Join Thornton Barnes & Noble on Saturday 4/29 at 2PM as we welcome New York Times bestselling author Michael Sampson for a discussion of his timely new bi-lingual children's picture book, THE STORY OF UKRAINE: An Anthem of Glory and Freedom. This event will be hosted in partnership with local organization Ukrainians of Colorado. Information about the author and the book can be found below:
As a Fulbright scholar to Ukraine during the Russian invasion this past year, Michael Sampson reported on his work in The Chicago Tribune, The New York Post, The New York Daily News, The Tampa Bay Times, School Library Journal, The Horn Book Magazine, and NPR. While attending peace rallies in Warsaw, he heard people singing the Ukrainian national anthem. Michael was moved by the passion and love the people singing had for Ukraine and contemplated how he might replicate that same passion and love on a global scale.
Michael Sampson and Olena Kharchenko teamed up with the mission to write a book for children and families around the world to help them to feel connected while also teaching Ukraine's history.
The Ukrainian national anthem was written in the 1860’s about fighting for freedom then, and unfortunately, it is very true once again in 2022 with the Russian invasion. This book is meant to help parents share the story of Ukraine and for teachers to move students to deeper discussions about democracy and freedom.
Olena and Michael connected with Ukrainian publisher, Old Lion Publishing House, to help get this book printed in Ukraine as well. Their response was the exact sentiment that Michael and Olena had hoped to evoke with this book: "thank you for standing with us."