Stories from Ukraine graphic with date (20 November) and time (09:30) of event along with sunflowers on a blue ground to represent Ukraine

Join us for a live online event with acclaimed Ukrainian authors Romana Romanyshyn and Andriy Lesiv from Art Studio Agrafka, the award-winning writers and illustrators behind "How war changed Rondo" and other illustrated children’s books.

Part of International Education Week 2025, this workshop is aimed at primary and lower secondary pupils in UK schools (ages 7 to 14). Focusing on the power of storytelling and the importance of empathy to explore big ideas in ways that are meaningful for children and adults alike, the artists will:

  • Share insights into their creative process and inspiration
  • Reveal the symbols and messages behind "How war changed Rondo", and
  • Invite you and your pupils to draw along as they guide a creative activity inspired by their work.

You can download the A4 PDF sheet (black and white) from this page to print out in advance. During the workshop, Romana and Andrii will encourage pupils, working either together or individually, to draw and “rebuild” the town of Rondo. 

The session will conclude with a live Q&A, giving you and your pupils the chance to ask questions and connect directly with the artists.

Front cover of book with the name of the book, How war changed Rondo, images of poppies in red and symbols of war in black

Romana and Andriy have created a number of internationally recognized picture books, including Stars and poppy seeds, How war changed Rondo, I see that, Colours, and Numbers. The book “How war changed Rondo” was the authors’ reaction to the beginning of the war in Ukraine, addressing the complex issues of war and creating a tribute to peace, resistance and hope.

Open to schools across the UK, this workshop celebrates the school partnerships set up under our UK-Ukraine Reading for pleasure school partnership project and is a unique opportunity for teachers and pupils to understand the role of storytelling in exploring difficult topics.

You and your pupils can find out more about Ukrainian life using our Ukrainian Language and Culture Education Pack. Or why not start your own partnership with a school in a different country using our PartnerFinder database and our library of free classroom resources.

This event is funded by the UK Government, as part of the UK-Ukraine School Partnerships programme.  

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