Yellow Blue put together a selection of 12 children’s books by modern Ukrainian authors and illustrators. These are engaging stories for readers of different ages: from toddlers who love looking at pictures to primary school readers. The encyclopedias share facts about Ukraine and its history, while the stories explore friendship, dreams, helping others, caring for nature, facing fears, and being tolerant.
A Small Bunny in the Big City
ages 3+
About the book. Little Bunny’s mother has caught a cold. He goes to the city to buy honey because tea with it is the best treatment for a sore throat. But it’s so big that Bunny gets lost there. While searching for his way home, he has many adventures with kind locals ready to help.
Why read it. Writer Ivan Malkovich created a touching story with a happy ending. The text features illustrations by artist Sofіia Us that kids enjoy looking at. She drew all the animals in beautiful clothes, and the city looks magical and colorful.
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Stars and Poppy Seeds
ages 3+
About the book. Dora is the daughter of famous mathematicians, and counting is her greatest love. Everything around her gets counted: animals, flower petals, letters in her father’s newspaper. But when she notices stars in the sky, she starts wondering: is it possible to count them all? Does she have enough numbers for this? Without hesitation, Dora begins a large-scale investigation, believing that one day she will fulfill her dream.
Why read it. Romana Romanyshyn and Andriy Lesiv created Dora to represent every curious, imaginative kid who asks big questions about the world. The authors teach readers to dream big and take it one step at a time. Each page is a short paragraph of text and an illustration that will engage the youngest readers.
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The Happiest Lion Cub
ages 3+
About the book. In the African savannas lives a little lion cub who dreams of becoming a musician. But his father, the pride’s king, wants his son to become his successor. This means the cub will have to give up his own dreams. A sudden event that happens to one of the animals helps the father and son understand each other.
Why read it. Illustrator Oleksandr Shatokhin wrote this charming tale. He teaches readers to follow their dreams even if it goes against others' expectations. That’s the only way to be truly happy. The illustrations and detailed characters create a warm atmosphere and bring the story to life.
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Mr. Catsky, Mira and the Sea
ages 4+
About the book. Mira wants to see the sea and is sad all day long because it’s so far away. One day she meets a large, kind, talking cat named Mr. Catsky. Together, they begin an amazing journey to her dream.
Why read it. Writer Oksana Lushchevska wrote this book. It teaches readers how to be friends, dream, imagine, and make choices in difficult situations. Artist Violetta Borigard’s illustrations complement the story, showing Mira and Mr. Catsky. The Ukrainian and English texts are placed side by side on each page.
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The Swing under the Maple Tree
ages 4+
About the book. Nina swings in the yard, looking forward to summer. Then she discovers that because of her carelessness, the beautiful delphiniums won’t bloom in the flowerbed this year. But Nina doesn’t lose hope. Together with her parents and friends, she decides to save the summer.
Why read it. Author Halyna Tkachuk teaches readers to care for nature, be attentive, and help each other. The Ukrainian text appears next to the English translation. Young readers will love the illustrations where delphinium flowers are shown as colorful dolphins.
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The Story of Ukraine: An Anthem of Glory and Freedom
ages 4+
About the book. It tells the history of Ukraine by explaining the lines of the national anthem. Readers learn more about the country’s culture and famous Ukrainians who brought it worldwide recognition. They’ll also understand why Ukrainians love their land so deeply and have fought for independence for centuries.
Why read it. The book is a simple introduction to the country’s history for the youngest readers. Authors Olena Kharchenko and Michael Sampson share interesting facts about Ukraine in an accessible and interesting way. The bilingual text, Ukrainian and English, is complemented by illustrations by artist Polina Doroshenko.
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Fearless Stories
ages 5+
About the book. Goriskovy Plavni is a forest town where the world’s best nuts grow. All the animals live there in peace and harmony. The main characters are young animals who play together, learn, and experience many adventures during which they test their courage and overcome their own fears. Wise Owl guides them and shares tips on how to overcome fear.
Why read it. Author Kateryna Yegorushkina believes that every child will recognize themselves in one of the characters and, with their help, learn to deal with fear. The book covers various phenomena and situations that worry little ones: darkness, heights, fire, doctors, and the first days of school. Each chapter ends with advice for parents on how to talk to children about fears. Large, colorful illustrations by artist Olena Yastremska decorate the pages. You can also listen to the story as an audiobook. It runs nearly two hours.
