Dedushka: Memories of My Grandpa and Ukraine, by Katerina Spaeth, (Sept. 2025, Paw Prints Publishing), $19.99, ISBN: 9781223188973
Ages 6-8
Spaeth reminisces about her Ukranian childhood and her grandfather in this moving story. Growing up in 1990s Kharkiv, Ukraine, young Katerina does everything with her Dedushka: her grandfather. Recalled as a series of memories, young Spaeth and her grandfather spend their days together making art, waiting in line for groceries, and gardening. Dedushka teaches his granddaughter life lessons both joyful and bittersweet; he teaches her to hold her groceries close so no one can steal them, and he teaches her how to peel and eat a freshly cooked potato so that she won’t get burned. As Dedushka gets older and his eyesight worsens, Katerina reads signs and price tags for him. Sharing tea, the two “figured out how to run the entire country”; he read the newspaper to her, making up the voices as he went. Spaeth recalls the tenth anniversary of Ukranian independence, when Dedushka gifted her a red coral necklace, and she meditates on what she falls back on in Ukraine’s dark days: “There are times when the world feels dark and overcast, but thanks to the beautiful childhood Dedushka gave me, even the rainiest, windiest days are covered with his love”. Mixed media artwork has warmth and texture and includes touches of Ukranian culture, including stitchwork, sunflowers, and clothing references. Back matter includes recipes, an author’s note and photographs, and a glossary. A lovely addition to collections.
Mom Read It 