Description

From acclaimed author Linda Elovitz Marshall comes a picture book biography of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that highlights the importance of standing up for what one believes in, defending freedom at all costs, and maintaining hope in the face of war’s atrocities—with stunning art from Ukrainian illustrator Grasya Oliyko.

Volodymyr Zelensky wanted to make Ukraine a better, kinder, more joyful place. Born to Jewish parents, Volodymyr had much love and pride for his country. Growing up, even with Ukraine’s various conflicts, he liked to make people laugh. After university, he became a comedian and actor. But he knew humor wasn’t enough to fix his nation’s ongoing problems. So, in 2019, he ran for president—and won!

Leading with honesty, heart, and humor, President Zelensky stood up for what he believed in, no matter how tough the situation. And when Ukraine was invaded, he bravely defended his country, the Ukrainian people, and their right to freedom at all costs.

Featuring an author’s note, educational timeline, and more, this powerful nonfiction account beautifully captures President Volodymyr Zelensky’s journey to office and Ukraine’s fight for truth and independence amidst rising tensions.

About the Author

Being in Prague when Russian tanks arrived in the late 1960s, being Jewish, and having ancestors from Zolochiv, Ukraine, Linda Elovitz Marshall had to write about President Volodymyr Zelensky and the fight for Ukraine. Her books have been Sydney Taylor Notable Award winners as well as Junior Library Guild, PJ Library, and National Science Teacher Association selections. A (not-quite Ph.D.) anthropologist, former teacher, and bookstore owner, Linda now lives in the Adirondack Mountains and New York City. Visit Linda online at lindamarshall.com.

Grasya Oliyko studied Fine Arts and Book Graphics at the Institute of Publishing and Printing at the National Technical University of Ukraine “Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute” in Kyiv, Ukraine. She illustrates books for children and works with Ukrainian and international publishing houses. Grasya is the author and illustrator of the picture books The Story, Told by Zhuka and The Dress for Marusia. She illustrates mostly in Procreate on an iPad.  

Praise For…

“The bright hopefulness of Olikyo’s gouache-style digital illustrations amplifies the story’s resolute view that, even as war drags on, “freedom is a fragile thing./ It needs to be cherished./ It needs to be protected./ And freedom depends on the truth.”  — Publishers Weekly

“Appreciative (and properly so).” — Kirkus Reviews

“This glowing biography of Volodymyr Zelensky will introduce younger readers to the Ukrainian national leader. Very topical.” — School Library Journal