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| Photo by Oleg Zharii |
It's possible to send to support to Ukraine via children's books. Several of the new children's books about Ukraine published and listed below note that proceeds go to organizations supporting Ukraine.
In addition, like so many donations sent via AirBnB, another idea is to send support via Etsy. There are so many amazing products being made in Ukraine that can be found on Etsy. It's easy to set the "Location" filter to Ukraine to find these products and businesses. Many of the businesses are mother-owned small businesses. Ordering directly from these small businesses gets support directly to Ukrainian people.
MiniMoms is a small female-owned business focused on quiet books and busy boards for toddlers and Montessori toys. These books and toys are gorgeous and perfect for road trips and travel.
Do you know of another children's travel book about Ukraine? Please feel free to note it in a comment below!
Children's Books about Ukrainian Folk Tales and Fairy Tales
The Mitten: In this bestselling modern classic, a young boy’s lost mitten leads to a charming snowy adventure. Jan Brett’s beautiful retelling is a family favorite and the board book edition is the perfect gift for the youngest readers. When Nicki drops his white mitten in the snow, he goes on without realizing that it is missing. One by one, woodland animals find it and crawl in; first, a curious mole, then a rabbit, a badger and others, each one larger than the last. Finally, a big brown bear is followed in by a tiny brown mouse and what happens next makes for a wonderfully funny climax. As the story of the animals in the mitten unfolds, the reader can see Nicki's snowy outing in the borders of each page. In her distinctive style, Jan Brett brings the animals to life with warmth and humor, and her illustrations are full of visual delights and details faithful to the Ukrainian tradition from which the story comes.
The Mitten: Award-winning author Alvin Tresselt retells the traditional Ukrainian folktale in his most popular children’s book, The Mitten. Deep in the woods on the coldest day of winter a little boy drops his mitten. And that lost mitten stretches and stretches—and stretches—to provide shelter for many woodland creatures. Originally published in 1964 and adapted from E. Rachev’s version of the Ukrainian folktale, Yaroslava’s distinctly charming illustrations and Alvin Tresselt’s detailed text are as timeless and universal as the story itself.
The Mitten: "The Mitten" is the folklore story well known in Ukraine. The story tells about a mitten lost in a forest. Wild animals come to the mitten trying to find shelter inside. Space is very tight but still can accommodate everyone who needs a home. The story is retold and illustrated by artist Olha Tkachenko.
The Ear of Wheat: The famous old Ukrainian folktale about a Rooster and two mice teaches kids to be responsible and wise. The hardworking Rooster finds an Ear of Wheat and decides to bake buns. His friends mice Spin and Twirl are happy but don't care about helping the Rooster. In the end, the Rooster gives a good lesson to his lazy and careless friends so they change their behavior!
Kolobok: The Small Round Bun: "Kolobok" is one of the most famous Ukrainian folktale, well known to all Slavic children. The story is about a fun Small Round Bun who escaped from its home to the forest and met many animals on its way. Kolobok is so full of himself that he can't notice the danger he is about to face outside of home.
The Turnip: A Ukrainian Folktale: "The Turnip" is a popular Ukrainian folktale, well known to all Slavic children. It tells a story of a family who met the challenge: they rose up a giant turnip in their garden and need to pick it up! To make it done all family members' help is needed: from a grandfather to a little mouse! The story teaches about family values, friendship, support and unity. The Ukrainian text is retold by the famous Ukrainian writer Ivan Franko in the early 20 century and the story was loved by Ukrainian children in Ukraine and Canada. The text has rhythms and funny dialogues and is great for reading in roles.
Sirko: A Ukrainian Folktale: The funny story about a friendship of an old dog names Sirko and a Wolf. The old dog was not needed for his owners. Wolf helped Sirko to become loving and accepted again, and the old dog paid generously to his friend.
Secret of the Glass Mountain and Other Folktales from Ukraine: A collection of Ukrainian folk tales featuring enchanting stories and memorable characters, including a determined prince and beautiful princess, a wise ant and a terrifying dragon, a depressed rabbit, a strange horse, some troubled mice, a very lazy man, and a green dwarf named Oh! Original illustrations drawn by artists in Ukraine.
