Teen And Mom Raise Money For Ukraine With New Children’s Book Featuring Ukrainian Grandma Vera

Five years ago, 9-year-old Michael Cohn, co-author of the award-winning Bash and Lucy book series, dedicated their third children’s book to their surrogate Grandma from Ukraine, Vera.

Watch the 11-second video here: https://youtu.be/46LyEBoE0L0

Michael and their mom just released their fourth children’s book, Bash and Lucy Say, “Love, Love, Bark!” and this time, Vera is the heroine. She’s a passionate assistant mayor who is determined to help people get along better by teaching them to embrace the goodness of dogs. She invents daily dog holidays and “dog-tention,” which converts bullies, naysayers, and troublemakers into dog lovers. The book is for kids aged 8-12 who are dog lovers, have sensory challenges, or who want to read about friendship. It’s also for grandmothers.

In the book, Vera teaches Bash that his sensory challenges are superpowers.

The Cohns will donate to the Ukrainian Foundation 100% of the proceeds from the book’s sales in April and May.

Bash and Lucy Say, “Love, Love, Bark!” which the Cohns began writing long before Russia invaded Ukraine, teaches readers about Ukraine through the character of Vera. Kids learn about Vera through her spunky, resilient personality, history, Ukrainian clothes, and “In My Country” lectures.

In real life, Vera followed a rocky road from being a young child in Soviet-occupied Ukraine to becoming Michael’s surrogate grandmother. While she was growing up, the Soviets took control of her house and moved her family to the basement. Later, when the Soviet Union dissolved, Vera lost her life savings–$10,000.

The Bash and Lucy books have received two Mom’s Choice awards. Michael appeared on the Today Show nine years ago as a 5-year-old book lover reviewing dog books on YouTube.

Here are a few recent reviews:

“I Want to Live in Woof-Woof Nation!”

A loving tribute to our canine heroes that masterfully weaves fantasy and much-needed empathy. Who wouldn’t want a sister like Ally, a grandmother like Vera, and a dog like Lucy? This book will appeal to kids and adults with sensory challenges and anyone who thinks we should listen and love like our four-legged friends. (Amazon)

Five Stars From a Part-Time Librarian

An engaging and entertaining children’s book that teaches young readers valuable lessons about empathy, kindness, and the importance of community. The story of Bash, Lucy, and their family and friends is both heartwarming and inspiring, and the book’s message of spreading love for dogs is sure to resonate with young readers. The mystery at the heart of the story is engaging and will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. (posted on Goodreads).

The Cohns also create audiobook versions of their books with their own voices and the voices of friends and family members–including Vera.