After theater plays and novels, Lisa Weeda has added children’s books to her list of literary accomplishments. This month, the Dutch-Ukrainian author and long-time friend of VATAHA has published her first book for children titled “Mooi Boek Over Oekraïne” (Dutch for “Beautiful Book About Ukraine”) together with award-winning Ukrainian illustrator Olesia Sekeresh.
In this unique story, Grandma Oleksandra explores Ukrainian culture and heritage in a playful manner together with her granddaughter – “and there are some nice jokes in it, if I may say so myself,” muses Weeda. From traditional embroidery to homecooked recipes and nearly forgotten folklore, the two discover just how colorful and beautiful Ukraine truly is.
“I have been writing about war and destruction for over a decade now,” Weeda explains, referring to her novels Aleksandra and Dans Dans Revolutie, “But beautiful books about Ukraine have to be written in order for Ukrainian history in western Europe to not just be war-related.”
“There needs to be hope, softness, and a future generation that needs to know more about Ukraine in order for Ukraine to stay on the map for the coming decades.”
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Mooi Boek Over Oekraïne’s publisher Uitgeverij Blauw Gras shares the same sentiment: “Ukraine seems to make the news only as a war-torn country, yet it has both a fascinating history and a vibrant present. With this book, we want to showcase Ukraine’s brilliance—and it’s being done by the only author we could imagine for this: Lisa Weeda.”
Uitgeverij Blauw Gras’ publisher Edward van de Vendel even specifically asked Lisa Weeda to write this book. “I think he understood the necessity of beauty way before I did. He shifted my reality.”
Featuring VATAHA
In a touching nod to Weeda’s longstanding connection with VATAHA, co-founder Oksana Savchuk is featured in the book as a character who teaches the grandmother and granddaughter protagonists about the rich history of Ukrainian embroidery, vyshyvanka.
“I hope my own story – a journey discovering my Hutsul roots – will inspire young readers to stay curious about the histories and cultures of others,” says Oksana. “After all, stories have a unique way of connecting people across generations and borders.”
There are many patterns on the blouse, embroidered with white threads. “I will get this dirty immediately,” I say shyly. “Dirty or not, this is a traditional piece of clothing. Don’t complain, put it on.” I sigh deeply and put the blouse on over my dress. Oma pulls on the corners and the sleeves until it fits well. “Beautiful,” she says, “We can go now.”
[Translated from Dutch]
On Lisa Weeda’s horizon…
With this project done, Weeda is already planning her next marks on the literary scene, returning to playwriting and novels. “History again will be a big player, especially the repressive history of intellectuals in middle- and eastern-europe and the Baltic countries. It is a big and complicated project, I will take my time.”
In the meantime, she recommends readers purchase Mooi Boek Over Oekraïne from their local bookshops. “The first review was very very good, so I am very happy. But this [book] is also for kids who are just living in the Netherlands and have a grandmother (as we all do) so a big audience can relate. And, last but not least, I think it is even nice for grown-ups to read!”