The Kind Fox and The Little Cat: A Folktale from Ukraine: It tells the story of a fox and a cat who became good friends and scare off their animal neighbors who tried to trick them. Readers will have many opportunities to count out loud from one to five as they follow the story.
Children's Books about Stories in Ukraine
Radiant Girl: A young girl's birthday is usually full of surprises and joy, but for Katya Dubko, it is truly the end of the world as she knows it. This coming-of-age story follows the life of Katya, an eleven-year old Ukrainian girl whose life is turned upside down after the Chernobyl disaster. Katya lives in a village near Chernobyl and her father works at the nuclear power station. Her family is steeped in Soviet patriotism and she believes that the station is a magical factory. When Katya is sent into the forest to play while her family prepares for her birthday, she meets a mysterious, other-worldly boy named Sammy, who tells her about the meltdown at Chernobyl. Sammy reveals the truth about the station and about blind Soviet patriotism, and Katya's innocent world is destroyed. With Sammy's help, she realizes she is no longer a little girl in a fairy tale but has become the author of her own life.
The Lost Year: A Survival Story of the Ukrainian Famine: From the author of Nowhere Boy - called “a resistance novel for our times” by The New York Times - comes a brilliant middle-grade survival story that traces a harrowing family secret back to the Holodomor, a terrible famine that devastated Soviet Ukraine in the 1930s. Thirteen-year-old Matthew is miserable. His journalist dad is stuck overseas indefinitely, and his mom has moved in his one-hundred-year-old great-grandmother to ride out the pandemic, adding to his stress and isolation. But when Matthew finds a tattered black-and-white photo in his great-grandmother’s belongings, he discovers a clue to a hidden chapter of her past, one that will lead to a life-shattering family secret. Set in alternating timelines that connect the present-day to the 1930s and the US to the USSR, Katherine Marsh’s latest novel sheds fresh light on the Holodomor – the horrific famine that killed millions of Ukrainians, and which the Soviet government covered up for decades.
Children's Books about Travel to Ukraine
My Country Ukraine: Take a trip around the world to the beautiful country of Ukraine. Come explore the beauty of the Ukrainian people and the ancient traditions, culture, music, art, and world-famous landmarks. Learn all about Ukrainian culture, Ukraine's heritage and what makes this Golden Country shine. Engage in the culture while learning facts about Ukrainian customs, money and even the features that make them unique! A perfect book for falling in love with traveling, social studies, and the wonderful world around your young reader.
Ukraine For Kids: A Children's Guide to Exploring the Fascinating Culture, History, Wildlife, Art, Food and Traditions of The Ukrainian People: Discover the enchanting beauty and rich culture of Ukraine with this captivating and educational book for children! With stunning illustrations and a fun, friendly tone, this book takes young readers on a journey of discovery through Ukraine's fascinating landscapes, traditions, and history. Explore Ukraine's diverse geography, from the soaring peaks of the Carpathian Mountains to the rolling plains of the east, and discover the incredible array of wildlife and plant life that call this country home. Learn about the friendly and welcoming Ukrainian people and their unique customs, such as the colorful festivals and delicious cuisine that make this country so special. Get to know Ukraine's fascinating history, from ancient times to the modern era, and discover the great achievements of the Ukrainian people, this book celebrates the many talented and inspiring individuals who have shaped Ukraine's story. Discover the vibrant art and music of Ukraine, from traditional folk crafts to contemporary paintings and Art. Explore the magnificent architecture of Ukraine's cities, from the golden domes of Kyiv's ancient monasteries to the grand theatres of Odesa.
