"Borders" — Book Presentation by Natalia Beskhlebnaya

"Borders" — Book Presentation by Natalia Beskhlebnaya

A little boy lives in a house with an archway and considers it his friend. Walking through the arch becomes part of his daily routine, and the arch itself turns into a symbol of safety—a place where he can truly be himself without fear or embarrassment. But one day, his mother tells him they have to leave.

This is how Borders, a book by journalist and poet Natalia Beskhlebnaya, published by Samokat, begins. The book is illustrated by Anastasia Novozhilova, whose delicate artwork beautifully balances between reality and dreams.

Although written for preschool and primary school children, the story also speaks deeply to adults, as many of the best children's books do.

Beneath its short and lyrical narrative lie profound themes that we will explore together:

• Personal and national borders: how children experience what adults call politics;

• A child's inner world during relocation: what happens to our attachment to a place when we leave it behind;

• Emigration and emotional acceptance: how to talk to children about moving without dismissing their feelings or creating unnecessary fear;

• Emotional baggage: what helps us cope with the stress of leaving home;

• The hope of returning versus embracing new opportunities—is it necessary to choose between them?

The event will be held as an open discussion. We especially welcome questions from parents who are navigating these experiences together with their children.