Book
it for St. Nicholas
In
this high-tech age, books are still wonderful gifts to give and receive. Just in time for St. Nicholas Day and
Christmas, we present a round-up of some of the best children’s
Ukrainian-language books.
Ages: 3-6
Price:
$21.50
Publisher: A-ba-ba-ha-la-ma-ha, Kyiv
In this retelling of the beloved folk
tale, The Mitten, poet and publisher Ivan Malkovych adds a cute new
twist to the ending: The animals go caroling to the home of the grandfather who
lost the mitten in which they are sheltering. The illustrations by Kost’ Lavro
are colourful and cheerful. The book, published by the award-winning Lviv-based A-ba-ba-ha-la-ma-ha, also features
lyrics and music to two carols and a letter in hand-written style from the
animals tucked in an envelope attached to a page that kids can pull out and
read. As an added bonus, the book comes with a paper nativity scene that can be
assembled. The interactive elements will help keep younger children engaged
when the story is read out loud to them; older children will enjoy reading it
on their own.
Liza
ta yii Sny (Lisa and Her Dreams)
Ages: 8-10 and up
Price: $18.95
Publisher: A-ba-ba-ha-la-ma-ha
Liza ta yii Sny is
a gem of a book that not surprisingly won the Silver Medal at the Publishers’
Forum in Lviv this past September. The
magical story about little Liza who has her portrait painted by the world’s
greatest artists after her friend refuses to draw her for a class project
because her hair is red, is written by poet Ivan Malkovych. But, it’s the beautiful illustrations by
Zhenya Hanchynska, depicting Liza in famous paintings by Leonardo de Vinci, Van
Gogh, Botticelli, Malevich and others, that make this book so special. Liza
ta yii Sny is not only a feel-good imaginative tale, it also introduces
children to some of the greatest masters in the history of art.
Ages: 10-12 and up
Price: $96 for series of 8
Publisher: Factor, Kharkiv
This Ukrainian adaptation of Jules Vernes’
Around the World in 80 Days is one in an eight-part series featuring
British and American classics. The other
books in the series are Ivanhoe, War of the Worlds, White Fang,
The Three Muskateers, A Captain at Fifteen, The Deerslayer and
Robinson Crusoe. At the end of
each chapter, there is a mini encyclopedia, with brief write-ups and diagrams
that explain and give background about various subjects, such as the style of
dress, geography and scientific innovations, mentioned in the chapter. The books require a good command of Ukrainian
and will appeal to children who both enjoy adventure stories and are fascinated
by interesting facts.
Ages 7 and up
Price: $35.99 for set of 4
Publisher:
Promin, Kharkiv
“This book is dedicated to those from the
distant past fought for the independence of
Ages: 4 and up
Price: $23
Publisher: Yakubenko, Kharkiv
A beautifully illustrated collection of
favourite Ukrainian folk tales, including Kolobok, Rukavychka and Koza Dereza,
this book is a good addition to any child’s library. Some of the language is
too advanced for younger children, but the big, bold and colourful
illustrations will help to keep them engaged while parents read the stories out
loud to them. Older children will find them appealing too.
Ages: 2-9
Price: $12.50 (regularly $18.50)
Publisher: Leleka, Kyiv
This delightful collection of stories and
poems about St. Nicholas is sure to become a favourite of children and parents
for many Christmases to come. Each story and poem is just the right length for
nightly bedtime-reading sessions. Younger children, who believe in and still
write letters to Svatyi Mykolai, will especially be enchanted. The illustrations by artist Lubov Ivanivna
Androschuk are lovely.
Istoria
Ukrainy (History of
Ages:
Grade 5 and up
Price, $24.50 each
Publisher:
Atlantic Records, Kyiv
Although Istoria Ukrainy is not a
book, it is nevertheless a great gift because of its education value. The
two-part CD-ROM series offers children an interactive and entertaining way to
learn Ukrainian history. The CD-ROMs feature easily understood lessons given by
a cartoon duck, along with riddles and games. Learning is progressive: At the end of every section there is a
multiple-choice test. Pass it, and you can move on to the next section.
Children can learn at the computer, individually, in groups or with parents
looking on. Learning Ukrainian history has never been this much fun. (Requires:
Microsoft Windows)
All
books are available from Koota Ooma bookstore:
Compiled
by Olena Wawryshyn