Blue Skies and Golden Fields: Celebrating Ukraine: Explore Ukraine and its people by learning about the traditions and experiences that make Ukraine rich in culture and history. Welcome to the land of sunflowers: Ukraine! From the sandy coasts of the Black Sea to the vibrant capital of Kyiv, this proud nation is full of history, culture, and beauty. Explore the bountiful crops that earned this Eastern European country its nickname, the Breadbasket of the World. Learn more about Ukraine's unique history--from former Soviet Union republic to independent nation. Then discover some of the country's most well-known figures, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Along with bright, bold photographs, celebrated author Oksana Lushchevska shares the treasures of her beloved home country, taking young readers beyond the headlines and into the heart of Ukraine. Inside are three unique, hands-on projects: including How to Plant a Sunflower, How to Naturally Color Easter Eggs, and How to Make Ukraine's National Beverage, Uzvar, the traditional Ukrainian folktale "Rooster and Two Mice,"a Fact File of quick, bulleted info, including national symbols, population, official language, and more, a guide to learning the Ukrainian alphabet and key phrases.
Seraphina in Ukraine: Seraphina and her friends say: "This is Ukraine". Katerina Valerieva is a Ukrainian illustrator represented by "Beytler Illustrations."
A Look at Ukraine: Learn all about Ukraine, a country in Eastern Europe. In this book, readers will explore Ukraine's history, government, and geography. Then they will learn about the religions, languages, and more found in the country.
My First Book - Ukraine: The culture, the beauty, the landmarks, the food - it is simply fascinating. In this book, we cover all of those magical elements about UKRAINE in a digestible and engaging way!
Ukraine (All Around the World): In this book, readers will learn about the unique and defining features of Ukraine. Vibrant, full-color photos and carefully leveled text will engage young readers as they learn more about the key details of the country including geography, climate, culture, and resources. Compelling questions encourage further inquiry.
The Big Book of Ukraine Facts: Did you know that Ukraine is the birthplace of the famous dish Chicken Kiev. It is also the largest country entirely in Europe, and has the longest coastline of any European country along the Black Sea. If this topic interests you and your little one then get ready for some fun and giggles. The book contains a diverse selection of the most interesting facts about Ukraine that will provide your child with hours of bonding and exploring.
World Food: Ukraine: Come and explore the delicious food of Ukraine. A colorful and delectable picture book full of tasty Ukrainian food. A fantastic way to introduce the Ukrainian culture to your young child.
Animals of Ukraine: Take a trip to the mountainous regions of Eastern Europe and explore the animals of the beautiful country of Ukraine. See the beautiful feathers, bristles, fur and spots that make each animal unique!
Ukraine Coloring Book For Children: With Interesting Facts: This coloring book is designed for children who want to learn about the wonderful country that is Ukraine! This unique coloring book includes over 30 high-quality pages designed to entertain and engage, providing hours of coloring fun. Each page contains an interesting fact about Ukraine which will help your child learn about the country, culture, food, language and people.
Children's Books about Ukrainians
My Ukrainian American Story: Journey with female protagonist, Oksana as she shares her Ukrainian American experience. Thirty-eight pages of detailed color illustrations transport you through Oksana's vibrant world filled with the customs, dance, food, craft, music and holiday traditions passed down from generations of Ukrainians. Oksana's appreciation of her culture empowers children to celebrate their heritage.
Children's Books about Christmas in Ukrainian
Christmas in Ukraine: Describes the celebration of Christmas in Ukraine; includes sections on native songs, recipes, and fun-to-do crafts appropriate to the holiday.
Children's Books about War
It's Gonna Be Okay: When my children were young, and facing situations they just could not understand, I always told them, "It's Gonna Be Okay." Join a young Ukrainian mother and her journey to safety with her child. This picture book gives parents a beautiful way to talk about a difficult subject and at the same time assure their children that no matter what we face in life, "It's gonna be okay."
The Bravehearts: Little Heroes of Ukraine Stand Up to the Big Bad Bear: Join young Oksana and her friends on their heroic journey to defend their home and country in 'The Bravehearts'! This fascinating children's book celebrates bravery, perseverance, and the power of community in the face of adversity.
Finding Freedom: A Ukrainian Tale of Home: Inspired by the unity and courage of the Ukrainian people, Finding Freedom: A Ukrainian Tale of Home is a beautiful ode to Ukraine. A young Ukrainian girl finds her beloved hometown in gloom and despair. She hears people crying out for freedom, and wonders where their freedom might have gone. To find out, she sets out on an uplifting journey through the landscapes and folklore of Ukraine.
