The expert jury of the fifth edition of the “Espreso. Readers’ Choice 2021” book award selected three finalists in the “Literature for Teenagers” category

3 finalist books have been determined in the “Literature for teenagers” nomination, which will move on to the third stage of the “Espreso. Readers’ Choice 2021” book award.

In the 2nd stage, during July, a highly respected expert jury of 14 professional literary experts and critics chose the best books from the Long List. Thus, out of 18 books that were submitted for review and evaluation by the jury, 3 books made it to the finals.

Finalist works in the “Literature for teenagers” category first went through a two-stage selection. It is nice to note that many books worthy of victory were submitted to this year’s competition, so it was not easy for the experts of the Award to make their choice. Two books were immediate favorites and took the first and second places on the list, but two worthy publications were “competing” for the third place. And only counting the votes, taking into account the ranking used by the professional jury, the third finalist was chosen.

To the three finalists of the 5th season of the book award “Espreso. Readers’ Choice 2021” in the nomination “Literature for teenagers” included the following works:

“Traveling Circus of the Silver Lady” Nataliya Dovgopol (“VIVAT” publishing house)

The spectacular owner of a traveling circus, Frau Grete, is going through hard times. Not only that her husband turned out to be an adventurer and disappeared, but also the corpse has to be saved from impoverishment. To top it all off, the crowning number — the performance of a giant tame wolf — is on the verge of failure: a young audience member, whom everyone considers to be the cause, goes on stage and tames the formidable beast. What is this, if not a witch’s spell? The circus moves on. But from that meeting in a striped tent, pitched for one evening in the middle of a mowed field, a new story begins: about those who are looking for love and justice, about people and werewolves trying to find their true essence 

The heroes of the novel will have to experience the bitterness of betrayals and defeats, make an adventurous journey through the Ukrainian lands of the beginning of the 20th century, and even find a common language with amazing creatures from ancient legends.

“Vitrova Gora” by Anna Bagryana (“Nash Format” publishing house)

They live among us – the winds, Stribog’s grandchildren. They are always born here, on the banks of the Dnieper, usually in the same family – and the grandfather passes on secret knowledge and special skills to his grandson. However, Dave is different: he was born in Canada, so he has to go through a difficult path before realizing his ancient Ukrainian roots and discovering his true calling. However, the windmills on the Dnieper hills beckon the boy, and this year resist…

“The Enchanted Sword, or the Voice of Blood” Volodymyr Arenev (publishing house “A-BA-BA-HA-LA-MA-HA”)

It was in ancient times, now forgotten. Heroes and monsters walked the earth then, and it was not always possible to distinguish the former from the latter. And the word in those days was sharper than the sword, even though swords knew how to speak their sharp word back then… In the new story of the well-known Ukrainian writer Volodymyr Arenyev, laureate of the “Book of the Year 2019” award, it tells about the adventures of the sword and those who wielded it, about journeys and persecutions, charms and spells, and also about Odin Stoymenny, Mrs. Bramnitsa and two desperadoes, who dared to challenge them. The Cursed Sword is a standalone story set in the Cursed Treasure world.

Books that were noted by experts, but did not make it to the finals:

“Isolation” by Maria Chashchyna, Anna Bezpala, Oleksandra Ladychenko, Kateryna Shchulipenko, Orysya Chelakova, Anastasia Makovetska, Darya Strokach, Severyn Koshukov, Viktoriya Velshinska (Ranok publishing house)

“Key to all doors” by Oleksandr Orlov (“Chitarium” publishing house) 

“Forest on the edge” by Oksana Vesna (Avers publishing house) 

“Is it all because of the food?! Life hacks for proper nutrition for teenagers” Svitlana Fus, Masha Serdyuk (“Chitarium” publishing house)

“You will change everything yesterday” Savotina Valery (Akademiya Publishing Center)

“Great Cathedrals of Ukraine” by Zirka Menzatyuk (“BUKREK” Publishing House)

“Unclean force and other kaposos stories” Ivan Andrusiak (“Nash Format” publishing house)

“It doesn’t happen faster” Serhii Pantyuk (“Nash Format” publishing house)

“Genius Love” Oleksandr Gavrosh (“Folio” publishing house)

“The Triangle of Zeus” Andriy Bachynskyi (publishing house “Stary Lev Publishing House”)

“In the light of fireflies. Where there is silence” Olha Voytenko (publishing house “Stary Lev Publishing House”)

“The world is in a volcano. Silver and Red” Olga Maksymchuk (publishing house “Stary Lev Publishing House”)

“Cotonomics, or How cats built the economy” Oleksiy Gerashchenko (“Folio” publishing house)

I would like to express special thanks to the experts of the Award, who worked promptly in an atmosphere of interest and motivation. Thanks to their high-quality, timely and professional work, the second stage of the book award was successfully completed.

