the story of ukraine

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!

FORMAT: Hardcover; 36 pgs; 10x10” | ON-SALE: 12.13.22 | PRICE: $17.99 (USD) | ISBN: 9781612546087 | BISAC: Juvenile Nonfiction; People+Places; History; Europe | RECOMMENDED READERS: Ages 4-8

"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

"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 Series

"A gorgeous, vibrantly illustrated introduction to the 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

OLENA KHARCHENKO: Collaborating for the first time with Michael Sampson, co-author Kharchenko is from Dnipro, Ukraine. She is a graduate of Oles Honchar Dnipro National University. She lives in the USA with her husband and daughter. She is actively volunteering in different projects trying to help Ukraine to resist Russian aggression since 2014. Olena hopes that this book will help people around the world to learn more about her motherland.

POLINA DOROSHENKO: The Ukranian artist and illustrator teamed up with Sampson and Kharchenko to illustrate The Story of Ukraine, marking their inaugural collaboration. 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 Rawens Award, and were among the finalists of the Bologna Children's Book Fair (2022). Polina has a 4-year-old daughter who is an inspiration in her art.

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