A Little Girl and a Big War: This story is about an ordinary little girl who lived with her parents and her best friend a teddy bear in Kyiv, Ukraine. She had an ordinary life, like millions of children around the world, until the war came to her country.
Ukrainian Air: How Sunny Sonechko WON: A book designed to help parents and teachers explain the Russian War in Ukraine created for children ages 3-10. Sunny Sonechko melts the snow and pours warmth and love on the flowers making them grow strong and tall. When a storm cloud covers the village in darkness, the sunflowers rise in a wall to defend their home as Good triumphs over Evil. The book helps readers see why the Ukrainians hold so much love for their homeland. The rich traditions of Eastern Ukrainian folklore and contemporary village life are echoed in Cossack dress, mouth-watering dishes, Ukrainian spring, and above all the love for grandmothers who grow and eat sunflowers, the national flower. The nation's historical life cycle of war and tragedy leading to reconstruction and prosperity is demonstrated.
Silver Threads: Silver Threads is the magical story of Anna and Ivan, two young newly-weds who escape poverty and hardship in Ukraine to start a new life on the Canadian frontier. As they struggle to build their homestead, World War I breaks out. And when Ivan volunteers to fight for his new homeland, tragedy strikes. While Anna works and waits alone, hope comes from an unexpected source. Based on true events, Silver Threads is a stirring lesson in history and a heart-warming tale of love and faith.
A Refugee's Journey from Ukraine (Leaving My Homeland): Miron's life in Ukraine is happy until a war breaks out in his city, Donetsk. Surrounded by political instability and increasing violence, Miron and his family decide to flee to find safety in a more stable part of Ukraine. But life as an internally displaced person is not stable. He and his family aren't sure if true safety lies ahead for them. Interspersed with facts about Ukraine and its people, this narrative tells a story common to many refugees fleeing the country. Readers will learn about the conflict there and how they can help refugees in their communities and around the world who are struggling to find permanent homes.
Support Ukraine
There are so many amazing products being made in Ukraine that can be found on Etsy. It's easy to set the "Location" filter to Ukraine to find these products and businesses. Many of the businesses are female-owned small businesses. Ordering directly from these small businesses gets support directly to Ukrainian people.
MiniMoms is a small business focused on quiet books and busy boards for toddlers and Montessori toys. These books and toys are gorgeous and perfect for road trips and travel.
The Mitten: In this bestselling modern classic, a young boy’s lost mitten leads to a charming snowy adventure. Jan Brett’s beautiful retelling is a family favorite and the board book edition is the perfect gift for the youngest readers. When Nicki drops his white mitten in the snow, he goes on without realizing that it is missing. One by one, woodland animals find it and crawl in; first, a curious mole, then a rabbit, a badger and others, each one larger than the last. Finally, a big brown bear is followed in by a tiny brown mouse and what happens next makes for a wonderfully funny climax. As the story of the animals in the mitten unfolds, the reader can see Nicki's snowy outing in the borders of each page. In her distinctive style, Jan Brett brings the animals to life with warmth and humor, and her illustrations are full of visual delights and details faithful to the Ukrainian tradition from which the story comes.
The Mitten: Award-winning author Alvin Tresselt retells the traditional Ukrainian folktale in his most popular children’s book, The Mitten. Deep in the woods on the coldest day of winter a little boy drops his mitten. And that lost mitten stretches and stretches—and stretches—to provide shelter for many woodland creatures. Originally published in 1964 and adapted from E. Rachev’s version of the Ukrainian folktale, Yaroslava’s distinctly charming illustrations and Alvin Tresselt’s detailed text are as timeless and universal as the story itself.
The Mitten: "The Mitten" is the folklore story well known in Ukraine. The story tells about a mitten lost in a forest. Wild animals come to the mitten trying to find shelter inside. Space is very tight but still can accommodate everyone who needs a home. The story is retold and illustrated by artist Olha Tkachenko. 
