Mishka

 

Bibliography

Van de Vendel, Edward, and Anoush Elman. MISHKA. Illustrated by Annet Schaap. Translated by Nancy Forest-Flier. Levine Querido, 2024. ISBN: 978-1-64614-458-7.

Plot Summary

The story MISHKA is about a young girl, Roya, from Afghanistan seeking refuge in the Netherlands. In celebration of being allowed to stay in the Netherlands, her family brings home a bunny, Mishka. Roya begins to tell Mishka all about her family's journey from Afghanistan. As she tells the story, Roya realizes there are parts of the story she does not know. Her parents and brothers begin to tell their perspectives to the story of their experiences in Afghanistan and route to safety. Throughout the story, Mishka becomes great comfort to the family and a symbol of belonging and hope.

Critical Analysis

MISHKA is a great emotional story that tells of the refugee experience for young students to understand and connect to. The refugee experience is quite dangerous and tumultuous, but this story does not overwhelm readers with it all at once. From the different perspectives and the love for Mishka, the family tells the story in a natural, progressive pattern.

The story does not just focus on Roya's family needing to leave Afghanistan, but how each family member remembers the journey differently. Authors beautifully write this story to highlight how refugee and immigration stories all differ, even in the same family. Anoush Elman specifically was born in Kabul, Afghanistan himself, and this story is based off his own experience. This gives the book not only a realistic journey, but a more authentic connection to the culture. Edward van de Vendel is Dutch, which allows the story to authentically connect the story to the culture of the Netherlands.

Using the rabbit, Mishka, as the comfort for the family, the author shows how a pet can be used in times of need and belonging. I love how this is incorporated because many students may not relate to the refugee experience, but they can relate to life challenges. This story shows an example of how a pet can be a great tool in times of need.

Annet Schaap's illustrations add a subtle warmth to this story. It allows for the story to feel softer, which is important as the topics are quite heavy. The illustrations help balance the heavy themes by highlighting the moments of love and humor.

Review Excerpts

"Based on Elmans own experiences and translated from Dutch by Forest-Flier, the narrative makes space for Royas long-delayed processing of her memories, as well as the anti-immigrant sentiment she encounters and the relief of belonging and home amid deep familial love. Schaaps soft illustrations, set against brown backgrounds, convey warmth and calm; details in both the art and the text indicate that the family is Muslim. Profoundly and charmingly moving." Kirkus, starred review.

"Smoothly translated, the story includes many lighter moments as well, including Mishka's penchant for peeing as he sleeps on family members with whom he feels safe. Anti-immigrant sentiment is also touched upon, especially with the elderly woman who rescues Mishka; but for the most part this is a story with deftly drawn characters and clearly demonstrated familial love. Schaap's full-page color portraits of various characters with Mishka add elegance to this evocative and memorable presentation." Booklist, starred review.

Awards

Best Books for Kids, 2024 

Best Children's Books of the Year, 2025  Ages 5 to 9

Booklist Book Review Stars, 2024 

Booklist Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 2024  Fiction Middle Grade

Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature Best Books, 2024 

Choices, 2025  Fiction for Children

Global Reading: Selected Literature for Children and Teens Set in Other Countries, 2024  Europe and Australia: Novel

Kirkus Book Review Stars, 2024 

USBBY Outstanding International Books, 2025  Grades 3-5

Connections

This book would pair well with a unit on immigration, refugees, family history, or finding a new home. Students can discuss how and why all the family members remember the journey differently. It can also be used to discuss empathy. Students can reflect on what makes a place feel like home.