By Harry Mottram: A novella with illustrations by Alexandra Dikaia, has been published with strong links between Bath and the city’s Ukrainian twin The Friends of Oleksandriya.
The children’s novella, Vitalii Petrenko and the Secret of the Roman Baths by Claire Bramwell-Pearson is set in Bath, and tells the story of an unlikely friendship across cultures, ‘sprinkled with oodles of dragon-filled magic.’
Now available in paperback, the book was featured as part of the Bath Children’s Literature Festival and can be purchased from a range of local independent shops, including Mr B’s Emporium, the Bath Abbey Gift Shop, Topping & Company Booksellers, Bathford Community School, and the bookshop in Bradford-on-Avon.
Aimed at readers aged 8 and above, the story follows talented young footballer Vitalii, his mother Tetiana, and little sister Nadia, who flee the war in Ukraine and settle on the outskirts of Bath.
No spoilers but the story involves enchanted coins, the Roman Baths and Zmiy Horynych — a legendary Ukrainian three-headed dragon.
The book is illustrated by Ukrainian artist Alexandra Dikaia, whose artwork brings the story’s settings and characters to life.
Launched in Oleksandriya, Ukraine, the book has also been highlighted in presentations this autum at Twerton Infant School, St. Mary’s Primary School and Nursery, as well as Bathford Primary School – featuring a live Zoom link with children from Oleksandriya, allowing pupils to exchange greetings.
Students also participated in a drawing competition, with winners receiving certificates and gifts from The Friends of Oleksandriya. The best artworks will travel to Oleksandriya to be displayed in one of the city’s libraries — symbolising friendship and shared creativity between children in the UK and Ukraine.
Claire Bramwell-Pearson is a children’s author and animator from London who has worked on British and Hollywood films after gaining a Masters Degree in Writing for Young People at Bath Spa University.
Alexandra Dikaia is a Ukrainian illustrator, writer, and concept artist with over fifteen years of experience and is the author and illustrator of The Moonmill Fairy Tales and founder of the Add Magic Academy.
The Friends of Oleksandriya is a charitable association fostering support and solidarity between Bath & North East Somerset and Oleksandriya, Ukraine. Run entirely by volunteers, the charity has raised over £100,000 in partnership with the Rotary Club of Bath, funding 13 portable generators, a 70kW generator for Oleksandriya’s Children’s Hospital, and a 100kW generator for its Central Hospital.
Founder and Trustee Zhenya Shkil said: “We were extremely lucky to meet Claire, whose imagination and empathy have brought to life a beautiful tale of connection. Inspired by Ukrainian folklore, she reimagined the dragon Zmiy Horynych as a sympathetic character in Bath’s magical setting — a new form of modern folklore.”
Claire said: “It’s been a joy to support The Friends of Oleksandriya by writing a humorous, fast-paced adventure that connects Ukrainian and British cultures. The story highlights friendship, bravery, and the power of imagination.”
Volunteer Marketing Lead Nadya Miryanova said: “This is a captivating story filled with magic, wonder, and compassion. It’s the perfect middle-grade read – a beautiful exploration of culture and connection that stays with you long after the final page.”
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