I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Story of Ukraine: An Anthem of Glory and Freedom by Olena Kharchenko, Michael Sampson, Polina Doroshenko Published by Brown Books Kids Genres: Children's, Non Fiction
Pages: 36
Source: Provided by author for honest review
Goodreads
Ukraine is rich with history and resources, culture and people, but most of all, in spirit!There is a lot to learn about Ukraine, and one of the best places to start is their national anthem. The lyrics of this once-forbidden song carry deep meaning for many Ukrainians, and are full of passion, strength, and determination, inspiring them to keep their country protected and free. The Story of Ukraine walks readers through each culturally-significant line, providing details of Ukraine's land and life. Presented in English and Ukrainian, this book by Olena Kharchenko and Michael Sampson, and illustrated by Polina Doroshenko, gives readers of all ages the opportunity to learn more about this mighty and proud nation in Europe. Glory to Ukraine!
On February 24, 2022, Russian troops invaded Ukraine. In the months that have followed, the plight of this beloved country under seige has been felt around the world. Since the invasion, over 3 million displaced families and refugees have fled Ukraine, and the numbers continue to grow every day.
New York Times bestselling author Michael Sampson was serving as a Fulbright Scholar to Ukraine when asked to evacuate and continue his work from Warsaw, Poland. As he was attending a peace rally, he heard a group of people singing the Ukrainian national anthem and was filled with hope for a better future. Inspired, Sampson teamed up with Ukrainian national Olena Kharchenko, and Ukrainian refugee, Polina Doroshenko, to lend a distinct authenticity to his idea for a new picture book. The goal was simple: to help children around the world, including refugees and displaced children, feel connected.
The Story of Ukraine: An Anthem of Glory and Freedom co-authored by Olena Kharchenko and Michael Sampson with illustrations by award-winning Ukrainian artist Polina Doroshenko (Brown Books Kids; on sale: December 13, 2022), is a much-needed resource for the moment we’re facing as children continue to make sense of what is going on in the world. This English-Ukrainian picture book is bilingual, teaches the Ukrainian national anthem, and communicates the importance of this country’s history for both English-speaking and Ukrainian speaking children. Global rights are currently being sold so that children everywhere can know Ukraine’s story. Old Lion Press (the oldest Ukrainian publisher) was beyond words that Kharchenko, Sampson and Doroshenko are publishing this book to support Ukraine. The publisher’s exact response was, “Thank you for standing with us.”
Advance Praise
“National patterns, music, literature and symbols of Ukraine have always indicated the importance of freedom, identity, traditions and the struggle for independence. This book is the core of Ukrainianness — feel it with your heart.” —Larysa Denysenko, UN Goodwill Ambassador for Tolerance in Ukraine, Human Rights Lawyer and Author of Maya and Her Friends
“Packed with insight into what makes Ukraine unique and vital. A story beautifully told!” —Jeff Kinney, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid Series
“A gorgeous, vibrantly illustrated introduction to Ukraine … I cannot recommend this wonderful book enough.” —Junot Díaz, Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author of Islandborn
“A very big world gets much smaller in the hands of Olena Kharchenko and Michael Sampson in this bold and creative book.” —Peter H. Reynolds, New York Times Bestselling Creator of The Dot and The Word Collector
“This lushly illustrated, fact-packed look at Ukraine — complete with Ukrainian text on the facing pages — is a poignant celebration of a nation currently fighting for its survival.”—The Washington Independent Review of Books
“A fervent celebration of Ukraine, Kharchenko and Sampson’s dual-language picture book offers a heartfelt introduction to the ‘multi-ethnic, multi-language and multicultural country’ through the lens of its national anthem… ‘Blue is the bright, peaceful, cloudless Ukrainian sky. Yellow is the symbol of its golden wheat fields.’ These hues also prove a unifying thread through Doroshenko’s layered, folklore-style artwork.” —Publishers Weekly
“Collagelike illustrations centered around the colors of the Ukrainian flag—blue and yellow—depict the history and enduring resilience of the nation of Ukraine in a digestible, kid-friendly format. Presented in both English and Ukrainian, the text urges children to sing along to Ukraine’s national anthem as they learn facts about the nation—the national flower, the meaning behind the flag, common cultural foods—and grow to understand and respect a vibrant country and its determined people.” —Foreword Reviews Magazine
“Bold look at the Ukrainian nation and anthem… it’s a wonderful nod to the culture.”—School Library Journal
“Kids have certainly heard about Ukraine and the war raging there. Here’s a book that will help them understand the people of that country. The Story of Ukraine walks readers through each line of the Ukraine national anthem while providing details of land and life in the country. Presented in English and Ukrainian, this book gives readers of all ages the opportunity to put a context around the news they hear… it is an example of how crisis in the world impacts us here at home.” —Seattle’s Child Magazine
Julie’s Review:
This book is a beautiful work of art introducing the world to Ukrainian culture and dedication to their land. I was born in Kiev (and moved to the US as a young child, several years before Ukraine got its independence back), so it was lovely to get to read this with my son. He gives it 10/10 by the way. We both really enjoyed the artwork and depictions of the land and people.
I also really liked how the book was written in both languages, though I lament not being able to speak or read any Ukrainian. I still cook borshch and enjoy other heritage foods when visiting my family.
The story pages start with a line from Ukraine’s National Anthem, and uses that to teach about the people, culture, and the land.
