Dedushka: Memories of My Grandpa and Ukraine by Katerina Spaeth, is a picture book that tells of a child who grows up being looked after by her loving grandpa. Dedushka is retired when she enters the world, and he dedicates his time to her.

Together, the two stroll through Kharkiv with him explaining things they see together and answering all her “whys.” Through their activities, young readers learn about life in Ukraine, where people waited in lines to buy necessities. One of those was sugar, which they would buy in a large sack once per year.

Other activities the two do together are gardening, preserving what they grow, dying Easter eggs, and fixing things around the house. Through it all, Dedushka’s patience in teaching his granddaughter comes through. And when he becomes older and needs help, their roles reverse.

The references to Ukrainian culture shine the light on a part of the world that often experiences conflict, helping children learn about the history there. Featured at the back of the book is a recipe for kulich, which the author describes as tall, sweet, bread towers. There’s also instructions for how to dye Easter eggs with onion peels. The book finishes with the author’s story about her roots and photos of her grandparents.

Dedushka a sweet story about a child’s love for her grandpa and his love for her that anyone should be able to relate to. I imagine it having a beloved space on the bookshelf where it can be taken down and read over and over again.

The publisher provided a copy of this title in exchange for my honest review.