About the Author

Dr. Janice Cohn was inspired to write Freedom Pancakes for Ukraine soon after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. In watching and reading about the war’s impact on Ukraine’s citizens, especially children, Janice wanted to help in some way. As a psychotherapist, she knew that the terror of war would leave trauma in its wake as families fled their homes and left their loved ones in search of safety. She decided to write a book to draw attention to the war and also to remind readers that we can all make a positive difference in other people’s lives—and that doing so (as the research shows) helps ourselves as much as helping others.

In alternating storylines, Freedom Pancakes for Ukraine highlights the power of kindness even amid the violence of war. And, far from the battlefield, the book’s narrative shows how compassion combats feelings of helplessness that might otherwise overwhelm us.

Janice Cohn is the author of several books, including the acclaimed The Christmas Menorahs: How a Town Fought Hate, the true story of a town taking a stand in the face of injustice. Janice’s writings, including, Freedom Pancakes for Ukraine, are motivated by the concept of Tikkun Olam: “Repairing the World.” She hopes that her books will encourage young people to try to this do this in their own way.