This is a timely read, with a positive message to all that Ukraine will defend its freedom.
Ukraine’s National Anthem
The glory and freedom of Ukraine has not yet perished.
Luck will still smile on us brother-Ukrainians.
Our enemies will die, like dew in the sunshine,
and we will be able to rule our own land, brothers.
We shall lay down soul and body for our freedom
and we’ll prove that we brothers are of Kozak kin.
About the Authors and Illustrator
Olena Kharchenko is from Dnipro, Ukraine. She is a graduate of Oles Honchar Dnipro National University. She lives in the USA with her husband (Michael Sampson) and daughter. She has been actively volunteering in different projects trying to help Ukraine resist Russian aggression since 2014. Olena hopes that this book will help people around the world to learn more about her motherland.
Michael Sampson was a Fulbright Scholar to Ukraine during the Russian invasion in February, 2022, teaching elementary English. Once evacuated, he reported on his work from Poland as seen in The New York Post, The Chicago Tribune, The
New York Daily News, The Tampa Bay Times, School Library Journal, The Horn Book Magazine, and NPR. He is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 40 books for children. While earning his Ph.D. in Reading at the University
of Arizona during the 1970s, he met and established a lifelong friendship and professional relationship with mentor and colleague, Bill Martin Jr. Over the years, Sampson and Martin have written 21 books together, including Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3; Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See?; Armadillo Antics and Ten Little Squirrels, to name a few. Sampson has served as Dean to the College of Education at four universities, most recently St. John’s University in New York.
Visit him at his website, www.billmartinjr.com, and on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter @michaelsampson.
Polina Doroshenko is a Ukrainian artist and illustrator living and working in Kyiv. She graduated from the National Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture in Kyiv and currently teaches at the Department of Graphic Arts of NAOMA. Polina’s illustrations were awarded the White Ravens Award and were among the finalists of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair (2022). Polina has
a four-year-old daughter who is an inspiration in her art. Visit Polina online at www.behance.net/PolinaDoroshenko and on Instagram @polina_doroshenko_.
Interview with the Authors
MICHAEL: Olena, what was it like growing up in Ukraine? Did any of your childhood experiences make it into
the book?
OLENA: I had a happy childhood growing up in Ukraine. Yes, some parts of the book are based on my early memories,
like the sunflower and wheat field. I saw those often when we drove from the city to the countryside to visit
my grandmother. And, of course, the traditional food and national clothes that we described in this book bring
back many memories 🙂 Even though Ukraine only officially became independent when I was in high school, I
always considered myself Ukrainian first and a citizen of the larger country second. This is like many Americans
— when they answer where they’re from, they name their state first and then their country.
Michael, how did you get the idea for this book?
MICHAEL: I was serving as a Fulbright Scholar in Ukraine when the war drove us out to Poland. While attending
peace rallies in Warsaw, I heard people singing the Ukrainian National Anthem, and I was struck by the passion
and love the people singing had for Ukraine. In 2004, I wrote a book for Candlewick, I Pledge Allegiance, about the
American flag that remains in print almost 20 years later, so I thought we could do a similar book about Ukraine.
Writing it with you was an inspiring experience, as we started the book by sharing Ukrainian history and geography,
moved to the national anthem and then concluded with more about Ukraine and her amazing people.
Olena, what are your hopes for this book?
OLENA: As we were writing the book, I saw an opportunity to correct the propaganda that was being used to justify
the war against Ukraine by telling the truth about my country. I do wish the book was written during happier
times. My hope is that this book will bring new information about Ukraine and Ukrainian culture, history and
traditions around the world, and I pray that this book will continue to inspire people to support Ukraine as we
defend our country and freedom. I love that the book is written in two languages; it will help Ukrainian children
practice their English while reading about familiar facts.
Michael, what do you like most about this book?
MICHAEL: The title says it best — The Story of Ukraine: An Anthem of Glory and Freedom. I believe we have told
the story of Ukraine … from its brave people to its beautiful countryside, nature and cities. We use the anthem’s
words to show Ukraine’s struggle through the centuries to remain free and rule their land. I also love Polina’s art,
which captures Ukraine’s culture and history through foods, clothing, pottery, national symbols and historical
figures.
POLINA: Olena, how was I selected to illustrate this amazing book?
OLENA: Michael had shared that it was very important a Ukrainian illustrate this book and asked me to recommend
someone. I went to a bookstore in Dnipro and came across a game you had illustrated. The art was amazing!
I looked at your website and profiles online and fell in love with your work. I recommended you and two others to
Michael. He fell in love with a dog you had painted and said to me, “She’s the one!” We recommended you to the
publisher and they agreed — you are the perfect artist for this book!
MICHAEL: Polina, I’m so impressed with the art and the way you jump from the past to the present in your illustrations
of Ukraine across the centuries. Tell us about your approach.
POLINA: On the first page of the book, you meet a boy and girl who serve as “guides,” leading the reader through
the history and culture of Ukraine. I often use contour shapes (black & white) to show “past” heroes, and the
graphics connects them all. I use a lot of contour-simple graphics because, for me, it seems like a page from a
history book. On one spread in the book, I show a modern family discovering traditions and reading a story about
their ancestors as they sit under a family tree linking the different generations. I feel like the spirit of Ukraine
inspired me as the illustrations came together to draw emotional pictures of my country and her brave people.
View the full intervew at KidLit TV
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