Syrian girl thanks JK Rowling for sending Harry Potter books

A seven-year-old girl in the Syrian city of Aleppo has thanked JK Rowling for sending her the Harry Potter books.

Bana Alabed says she likes to read "to forget the war" around her, as Aleppo is regularly bombed.

Her mother Fatemah tweeted the author to say she had watched the films and Bana would like to read the novels.

JK Rowling responded and digital copies of the books have been sent to Bana, who has shared pictures of herself reading them on a mobile phone.

Bana tweeted a photo of herself, saying: "My friend @jk_rowling how are you? Thank you for the book, love you from #Aleppo - Bana"

The author replied: "Love you too, Bana! Thinking of you, keep safe #Aleppo"

Bana lives with her brothers, mother and father in Aleppo

In a conversation with the BBC last month, Fatemah said her daughter "wants the world to hear our voice."

"She says, 'mum, why does nobody help us?'"

Bana shared a video of herself on Twitter, looking at the Harry Potter book, writing: "Hello my friend @jk_rowling, I started reading your books now, my heart is for you. Thank you. - Bana #Aleppo #StandWithAleppo"

JK Rowling wrote back: "Bana, this made me so happy! Lots of love to you and your brothers! #StandWithAleppo"

Some of other tweets and pictures on Bana's account can be disturbing.

Fatemah says her daughter has already seen a lot.

"She saw her friend killed, and our house bombed. She saw her school bombed. So that affected her," said Fatemah.

Bana tweeted: "Good morning from #Aleppo. We are still alive. - Bana"

Aleppo has been split in two during the long conflict between rebel and government forces in Syria.

Daily life is difficult those still living there and Bana often posts messages about bombings and a lack of food.

Bana tweeted a picture of herself with her brothers, writing: "What are we doing? We are reading Harry Potters. - Bana #Aleppo"

Find us on Instagram at BBCNewsbeat and follow us on Snapchat, search for bbc_newsbeat