment. Books that bridge cultural gaps, like van Royen's, are essential resources in facilitating smoother transitions. Through creative storytelling, such initiatives promote empathy and friendship among children from different backgrounds, making literature a powerful tool for social cohesion.