The countries of Algeria, Armenia, Lithuania, and the Ukraine are among the latest additions to the "Cultures of the World Series." Each book begins with a brief introduction and representation of the country flag, followed by the table of contents. Geography, history, government, economy, the people, lifestyle, religion, language, arts, leisure, festival, and food are the major topics. Colorful photographs appear on every page. Differing type styles and fonts are used effectively to present a wealth of information about the Ukraine. A map of the area with bordering countries, quick notes, glossary, bibliography, and index complete the text.
Children get a glimpse of Ukrainian culture in this colorful book about that country's holidays. A map and brief introduction tells readers some basic facts about Ukraine, one of the largest countries in Europe. Both religious and secular festivals are featured. The section on Easter is quite informative. This is a crossover holiday in that Ukrainians celebrate Christ's Resurrection and the revival of nature. Children will especially enjoy learning about psyanka, or traditional Ukrainian Easter eggs. A "Things to Do" section shows kids how to make them step by step. This book will stimulate discussion and enhance elementary school cultural studies. Part of the "Festivals of the World" series.
In the 1930's Stalinist officials implemented policies that led to the starvation of millions of Soviet citizens living in the Ukraine. Those terrible actions underscore the hatred that has existed between Russian leaders and Ukrainian people over the decades and centuries. In 1991 the dreams of independence that had been in the hearts of many Ukrainians came to light when that nation assumed full independence. Born in the declining years of the USSR, the Ukraine now exists as a reasonably prosperous part of the European mosaic of nations. In this selection from the illustrated "Cultures of the World" series readers will learn about the people, culture, resources, and governance of this relatively new nation. Like other books in this fine series, Ukraine is a welcome addition to a school library. A range of subjects are capably presented inclusive of fields, such as the arts, leisure activities, religion, and the economy. Taken as a whole Ukraine is a well written and enlightening geography text that will assist students studying this land. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck
Gr 4-6Attractive photographs of Ukrainians in colorful costumes celebrating traditional holidays, often by dancing, appear throughout this book, and the text provides interesting information on traditions and how they evolved. Plus, there is a section on making crowns from flowers, decorating eggs, and preparing a tasty strawberry kysil. Unfortunately, some aspects of this title may be misleading. Although all holidays celebrated in Ukraine are listed at the beginning of the book, there is an emphasis on festivities associated with the religious festivals of Christmas and Easter, and readers may deduce that all Ukrainians are Orthodox Christians. Also, the majority of the photographs show people in costumes, and this gives the book an unwarranted ethnographic emphasis. From a visual point of view, the beautiful costumes with intricate embroidery are a plus. However, a caption for a picture of women in ethnic costume that states "Ukrainians dress in their festive best for the holiday" may lead children to assume that everyone dresses this way for special occasions. Oddly enough, a photograph of a boy playing a bandura does not identify this traditional instrument. Occasional insets in a scroll suggest topics to explore, but they seem a bit didactic as does the statement, "This is an excellent opportunity to get close to nature" in the description of a summer festival. A flawed but visually appealing package.Elizabeth Talbot, University of Illinois, Champaign
