LESA MELNYCZUK

Lesa Melnyczuk is a Ukrainian educator, born in Australia. She began writing children's books after completing her PhD research. Her research delved into the history of Ukraine during the early 1930's. She shares a children's soft history of Ukraine, traditions and fun stories through the words of Ukrainian Chickens and Ukrainian Babas, or grandmothers. The stories are about 5 amazing chooks all with Ukrainian names. They focus on the love of elderly people, family, brothers and sisters, care for birds, animals and children who may be sick, have special needs or have rare diseases. Lesa's books are telling Ukrainian stories through real events showing her deep connection to her Ukrainian culture. They bring to life stories rich in tradition, emotion, and insight. Children become immersed in their narratives and experience the essence of Ukraine through the unique perspective of life from a chook pen on Baba Helen's property. The first two books give children an introduction to the characters, and then the fun begins. The illustrations are simply magical. reflecting the characters of the chickens and children in the stories. All characters are have been taken from real people in Lesa's family, family life and events she has experienced. Children will find these stories believable and relatable. She is an award winning author. Her reward is the joy or bringing a little bit of Ukraine into the lives of children from other cultures. Her books will be published in Ukrainian for her Ukrainian speaking audience. Great books for children learning how to speak English and also for children learning how to speak Ukrainian.