DZVINYA'S GIFT FOR MAMA
written and illustrated by Dzvinka Hayda
In this picture book, a little girl searches for an Easter gift for her mother.
Dzvinya, a White girl with a “very kind heart, a sweet smile, and two long braids,” lives in a Ukrainian village. She hopes to surprise her mother with an Easter present that is just as special as the traditional pysanka (decorated egg) that her babtsya (grandmother) always gives her for her holiday basket. With a gentle narrative touch and the lovely, homemade simplicity of her painted illustrations, Hayda sends Dzvinya to a flowery meadow, searching for the perfect gift. Young readers will enjoy the repeated pattern in the text as Dzvinya spies a chirping bird in a tree, tries in vain to catch it for her mother, and incurs the same result when she attempts to nab a meowing cat and then a nose-wiggling bunny. Her sadness vanishes when she encounters a friendly nesting hen with an egg to spare. Back at home, Dzvinya knows “just what to do,” gathering paint pots, beeswax for her kistka (drawing tool), and a candle to create a pysanka for her mother inspired by her day. The book includes the definitions and pronunciations of Ukrainian words used in the story and a description of the symbolism of colors and designs found in the art of pysanky. (Based on Ukraine’s traditions, this tale will resonate deeply with adults in light of the tragedy unfolding in that country.)
Children will be charmed by this tender story and artwork inspired by Ukrainian culture.