Come join us for a cosy book launch at Medina Bookshop, Cowes, celebrating a heartwarming and funny children’s book about the adventures of four Ukrainian refugees — a cat, a dog, a guinea pig, and their owner Marusya — who arrive on the Isle of Wight to be hosted by the kind English couple, Mr and Mrs Watkins.
They soon discover that life on the island is full of surprises. Coming from a world where what’s supposed to be left turns out to be right, and what’s supposed to be right turns out to be left, the characters stumble into playful misunderstandings and funny discoveries at every turn. With charm, humor, and warmth, their story shows how even in the strangest situations, friendship, laughter, and kindness can help everyone feel at home in a new land.

This self-published book was created in collaboration with Odessa-born illustrator Yana Barabash, and together we hope to celebrate the growing friendship between two nations. Through humour and relatable cultural differences — just like in the story — we aim to help children and adults understand one another a little better.

The book also highlights and promotes the beautiful artwork of Yana Barabash, who arrived on the Island as a refugee. The original idea of Marusya and her pets coming to the Isle of Wight was hers, and we are delighted to share her talent with a wider audience.