The picture book Bianka’s Story was created with the aim of preserving the memory of Bianka Levi Auslender, a girl from Sarajevo who, during the Second World War, was imprisoned together with her mother, grandmother, and sister in the Đakovo concentration camp. Bianka was the only member of her family to survive the war – her sister was murdered in Auschwitz, while her mother and grandmother were killed and buried in Đakovo under their own names.

Based on Bianka Levi Auslender’s authentic testimony, the picture book presents children and young people with a sensitive and age-appropriate story of a wartime childhood, loss, fear, but also hope, resilience, and the importance of remembrance.

The picture book was created as part of the project Bianka’s Story – A Memory That Teaches Us, through the joint work of students and teachers from Vladimir Nazor Primary School and A. G. Matoš Grammar School in Đakovo. The text was based on research and available testimonies about Bianka’s life and was written by seventh-grade students, while the illustrations were created by students of the Grammar School. The project was conceived and led by teacher Mira Racić and professor Ines Jančula.

In addition to the picture book, the project resulted in a short film of the same title, created by students of the Đakovo Grammar School, with the picture book text serving as the basis for the screenplay.

This picture book is not only a story about one girl and her family. It is also a lasting reminder of the importance of preserving the culture of remembrance, the need to ensure that the voices of children who suffered in wars are not forgotten, and the responsibility we all share in contributing to the creation of a society founded on humanity, tolerance, and peace.