The Story of Ukraine - by Olena Kharchenko & Michael Sampson (Hardcover)

About the Book

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.--Publisher.

Book Synopsis

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!

Review Quotes

★ "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

"Bold look at the Ukrainian nation and anthem... it's a wonderful nod to the culture."--School Library Journal

"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."--Washington Independent Review of Books

The Story of Ukraine: An Anthem of Glory and Freedom is written with clarity and meaning. It's filled with a plethora of bright, vibrant illustrations that illuminate the unrelenting positivity, hope, and courage for which so many Ukrainians have come to be known... Young children will learn that the impassioned endurance of the Ukrainian people dates back centuries. Admirably, they've been emboldened by their challenges, and youth and adults alike will find this noteworthy contribution an awe-inspiring narrative."--San Francisco Book Review

"A gorgeous, vibrantly illustrated introduction to the Ukraine ... I cannot recommend this wonderful book enough." --Junot Díaz, Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author of Islandborn


"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: An Anthem of Glory and Freedom 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


"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 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

"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 The Word Collector