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Cappy and the Whale
ages 5+
About the book. This is the story of eight-year-old Cappy. He was nicknamed that because of the blue knitted hat he has worn ever since his hair fell out after chemotherapy. Because of leukemia, he can’t do things he loves, like eating sweets or playing with animals. The only thing he can do is read many books about animals.
One day, from his hospital window, Cappy sees a giant blue-gray whale that gracefully glides through the clouds. It turns out this whale can fly, talk, and even carry Cappy on its back above the clouds. The boy and whale quickly become best friends.
Why read it. Kateryna Babkina dedicated this book to children fighting oncological diseases. It teaches readers to be friends, to imagine, and to never lose hope or love for life. Julia Pylypchatina created vivid illustrations to show young readers the exciting adventures of Cappy and the Whale. It’s also available in audio. The audiobook runs just over an hour.
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Guinea Pig Investigates
ages 6+
About the book. Gerard is a guinea pig detective who takes payment in treats. When strange incidents occur in neighboring houses, he sets out to help. In the book, Gerard investigates several everyday crimes. For example, he finds out who ate the cat’s breakfast and tries to solve a big case about a mysterious monster that frightens pets.
Why read it. This is an interesting detective story written by writer Ivan Andrusyak. It teaches children to overcome fears and solve puzzles using deduction and logic. Each chapter is complemented by small, funny illustrations featuring Gerard. The book can also be listened to in English. The audiobook runs 1 hour 52 minutes.
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How War Changed Rondo
ages 7+
About the book. Rondo is a peaceful town where magical flowers sing. But one day war begins, bringing chaos, ruins, and darkness. The whole town becomes overgrown with thorny weeds, and the flowers wither without sunlight. Three friends, Danko, Star, and Fabian, want to save their home. First they try to use words to persuade the war to leave, but when that doesn’t work, they start taking action.
Why read it. The book was written by illustrator couple Romana Romanyshyn and Andriy Lesiv. They wanted to help children understand that war touches everyone and leaves wounds that take a very long time to heal. The book ends with victory and teaches readers not to give up, to unite, and to believe in a future full of light. Each page is a large illustration with a short paragraph of text.
In 2022, the tale was adapted into a 15-minute animated film that can be watched on YouTube. The characters don’t speak any human language, but children from all over the world will understand the tale.
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A Cool History of Ukraine: From Dinosaurs Till Now
ages 8+
About the book. Four friends from different regions of Ukraine thought history was boring and confusing. But one day an interesting discovery encourages them to learn more about what their country was like before. Fourteen chapters cover different periods from Ukraine’s history, from dinosaurs and ancient peoples who lived on modern Ukrainian lands to the time of independence.
Why read it. Author Inna Kovalyshena wrote the encyclopedia in simple language in the form of interesting dialogues between the friends and their parents and teachers. The book tells in an engaging way about the most important events in Ukraine’s history and explains their global significance. It debunks false facts and destroys stereotypes. For example, it challenges the idea that women never served in the military and have no place there.The chapters are complemented by vibrant illustrations created by artist Halyna Chepurna.
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Maya and Her Friends
ages 9+
About the book. In nine-year-old Maya’s class, there are 16 children, and each has their own story. Tim’s parents are divorced and he lives with them in turns, Petro is Roma and has a huge family, and Maya grows up in a family with two mothers.
The story takes place after Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea and the start of war in eastern Ukraine. So some children moved from their home cities or lost loved ones. Sofia’s father, a serviceman, went missing, and Oksana’s mother was killed. While Maya and her classmates live their everyday lives and experience adventures, the threat of war always hangs over them.
Why read it. Larysa Denysenko’s book weaves together two themes: life in wartime Ukraine and tolerance toward different groups of people. Ukrainian artist Masha Foya illustrated every page.
First published in Ukraine in 2017, the book was reissued abroad after Russia’s full-scale invasion began. In the new edition’s foreword, Denysenko tells how the war changed the lives of hundreds of thousands of young Ukrainians and calls to help children. Denysenko donates all proceeds to charitable projects for Ukrainian children who suffered because of war.
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