What a lovely book with beautiful illustrations. This would be a great book to use in my literacy lessons. It’s a great story for children to understand learn about the Ukrainian culture. I particularly like the glossary at the back which gives the meaning of words which are unfamiliar (very useful for a teacher!) I believe this book would create excellent discussion about Ukrainian culture, conflict and freedom. It also fits in really well with the new Curriculum for Wales as it is very current and exposes children to a new language.

Finding Freedom: A Ukrainian Tale of Home by Maryna Kariuk is heartfelt. It has magic that can win a reader’s heart from the very first page. The war in Ukraine has already spoken about the cruelty of Russia over Ukraine and its beautiful people. The story starts with a rhythm. The poetic theme is excellently drawn out by the author. It seems like a journey through a beautiful land with such an amazing culture.

The theme of freedom, bravery, and love is very much present in every line of the narrative. The imagery in words makes the reader appreciate the great skill of Maryna in delivering her thoughts. A graphical representation of the book by Ksenia Markevych makes it more appealing and enjoyable to read. It also goes parallel with the author’s narrative delivering the exact sketch of Maryna’s thoughts.

The reader can go through a series of sentiments like love, joy and a great urge to be free, to win freedom. The yearning for freedom and the courage to stay strong is felt most. One completely falls for the rich culture and the delicious food. Babusia and her motherly affection portray the warmth in the author’s own heart.

All in all, the story of the little innocent girl with a poetic touch for her beautiful Ukraine leave one speechless. Highly recommended for the readers to feel the value of freedom and the cruelty in the shape of war that has been happening there. I think every reader should give a round of applause to Maryna for writing her heart out for her homeland and to Ksenia for the beautiful illustration. Loved reading it.

I'm always looking to expand multicultural literacy so this book is great! The illustrations are gorgeous, the only complaint I have is that the font and placement of words felt a little bit awkward when compared to the style of the rest of the book.

Wow. What a beautifully written and illustrated story. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has weighed heavy on my heart this year, but not remotely the same as it has for Ukrainians. This story was full of hope, joy, and the beauty of Ukraine and its culture--even in the midst of war.

Finished in one sitting with my 6 year old. It was a beautiful experience. - a journey through sweet, beautifully illustrated children's book about Ukrainian heritage. The glossary behind to understand some of the Ukranian words is really helpful. Highly recommended for kids to know the importance of freedom and family relationships.

This is a sweet, beautifully illustrated children's book about Ukrainian heritage, evident in not only in the subject matter and art, but in the writing itself; the rhyme scheme is a bit funky by English standards, but it's understandable given that English is not the author's first language. In my opinion, this definitely adds to the charm of the book. Also, the best way to read this book is physically so you can flip between the text and the glossary in the back; pretty much all of the meaning went right over my head upon first read. This book is accessible to all children with parental/guardian guidance, but I imagine for children of Ukrainian immigrants, refugees, etc., this will be so special.

Unfortunately, I could not post this review to Goodreads as the auto-post feature does not work and I could not find the book on the GR site or on Storygraph. Once the title info is available, I will absolutely do so.

This is such a beautiful book, a love poem dedicated to the children of Ukraine! The rhyming poetry is beautifully written and the illustrations are wonderful.
Highly recommended!

A beautiful ode to Ukraine, its culture and its people. I love how the book explores the meaning of freedom. The illustrations are vibrant and full of life, which really enhanced the story. I wish the book was longer so that I would be fully engaged and invested, but kids will enjoy this timeless read.

I also had historical fiction vibes while reading and was surprised by the author's note saying that this book was birthed during the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. Really makes you think.

Finished in one sitting. A super heart warming book told from a young girl POV about the meaning of freedom. Get to know Ukraine 101. I ADORE THE ILLUSTRATIONS SO MUCH. THEY'RE SO LOVELY.

FINDING FREEDOM: A UKRAINIAN TALE OF HOME is a beautifully written and illustrated picture book for children. This book is also timely, given the war in Ukraine.

I was grateful that the author included a glossary at the end. As many people are not familiar with Ukrainian culture, including the language, the glossary will be a huge help. The author included Ukrainian words on nearly every single page, and as I read the book, I became concerned that too many foreign words and cultural concepts were included for non-Ukrainian children to be able to digest at one time. For example, if the author had used the Ukrainian word for ‘freedom’ and used that term throughout, it would have been easier for children to grasp as compared to using so many different words and having kids constantly flipping to the glossary to understand what each word means.

Overall, the book is beautifully written and gorgeously illustrated.

This Picture Book is the Most Thought-Provoking & Heartfelt one I've Ever Read.
(Thanks to Net Galley for this Book).

It is not often that a book has such a great emotional response from our family. The story and illustrations offer an uplifting and beautiful book, but the current reality for most Ukrainians just breaks our hearts. Their strength puts us to shame and we are glad to help in any small way that we can. This book deserves to be on every library shelf and every child's home bookshelf.

🌻Ukrainian culture: keeping it alive & well👍

This book is a valentine to the land & culture of Ukraine. Festivals, food, history and the landscape all feature. For children and adults raised in Ukraine, it's a testament to their rich social and cultural life. For readers less familiar with Ukrainian life, there's an excellent brief guide at the end to explain, for example, Ukrainian terms and the ingredients in the food.

I found the rhyming text and illustrations upbeat and inspiring.

Thanks to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

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. ***

Finding Freedom
A Ukrainian Tale of Home
by Maryna Kariuk
Pub Date 01 Dec 2022
BooksGoSocial
Children's Fiction


I am reviewing a copy of Finding Freedom through Books Go Social and Netgalley:


This book is geared towards young children but the message is good for anyone of any age.


Close your eyes, allow yourself to feel the breeze, as a little girl 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.



Allow yourself to 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.



I give Finding Freedom five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

This is an absolutely beautiful book with a lovely rhyme scheme that would make an excellent way to begin the conversation about the war in Ukraine with children.

Such a timely book for children to learn the meaning of freedom from a country fighting for it!! The illustrations were beyond beautiful and I believe this is a truly inspiring message.

What a fantastic book!

The illustrations were gorgeous. So full of life, color, and energy. Paired with the rhyming lines, a reader can really feel the story come to life and see the uniqueness of the Ukranian people.

The glossary at the back with explanations and pronunciations was especially thoughtful. I loved learning more about the special words in the story, and no doubt give a child much to ask and talk about throughout the story.