The Lost Child of Chernobyl

One April night, people living near Chernobyl see a great flash in the sky...Everyone is told to move out of the forbidden zone around the destroyed nuclear reactor, but two stubborn old ladies, Anna and Klara, refuse to leave.

Nine years later, the forest wolves bring a ragged child to their - a child who has been living with wolves in the forbidden zone. Who is the lost child of Chernobyl and will Anna and Klara be able to find the child's family after all this time?

Inspired by the real events of the global environmental disaster at Chernobyl in April 1986, this haunting and deeply relevant graphic novel is about the place of humans in the natural world, about healing, survival and the meaning of home.

From the award-wining author of Peter in Peril, an USBBY Outstanding International Book, and Me and Mrs Moon.

“"Poignant, loving, informative, and consoling alike for children in similar situations." - Kirkus Reviews on Me and Mrs Moon”

"A powerful graphic novel exploring the place of humans in the natural world."

"Helen Bate invents a child brought up by wolves in the woods, but tells the real story of the global environmental disaster at Chernobyl in April 1986."

"A hugely affecting graphic novel for older children...highly relevant to the present and future dilemmas facing us all, with its themes of survival and healing, this is definitely a book to introduce to older KS2 readers and beyond."

"A moving, totally believable modern fairytale."

"Harrowing and historic...I learnt a lot."

"Inspired by the real events of the global environmental disaster at Chernobyl in April 1986, this haunting and deeply relevant graphic novel is about the place of humans in the natural world, about healing, survival and the meaning of home... The graphics in the story excellently portray the reality of the aftermath and provide thought provoking materials for discussion. Otter-Barry are the publishers of courageous and inspirational books for children. The Lost Child of Chernobyl is one of their best!"

"It is a powerful and moving graphic novel that is perfect for young readers – moving and enlightening… I am in awe of the way Bate makes a difficult subject so accessible for young readers. As we face up to climate change and its long-term impact on our world there is much that we can learn from events at Chernobyl. The book is deeply affecting but full of hope for the resilience of humans and the natural world."

Helen Bate had a young family in 1986, living close to North Wales, at a time when the area was badly affected by the Chernobyl radioactive fallout. Farmers there were prevented from selling their affected livestock for the next 25 years.

Helen’s sister lived in Austria at the time of the disaster, one of the countries most affected by the fallout. Here the government ordered the removal of sand in playgrounds, and the cancelling of outdoor activities in parks and schools. Helen’s two young nephews were unable to play outside for many weeks until it was declared safe. Items disappeared from the shops due to restrictions on the consumption of vegetables, fruit, milk and mushrooms. At the time of the disaster, Helen’s brother-in-law was employed at the headquarters of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, a body that was heavily involved in monitoring the global situation.

In 2006 Helen became involved in the work of a local Chernobyl Children’s Charity when her daughter Rachel (born the year before the disaster), travelled to Belarus to film a student documentary about the ongoing health problems in the area and the work of the Chernobyl Children’s Charities. Helen has been follwing the events that took place after Chernobyl ever since, while also building a high reputation as a graphic novelist who tackles real issues. She lives in Shropshire, England.

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