Pliushka is based on a real encounter shared by ALEX SOL. During the war in Ukraine, civilians leave their homes and some domestic animals are left behind. Animals seek shelter with soldiers. One such cat, Pliushka, came to the author and was fed, warmed and cared for. The author described their mutual rescue: we save them from dying in the street, and they save our souls from growing hard.

The story moves from departure to approach, care and a final direct gaze. The last panel is an authentic photograph supplied by the author, cropped for the page. Its question remains open: Perhaps she remembers her home? The illustrated scenes are artistic interpretations of the account. The work is in Ukrainian.

English reading guide: Cover: Pliushka. Based on a true story. Panel 1: People were leaving. Some animals remained. Panel 2: One day Pliushka came to me. Panel 3: We save them from dying in the street. And they save our souls from growing hard. Panel 4: Perhaps she remembers her home? Pliushka in a real photograph.