The Ear of Wheat: The famous old Ukrainian folktale about a Rooster and two mice teaches kids to be responsible and wise. The hardworking Rooster finds an Ear of Wheat and decides to bake buns. His friends mice Spin and Twirl are happy but don't care about helping the Rooster. In the end, the Rooster gives a good lesson to his lazy and careless friends so they change their behavior!
Kolobok: The Small Round Bun: "Kolobok" is one of the most famous Ukrainian folktale, well known to all Slavic children. The story is about a fun Small Round Bun who escaped from its home to the forest and met many animals on its way. Kolobok is so full of himself that he can't notice the danger he is about to face outside of home.
The Turnip: A Ukrainian Folktale: "The Turnip" is a popular Ukrainian folktale, well known to all Slavic children. It tells a story of a family who met the challenge: they rose up a giant turnip in their garden and need to pick it up! To make it done all family members' help is needed: from a grandfather to a little mouse! The story teaches about family values, friendship, support and unity. The Ukrainian text is retold by the famous Ukrainian writer Ivan Franko in the early 20 century and the story was loved by Ukrainian children in Ukraine and Canada. The text has rhythms and funny dialogues and is great for reading in roles.
Sirko: A Ukrainian Folktale: The funny story about a friendship of an old dog names Sirko and a Wolf. The old dog was not needed for his owners. Wolf helped Sirko to become loving and accepted again, and the old dog paid generously to his friend. 
Secret of the Glass Mountain and Other Folktales from Ukraine: A collection of Ukrainian folk tales featuring enchanting stories and memorable characters, including a determined prince and beautiful princess, a wise ant and a terrifying dragon, a depressed rabbit, a strange horse, some troubled mice, a very lazy man, and a green dwarf named Oh! Original illustrations drawn by artists in Ukraine.
The Kind Fox and The Little Cat: A Folktale from Ukraine: It tells the story of a fox and a cat who became good friends and scare off their animal neighbors who tried to trick them. Readers will have many opportunities to count out loud from one to five as they follow the story.
Radiant Girl: A young girl's birthday is usually full of surprises and joy, but for Katya Dubko, it is truly the end of the world as she knows it. This coming-of-age story follows the life of Katya, an eleven-year old Ukrainian girl whose life is turned upside down after the Chernobyl disaster. Katya lives in a village near Chernobyl and her father works at the nuclear power station. Her family is steeped in Soviet patriotism and she believes that the station is a magical factory. When Katya is sent into the forest to play while her family prepares for her birthday, she meets a mysterious, other-worldly boy named Sammy, who tells her about the meltdown at Chernobyl. Sammy reveals the truth about the station and about blind Soviet patriotism, and Katya's innocent world is destroyed. With Sammy's help, she realizes she is no longer a little girl in a fairy tale but has become the author of her own life.
The Lost Year: A Survival Story of the Ukrainian Famine: From the author of Nowhere Boy - called “a resistance novel for our times” by The New York Times - comes a brilliant middle-grade survival story that traces a harrowing family secret back to the Holodomor, a terrible famine that devastated Soviet Ukraine in the 1930s. Thirteen-year-old Matthew is miserable. His journalist dad is stuck overseas indefinitely, and his mom has moved in his one-hundred-year-old great-grandmother to ride out the pandemic, adding to his stress and isolation. But when Matthew finds a tattered black-and-white photo in his great-grandmother’s belongings, he discovers a clue to a hidden chapter of her past, one that will lead to a life-shattering family secret. Set in alternating timelines that connect the present-day to the 1930s and the US to the USSR, Katherine Marsh’s latest novel sheds fresh light on the Holodomor – the horrific famine that killed millions of Ukrainians, and which the Soviet government covered up for decades.
My Country Ukraine: Take a trip around the world to the beautiful country of Ukraine. Come explore the beauty of the Ukrainian people and the ancient traditions, culture, music, art, and world-famous landmarks. Learn all about Ukrainian culture, Ukraine's heritage and what makes this Golden Country shine. Engage in the culture while learning facts about Ukrainian customs, money and even the features that make them unique! A perfect book for falling in love with traveling, social studies, and the wonderful world around your young reader.
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