Pysanky Promise refers to Ukrainian Easter eggs called pysanky. Here, both the eggs and the culture come to life in a delightfully embellished picture book story of Alena, who usually loves Spring rituals surrounding making pysanky, but discovers that this year, her grandmother is unusually sad.
Good reading skills are required for this fine story of a grandmother who finds her lifelong tradition of making pysanky for the holidays is challenged by the medicine that makes her too shaky to create these delicate eggs. Even more important, she feels she's missed the opportunity to teach her young granddaughter how to carry on the tradition.
Alena decides to surprise her grandmother, but first she must learn the history of the pysanky tradition.
Exquisitely embellished, colorful panels follow the step-by-step process and history, couching it with Alena's impressions, experiences, and thoughts to keep young readers interested. The borders of each illustration have pysanky symbols which are explained at the conclusion of the story.
It's hard to imagine a more effective, colorful, or inviting survey of the subject for young readers. Pysanky Promise is simply delightful, unique, and highly recommended for any picture book collection strong in holiday traditions, multicultural readers, or evocative stories that conclude with facts, website resources, and real information.
D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
