The charitable foundation It's Craft presents its unique new collection of works for children and youth titled "Kentavrida II". This is the second book created as part of the eponymous competition, which annually discovers new talents and immerses readers in the captivating world of Ukrainian legends and history. The collection features twelve stories and novellas by both lesser-known and acclaimed authors, combining Ukrainian mythology, significant events of the Cossack era and modern times, liberation wars, and even fantastic journeys through time.

"Kentavrida" is more than just a book; it's a bridge between generations, allowing readers to delve into the centuries-old history and culture of Ukraine. It will be interesting not only to children and teenagers but also to adults who wish to explore the origins of Ukrainian legends, customs, and historical events. The collection will be especially valuable for family readings, as it can spark discussions about family traditions, ancestral tales, or local legends, strengthening bonds and national identity.

This year's "Kentavrida" competition winners were chosen by youth representatives, ensuring that the content and style align with the interests of a modern audience. It's Craft Foundation believes that "Kentavrida" will become a beloved book for many Ukrainian families.

 

 

More About the Works Included in the Collection:

Children's Works

  • Olena Koval "About Ivan the Khrakternyk" (6+): A fairy-tale historical story about a Cossack-kharakternyk. The adventurous plot and numerous dialogues between grandfather and grandson are perfectly suited for family reading. The story contains elements of folk mythology and Cossack culture.

  • Anna Ivanchenko "The Magic Easel" (8+): A fantastical novella with philosophical motifs, telling the story of Panas, a boy who meets a mysterious artist-molfar. The story touches upon important themes of loss, dreams, and strength of spirit.

  • Elina Zarzhytska "Why Sura Is Wet" (10+): A legend about fantastic heroes who formed the rivers of Eastern Europe. The work features love, betrayal, loyalty, and destiny. Its fairy-tale style and understandable language make the story easy for children and teenagers to grasp.

  • Oleksiy Karkachov "Secrets of the Reed Labyrinth" (8+): An adventure story with magical elements. The main characters enter a magical world, encounter mystical creatures, and unravel mysteries. The plot is full of dynamism and thrilling situations.

  • Slavko Hostryi "The Training of Cossack Mamai" (10-14 years): Adventurous stories about young Cossack Mamai, who undergoes training on the Sich. The book contains many humorous moments and historical references that contribute to the development of national self-awareness.

  • Nadiya Shevlyakova "The Book of Semargl" (8+): This fantasy tells of two children, Anya and Dima, who discover a world of magic and ancient legends. It combines modernity and Slavic mythology, historical events and an adventurous spirit, mythological beliefs and traditions.

  • Collective of authors "Labyrinths of Memory" (10+): An unusual work written collaboratively, where each author wove their part of the narrative. 12-year-old Nazar experiences adventures related to his family's history and the future of Ukraine. It combines family values, historical memory, and fantastic technologies. Its light presentation, elements of science fiction, and adventure novel style make the work appealing.

 

 

Teenage Works

  • Viktoria Pereverzieva "The Story of Transcarpathian Love" (14+): A lyrical work with folklore motifs about a boy, Vasyl, who falls in love with a mythical creature – a "povitrulya" (air spirit). It explores first love, the mystical traditions of Transcarpathia, and humanity's connection with nature. Its deep symbolism, romantic line, and philosophical motifs are captivating.

  • Inna Kurylo "The Story of Makariy, Son of Mastus of Tavria" (12-16 years): A historical-mythological work that introduces readers to the life of the Taurians, Scythians, and ancient cities of Crimea. Young Makariy makes important decisions and strives to become an athlete. A wealth of historical facts, a multi-layered style of presentation, and deep themes of identity and choosing one's path make the work engaging.

  • Viktor Vasylchuk "Mad Bohdana" (12+): A historical novella about 16th-century events, Tatar raids, and Cossack struggles. The main character, Bohdana, undertakes a warrior's journey. Through complex historical events and deep emotional experiences, the work reads like an adventure film.

  • Vladyslav Radchenko "Where the Green Serpent Came From" (12+): A legendary work based on Ukrainian folklore. Chilling moments, such as scenes of a witch hunt and her transformation, may be too frightening for younger children, but the moral context will be clearer to teenagers. It uses rich imagery and stylization under a folk tale.

  • Erika Adzhaya "Winter Solstice Harvest" (14+): Dark mythological fantasy with a creepy atmosphere and deep philosophy about the war between Light and Darkness. Vivid symbolic images stir the imagination. It uses original mythology resembling elements of Slavic traditions like Korochun and Morok, which may even be interesting to adults.

 

 

We invite everyone to immerse themselves in the magical world of "Kentavrida" and discover new facets of Ukrainian culture and history! This collection will be a wonderful addition to your home library and a source of inspiration for the whole family.