The Pysanka Chicken: We Are All Born Different, penned by Lesa Melnyczuk, introduces young readers to the important topic of children born with rare conditions or diseases in a thoughtful and engaging way. Set on Easter Sunday in the village of Bukavel, Ukraine, the story begins with Baba Helen, Baba Stefka, and their grandchildren waiting outside the church for the priest to bless their Easter baskets. As they make their way home, a surprising sound of cracking comes from one of the baskets. Curious, the children open it and discover a remarkable egg, painted in gold and blue. From this egg hatches a Pysanka Chicken, a special chick that looks different from the others. The children learn that, just as some chicks are born unique, so too are some babies, leading to a deeper and meaningful conversation about differences.

Lesa Melnyczuk weaves a heartwarming tale that touches on a complex subject with care and compassion. Her storytelling gracefully blends the charm of Ukrainian customs and traditions with the tender message of acceptance. The village setting feels inviting and warm, and Melnyczuk handles the topic of rare conditions with great empathy, making it accessible to young minds. While the story doesn’t point to any specific illness, it skillfully conveys the experience of being different and highlights the love and support needed from family and friends. The narrative also touches on how children born with unique conditions may need extra care, such as doctor visits or medical attention, but ultimately emphasizes unity, respect, and the power of love to overcome challenges. This is an ideal read for introducing young children to the concept of physical diversity and health differences.

The story’s brevity, coupled with its tender tone, makes it both digestible and heartfelt. However, the use of Ukrainian terms might pose a slight challenge for some readers, even though most are explained within the context of the story. I feel that the inclusion of a glossary at the beginning would have been a helpful addition, providing readers with a clearer understanding of these rich traditions upfront. Despite this, the story shines with its lovable characters and its magical touch, which brings the message of acceptance to life in a captivating way.

The Pysanka Chicken: We Are All Born Different, written by Lesa Melnyczuk and illustrated by Veronica Rooke, is a beautifully told story that uses a bit of magic to encourage children to embrace and understand physical and health differences in others. It’s a thoughtful and uplifting tale, perfect for sparking important conversations about diversity and empathy.

Pages: 38 | ISBN : 978-0975658024