The Bird's Gift: A Ukrainian Easter Story

by Eric A. Kimmel, Katya Krenina (Illustrator)

Villagers take in a flock of golden birds nearly frozen by an early snow and are rewarded with beautifully decorated eggs the next spring. This Ukrainian Easter story will delight all readers.

Genres: Picture Books, Ukraine, Folklore, Holiday, Folk Tales, Childrens, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1999

About the author

Eric A. Kimmel is an American author of more than 150 children's books. His works include Caldecott Honor Book Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins (illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman), Sydney Taylor Book Award winners The Chanukkah Guest and Gershon's Monster, and Simon and the Bear: A Hanukkah Tale.
Kimmel was born in Brooklyn, New York and earned a bachelor's degree in English literature from Lafayette College in 1967, a master's degree from New York University, and a PhD in Education from the University of Illinois in 1973. He taught at Indiana University at South Bend, and at Portland State University, where he is Professor Emeritus of Education.
Kimmel lives with his wife, Doris, in Portland, Oregon.

Reviews

[Debbie W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated whimsical folktale about how pysanky (decorated Ukrainian Easter eggs) came to be. A wonderful read-aloud for young children!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully told Ukrainian folktale about the origin of "pysanky"--the intricate Easter eggs which Ukrainians have made for hundreds of years!

Update: I read this book to my children many years ago when they were small. I bought each of them a copy for themselves in remembrance of their Ukrainian heritage. Now that it is Easter season again, and with the terrible war in Ukraine, I thought I would read it again and remember the good times I spent with my Ukrainian grandparents who immigrated here in the early 1900’s.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to say, I didn't appreciate this as much as I do most books by Kimmel. It's a nice enough story, and it's great to learn more about pysanky, decorated eggs, but something just seemed a bit off to me....
Reread. What seemed off then is obvious to me now. According to the note, the eggs chosen for pysanky are fertile. Fertile eggs have a chick in them. By painting the egg and keeping it, are you not killing the chick? And then you will likely have a rotten egg?

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

When the snows come early one year, trapping all the golden songbirds, Katrusya and her grandfather set out to rescue them, eventually enlisting the aid of their entire family, the villagers, and Father Roman, the local priest. Sheltered throughout the winter in home and church, the birds repay the people for their kindness the next spring, when they leave beautifully decorated eggs for the Easter holiday...

A folk-legend explaining the existence of pysanky - those gorgeous Ukrainian Easter eggs, with their ornate and colorful designs - The Bird's Gift is an engaging tale of generosity rewarded, as well as a fable about the rebirth of spring. Although it is an Easter story, it does not explore the religious background of the holiday, and would be suitable for all young folklore enthusiasts, I believe. The illustrations by Katya Krenina, with their expressive warmth and color, and their use of folk motifs, are a pleasure to look at, and offer an delightful visual counter-part to the story.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like probably nearly very other sighted human being on the planet, I appreciate the beauty of Ukrainian Easter eggs so I was eager to learn the fabled history behind them. I also liked this book's illustrations. Unfortunately, I found the story itself a tad dull and, like a Ukrainian winter, far too long. Doubtful many children would sit patiently through a reading. Squirming youth aside, this would be an ideal catalyst for an art project. At the very least the illustrations could serve as inspiration.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely story that incorporates faith and tells the Ukrainian folk story tradition of pskanky Easter eggs. Great read aloud for younger ones.

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book telling the folk origins of the Ukrainian tradition of elaborate egg decorating.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story of another countries holiday and explanation. This would be a great read when discussing holidays around the world or differences in beliefs. I absolutely love that I have this book in my library. Beautiful illustrations as well! I love that there is a more informational section in the back of the book too.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice story of the tradition to paint Easter eggs. It also has a good message of showing kindness to others.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet book, a retold Easter Story, with beautiful illustrations by a lady with a beautiful first name, Katya. The village saves the birds when winter comes early. The thought of saving the birds couldn't quite cancel out the picture in my mind of birds flying and doing other things that birds must do in the houses and house of worship.
The birds pretty much demand to be released toward the end of winter.
But, another surprise comes at Easter....beautifully decorated eggs!
The pysanky!

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a folktale of how Easter eggs began. The story is set in an early winter in Ukraine. A little girl and her grandfather find many little gold birds freezing in the snow. They and their neighbours rescue the birds, keeping them inside their homes and barns where it is warm until the birds are ready to be released. Katrusya is sad when that day comes, but later, on Easter morning, she finds the most beautiful egg she had ever seen. Beautifully told and illustrated.

[Jim Sibigtroth · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 2023 the school where I read books aloud to PK-5 students had a large influx of Ukrainian and Russian immigrants and this was one of the picture books I found for them. For some reason it is often difficult to find some of Eric Kimmel's books currently in print but if you can find them they are worth the search.

[Brooke - TheBrookeList · Rating 3 out of 5]

Educational and folkloric, The Birds’ Gift offers a more beautiful explanation of Easter eggs than any American bunny ever did. The legend is one of goodness, compassion, and offers a little culture at the same time. Wish it was a tradition our family had more connection to - I’d steal for sure.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sweet Easter story.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story. Loved the illustrations, as well.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely Easter folktale telling the magical origins of Ukraine's pysanka eggs. Colorful illustrations and a moving story. The whole family enjoyed this picture book.

[Michael Fitzgerald]

Ukraine - F

[Janet · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a longer verison of the folktale regarding the pysanka eggs than Polacco's Rechenka's Eggs which I prefer. I did like the folkart borders used in most of the illustrations. I think this story would not flow well when read aloud.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Soft illustrations support the story of a young girl who spurs a whole village to save thousands of birds from the cold and explaining the origin of the beautiful hand-decorated eggs. Author's notes in the back.

[Valerie]

This folktale describes the origin of pysanky. When winter arrives early and with severe storms, Katrusya inspires the whole village to rescue the hundreds upon hundreds of tiny birds trapped in the snow. Later, when spring comes, the birds show their gratitude by leaving the world's first pysanky.

[Kitty Tomlinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful Easter story. Nice work by Eric Kimmel.

[Hannah Cobb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why do we paint eggs for Easter? Read this magical version of a Ukranian folktale to find out!