According to the rules of the Prize, the final winner of the competition must be determined by readers during the third stage of voting from September to November 2021 in libraries across Ukraine.

The organizing committee of the “Espreso. Readers’ Choice 2021” book award has presented the longlist in the “Adult Literature” category (part three)

During the first stage of the 5th season of the book award “Espreso. Readers’ Choice 2021” received 210 applications from 31 publishing houses of Ukraine. The organizing committee carefully checked all publications sent by publishing houses for compliance with the requirements. After that, Long lists of books for the competition were formed in three nominations: “Literature for adults”, “Literature for teenagers” and “Literature for children”.

By the second stage, 84 book novelties from 19 publishing houses of Ukraine made it to the Long List of Books in the “Literature for Adults” category.

The third part of the list:

“My journey to the Land of Marines. From the chaplain’s diary” Andriy Zelinskyi (“Stary Lev Publishing House”)

“My Journey to the Land of the Marines” is the diary of a chaplain and a marine. During the war in the East of Ukraine, Father Andriy Zelinskyi was side by side with the soldiers, shared with them their anxiety and restlessness, supported and escorted his comrades in arms to the light of day, looked into the eyes of death and appreciated each new day. This book is about how important it is to strive for victory and to understand that the most important victory is over oneself; about how important it is to dream, not to stop and to believe in the insurmountable power of good.

“20+1, or the Land of the Dead” by Pavlo Volvach (“Stary Lev Publishing House”)

“20+1 or the Land of the Dead” is a book in the crossover genre, in which Pavlo Volvach uses the classic means of memoir not only to create a gallery of iconic portraits of the time, but also to build his own biography as a weave of “cross paths” with all those diametrically different people. Next to the classics of Ukrainian literature, shadowy people from the lumpen-criminalized Zaporozhye “towns” have joined here, in one company there is a musician with a solid prison and heroin experience, “Zaporebyk” countercultural figures, forgotten domestic political prisoners, and this heterogeneity of Volvach’s prose drawings will allow the reader to get into the kitchens of absolute geniuses and true evil spirits, to hear the dead is to see the living.

“Discordia” by Ostap Ukrainets (“Fabula” publishing house)

Spring of nations. The Austrian Empire pulsates and explodes with rebellions. Everyone is trying to define their own place in the great empire, which is actually foreign to many. Ignatius Kaminsky served time in a Viennese prison and returned home to Stanislav. He has a certain authority among local revolutionaries and is actively involved in the debate between Poles and Ruthenians – to unite against the empire or to fight for their own. The third novel of Ostap Ukrainets from the Stanislav cycle tells about a turbulent period of Ukrainian history. This is one of the few works on this topic and, perhaps, the first in modern literature. 

“Klaus Otto Bach’s Year of Debauchery” by Yaroslav Lytvyn (“Fabula” publishing house)

What can be the result of online acquaintance with a young and beautiful foreigner? Of course, the love of a lifetime! At least this is what 43-year-old Klaus Otto Bach, a resident of the German town of Kiel, thinks. Klaus leaves everything behind and heads to a foreign land with the sole purpose of finding the woman of his dreams, with whom he accidentally lost contact. Unfortunately for him, this land turned out to be a great and incomprehensible, generous and untamed Ukraine. Yes, Klaus will be called “the last romantic”. Yes, he will be mocked not only by random acquaintances, but also by fate itself, throwing up new adventures and challenges. But our “modern Don Quixote” will not back down. And in the end, fate will have mercy, giving Klaus a long-suffering and sweet moment of happiness, and the reader the most unexpected of all possible endings.

“About women over 50. Psychology of age changes.” Natalya Podlisna (Vikhola publishing house)

You are a woman in the prime of your autumn life. And it seems that suddenly something went wrong: the world has changed for the worse, everyone around you doesn’t understand you, and you don’t feel too well, you can’t keep up with the modern rhythm at work and constantly conflict with your family. what happened Where did you turn the wrong way? What changes did you not notice? In this book, psychologist Natalya Pidlisna will explain the peculiarities of women’s age changes, give examples from her own psychological practice, based on real stories, and convince you that nothing terrible has happened to you, and that the word “climax”, which is uncomfortable in our society, is not as scary as it is portrayed.

