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Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite
Magical Ukraine by Anne M. Lundquist is a coloring book for all ages. This incredible book features characters through brief biographies that explain their role in Ukrainian mythology. You’ll meet several important figures, including Lesovyk, Chuhaister, and Pol’ovyk. Two folklore stories are incorporated which introduce you to characters such as Kotigoroshko and his three friends, and Leleka. These are paired with wonderful illustrations that are beautifully created by a variety of artists. This book serves as a remarkable introduction to Ukrainian mythology with important figures, two tales, and QR codes that further the experience.
The characters introduced are a range of figures and have short biographies that detail their importance and purpose. These biographies detail only the most important facts that allow you to see how they were viewed. You get a good idea of Ukrainian culture through these specific stories and figures. The writing uses simple sentences which makes it appeal to a wide audience, primarily targeting older children and adults. Included are two tales that focus on two specific figures, Kotigoroshko and Leleka. Kotigoroshko is a tale of friendship, adventure, and perseverance that takes the central character through a variety of obstacles. These include attempting to rescue a princess in the land of the dead and being tasked with protecting baby birds from a rain of fire. Leleka strikes a good balance as a story of family, regret, and loneliness. The focus of the story is on the regret of Leleka as a mother of many children who, in a moment of weakness, wishes for them to turn into crows.
The stories are written in a way that captures the adventure, magic, and wonder of Ukrainian mythology. These elements will appeal to adults through the mythology and children through the wonderful stories with all ages able to appreciate the characters. The illustrations by a variety of artists bring to life the characteristics highlighted in the writing. The images are playful, and beautiful, and give a sense of the personalities, tone, and wonder that Anne M. Lundquist has captured in this unique coloring book. Children and adults alike will enjoy Magical Ukraine’s stunning illustrations, breathtaking myths, and incredible characters.
