“Dzvinya’s Gift for Mama,” by Dzvinka Hayda. Trillium Forest Press, 2023. 32 pp. ISBN: 978-0977944422 (hardcover), $24.99.
Tradition, symbolism and a little girl’s love for her mother all blend to create a beautiful story in this recently released children’s book entitled “Dzvinya’s Gift for Mama.” Written and illustrated by award-winning Michigan author Dzvinka Hayda, the book delves into the ancient art of pysanka writing, which has been passed down from generation to generation in Ukrainian families, and dates back to pre-Christian times. This tradition is especially poignant today amid the brutal war being waged against Ukraine and its people, history, culture and identity.
Set against the backdrop of spring and the impending celebration of Easter, the young heroine named Dzvinya, who lives in a Ukrainian village, searches for the perfect Easter gift to surprise her mother. Her journey takes her outdoors where she encounters various small animals before she discovers exactly what she needs to do. Vivid color illustrations, painted in the naïf art style, will please both children and adult readers, and make for a lovely gift. A glossary of Ukrainian terms and symbolism used in pysanky is also included at the end of the book.
“Dzvinya’s Gift” has received positive feedback in Kirkus Review, which noted that, “Children will be charmed by this tender story and artwork inspired by Ukrainian culture.”
The book also features a review by Kateryna Yushchenko, the former first lady of Ukraine from 2005-2010: “Dzvinka Hayda has woven an enchanting tale with lovely illustrations that colorfully portray the ancient and beautiful traditions of Ukrainian Easter.”
This is the third children’s book Ms. Hayda has published. She is the author and illustrator of the Moonbeam award-winning book “Little Angel’s Journey,” as well as the winner of the Mom’s Choice Award for her book “Natalia’s Journey to the Land of the Fairies.”
Ms. Hayda holds degrees in education and child development. She was born in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains in the lovely city of Kosiv, Ukraine, and glimpses of this locale and rich culture can be found in her work. Ms. Hayda is also serving a second term as president of the Ukrainian American Archives and Museum of Detroit, which is currently featuring a stellar exhibit entitled “Ukrainian Folklore, Mythology and Legends.”
“Dzvinya’s Gift for Mama” can be ordered on Amazon.com, directly from the author at [email protected] or through the author’s website: dzvinkahayda.com.