Title: FINDING FREEDOM
Subtitle: A Ukrainian Tale of Home
Author: MARYNA KARIUK
Illustrator: KSENIA MARKEVYCH
Release Date: DECEMBER 1, 2022
Genre: CHILDREN’S FICTION, UKRAINE, MULTICULTURAL INTEREST
Number Of Pages: 34 Pages
Publisher: KOHANA BOOKS
Received From: NETGALLEY
ISBN: 979-8-987015612
Rating: 5 OUT OF 5 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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DESCRIPTION:
Close your eyes, feel the breeze, and follow a young girl as she searches for Freedom through the beautiful landscapes and folklore of her native Ukraine.
Inspired by the resilience of the Ukrainian people to fight back against the invasion of their country, debut author and Ukrainian emigrant Maryna Kariuk brings lyrical rhymes to a powerful message that will kindle any heart.
Immerse yourself in charming illustrations by Ukrainian artist Ksenia Markevych and soar above the roaring rivers, feel the magic of the summer solstice and marvel at the boundless lands and at the spirit of those who call them home.
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MY REVIEW:
Debut author Maryna Kariuk may live in California now, but her heart has never left her homeland of Ukraine. Born and raised there, she has crafted a beautiful children’s book highlighting scenes of a Ukrainian childhood.
When Vladimir Putin decided to launch an unprovoked attack on Ukraine, he probably thought his troops would quickly prevail. He could not have been more wrong.
The illustrations in FINDING FREEDOM are simply divine. Ksenia Markevych is a freelance illustrator based in Ukraine and her talent is considerable. She has woven the colors of the Ukrainian flag throughout the book, and the people in the story wear gorgeous and authentic traditional clothing.
The story itself highlights the beauty of the Ukrainian countryside as well as pride in their homes, families, and their country.
I am rating this book as 5 out of 5 Stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ and I believe it would be a wonderful Christmas gift. It would also be a great book to use to show children that people are similar no matter where they live.
*** Thank you to the author, illustrator, the publisher, and to NetGalley for providing me with a free advance review copy of this gorgeous children’s book. ***
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Maryna Kariuk is a debut author, born and raised in Ukraine.
The childhood memories of her motherland, especially summers spent in the countryside with her Babusia, have always inspired her to write.
She resides in California with her husband and two children.
To learn more about this author visit the following links:
GOOGLE BOOKS
https://books.google.com/books/about/Finding_Freedom.html?id=BbtizwEACAAJ
AMAZON
https://www.amazon.com/Maryna-Kariuk/e/B0BNT6H6T5
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ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR:
Ksenia Markevych is a freelance illustrator based in Ukraine.
She draws both digitally and using traditional media (watercolor, colored pencils, MixMedia, graphics).
She cooperates with publishing houses, independent authors and magazines. She also creates illustrations for calendars, games and postcards.
Ksenia’s inspiration often comes from the beauty of nature, traveling, people-watching, and constantly learning something new.
Through her illustrations, she conveys lightness and movement, which adds dynamism and an inner childlike freedom to each story.
To learn more about this illustrator visit the following links:
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MORE ILLUSTRATIONS BY KSENIA MARKEVYCH:
Amie's Book Reviews 