I’ve got an incredibly important children’s picture book to share with you today.

 

BRAVE VOLODYMYR: The Story of Volodymyr Zelensky and the Fight for Ukraine, written by Linda Elovitz Marshall, illustrated by Ukrainian artist Grasya Oliyko, and published by Quill Tree Books, is one of the most timely and critical children’s books you can share with the kids in your life. 

 

 

Whether in the classroom or at home, reading about and discussing current events is a significant part of teaching our kids to become informed global citizens. It’s a safe way for kids to learn, ask questions, and think hard about weighty topics, such as war, freedom, foreign relations, family, and democracy.

 

This book does just that. In teaching about the life and work of Ukranian president Volodymyr Zelensky through beautiful, colorful illustrations and clear verbiage, young readers can get a picture of one of the most substantial global events in the last few years. It also provides a deeply human glimpse into why President Zelensky has been working so hard for freedom, sovereignty, and the power of courage…and people. 

 

The book ends with a powerful lesson for all of us: Freedom depends on truth.

 

We were lucky enough to talk with Marshall, and ask her about the book, inspiration, how to use this book in your classroom, and more. Here’s what she had to say…

 

 

Thank you for asking.

 

In easy-to-understand language, BRAVE VOLODYMYR: The Story of Volodymyr Zelensky and the Fight for Ukraine, introduces children and their families to the background of the war in Ukraine. It gives the history of Ukraine from the time it was part of the Soviet Union up to (and including) the current situation. 

 

Two things came together to inspire me.  

 

The first had to do with the summer of 1969, when I was in college. That summer, I participated in a program in Czechoslovakia. Prior to that, I read about Czech history, about socialism, and about communism. I read everything I could find. I couldn't wait to learn more. But once in in Czechoslovakia, what I saw saddened me. A year before, Russia had invaded Czechoslovakia. Russia was no longer allowing the Czech people to have their own voice. 

 

The second that was that, early in the winter of 2022, I was studying my family history. I learned that some of my relatives came from Zolochiv, which is in what is now Ukraine. As an "armchair traveler," I immersed myself - through youtube videos, family research, etc. - in all things Zolochiv. I wanted to learn about its history, its geography, its everything...As I was studying my family history and trying to immerse myself in the place, Russia invaded Ukraine. 

 

Instantly, I flashed back to my time in Czechoslovakia, when I saw Russian tanks in the streets of Prague. Different country, different century, same story. I felt that I was there. In Ukraine. And, this time, there was a Jewish hero - Volodymyr Zelensky! I knew I had to do something. Writing BRAVE VOLODYMYR was what I did.

 

Read the book. Discuss it. Go page by page. Ask questions. For example: what does it mean to have to hide your flag, your beliefs? How would YOU feel if you had to keep something important to you hidden? 

 

Look at the beautiful pictures by Grasya Oliyko, a Ukrainian illustrator. What do the pictures tell you?

 

What does FREEDOM mean? What IS Freedom? And how can we protect our freedoms?

 

Also, look at - and discuss - Norman Rockwell's paintings, The Four Freedoms.

 

Learn more about the famine in Ukraine. Learn more about Ukraine's history. 

 

Read. Read. Read. THINK.

 

Read a lot of different sources. 

 

Think about this: Did you ever remember something, but then someone tells you it happened a different way? After that, did you start to wonder if your memory is correct....Maybe you wonder how it really happened? Talk about those times. Ask yourself, "What's going on?" 

 

Again, read, read, read. 

 

Read everything. 

 

Read from different points of view.

 

 

My website: www.lindamarshall.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/LindaMarshallBooks

IG: @lindaemarshall

Bluesky: lindaemarshall.bsky.social

 

I really hope you'll read this important book. If your local or school library doesn't have a copy, ask them to order one. I hope that, once you read this book, you'll share it...and tell other people about it. 

 

As it says in the book: Freedom is a precious thing. It needs to be cherished. It needs to be protected. And Freedom depends on Truth.

 

 

Award-winning author of over two dozen fiction and non-fiction picture books, Linda Elovitz Marshall attended Barnard College/Columbia University where she studied cultural anthropology. After raising four children and a small flock of sheep, pursuing a Ph.D. in anthropology, freelance writing for magazines, and owning and operating an independent bookstore, Linda began writing for children. Linda's book, BRAVE VOLODYMYR: The Story of Volodymyr Zelensky and the Fight for Ukraine with illustrations by Ukrainian artist Grasya Oliyko (HarperCollins, 2023), was inspired by her great-grandfather's having lived in Ukraine and Linda's having been in the proverbial line of fire when Russian tanks rolled through the streets of Prague in 1969. Some of Linda's other books include THE POLIO PIONEER: Dr. Jonas Salk and the Polio Vaccine (Knopf BFYR); SISTERS IN SCIENCE: Marie Curie, Bronia Dłuska, and the Atomic Power of Sisterhood (Knopf), SAVING THE COUNTRYSIDE: The Story of Beatrix Potter and Peter Rabbit (Little Bee). Linda also writes fiction and humor, including Mommy, Baby, and Me (Peter Pauper Press) and Have You Ever Zeen a Ziz? (Albert A. Whitman). Linda loves researching, hiking, swimming, and travel. She and her husband divide their time between a cabin in New York State’s Adirondack mountains and New York City’s Upper West Side.

 

Grasya Oliyko is a Ukrainian artist whose evocative illustrations bring history, resilience, and cultural identity to life.