“Fruits versus vegetables. Why a watermelon is not a berry, and a tomato is a fruit” Oleksiy Kovalenko (“Vikhola” publishing house)

Peppers and tomatoes are not vegetables. Buckwheat is a nut. Cherry is not a berry. All our lives, having successfully ignored botany, we are guided by only one simple (and false) rule: sweet is fruit, and everything else is vegetables. In reality, it doesn’t work that way. In the book “Fruits against vegetables”, botanist, museum curator and author of the blog “Dovkolabotanika” Oleksiy Kovalenko will tell the true story of products that we see every day in the kitchen and in the supermarket, and will also teach how to distinguish a vegetable from a fruit, a nut from a nut, and a watermelon from a berry. In the book, Oleksiy will explain who tried to treat infertility and scorpion bites with cucumbers, how the salad was attributed the ability to influence male potency, where beets came to us and how to cook chestnuts at home and not blow your apartment to pieces. Before you is not a collection of recipes or even a textbook on botany, Oleksiy Kovalenko’s book is a real and witty story of the most common vegetables and fruits: from the peculiarities of their DNA and selection to the strangest myths and culinary life hacks.

“Hear Ukrainian. There are sounds [ў] and letters in the world” Olga Dubchak (Vikhola publishing house)

Did you know that vowels in the Ukrainian language are approximately five times less than consonants? Have you heard of unsyllabic sounds? And about Schrödinger’s letter? Did you know that sibilants constantly mimic other consonants of the Ukrainian language? To be honest: you know all this. And even if it seems to you that you have no idea according to which principle certain sounds should be pronounced, your language consciousness and speech apparatus do it flawlessly. The book “Hear Ukrainian” will not force you to learn rules or memorize language laws. Your Ukrainian language and literature teacher once did this. The task of the book is to explain the rules and regularities of the sound system, and also why our alphabet is almost perfect. And, of course, to convince you that the Ukrainian language is extremely interesting, easy and sometimes even useful.

“Evidence-based medicine and not so much” Andrii Sem’yankiv (MED GOblin) (Vikhola publishing house)

50% of medicines on planet Earth are prescribed incorrectly. On the same planet, 50% of patients take medicine incorrectly. Not very optimistic, indeed. Add to that alternative medicine, homeopathy, Instagram gurus without medical training who are giving out their advice left and right, and bacteria trained by our “prophylactic” use of antibiotics, and you get the full picture. The book by the doctor and author of the popular medical blog MED GOblin Andrii Semyankiv is a kind of guide to the medical underworld: from how drugs work and what is hidden behind traditional medicine, homeopathy and stem cells, to conspiracy and the skills of recognizing prescribed fuflomycins. Why are bacteria on the hospital floor more dangerous than those in your kitchen? How do anti-vaccination myths spread and why does the queen need a homeopath? Why can antibiotics usually be combined with alcohol (and what does beer, gonorrhea and syphilis have to do with it)? What do oxolin ointment and hematogen actually do and should you tape your body? The author of the book also talks about phytotherapy, inhalations of boiled potatoes, diets, injections, umbilical cord blood and other progressive (actually not very) methods, explaining at the same time how to critically analyze medical information.

“Bird story. Scandals, intrigues and the art of survival” Natalia Atamas (Vikhola publishing house)

What do crested tits and Ukrainian housewives have in common? Why do female penguins like smooth men and why did Darwin not like peacocks? Does swan loyalty really exist and how do ducks cope with impudent suitors? And why should Ukrainians be concerned about Kramer’s parrot, which has settled in Kyiv? Ornithologist Natalya Atamas knows the answers to these questions, who in her book talks about how birds live and how similar their behavior is to human behavior (or vice versa – our habits resemble those of birds). Natalya humorously explains why birds start harems and how they “edit” the number and quality of their own offspring, how they build nests and look for a mate, plan wintering and why couples break up and leave their families. A special place in the book is devoted to the culture of birdwatching, that is, to the observation and study of birds, and its therapeutic effect on people. 

“The walls are in my head. Living with anxiety and depression” Volodymyr Stanchyshyn (“Vikhola” publishing house)

Imagine that the date of your dreams is waiting for you, but you are not a very confident person. You know that your partner is the pinnacle of all your fantasies, so you should be in the best shape of your life. Does this situation worry you? If not, close this book and buy the guide “How to learn not to lie”. If so, welcome to the club of “anxious patients”. Volodymyr Stanchyshyn’s book “Walls in my head” is devoted to anxiety, depression, social phobias, various mental disorders, which to a greater or lesser extent affect the usual way of life of a person in society. It will not cure you of unpleasant conditions, but it will help you understand that it is possible to live with them. All of us, the author claims, are anxious, and there is nothing unusual about that. The main thing is to understand that anxiety accompanies us all our lives and plays an important role in our existence.

“A black bird flew in the sky” by Anna Bilenka (“Tempora” publishing house)

Human souls are almost always covered with wounds. Some of them become coarser and turn into scars, others seem to have healed, and still echo with phantom pain. And some – it seems, will never be tightened, breaking even the strongest surgical threads every night. And the main characters of this novel – Lily, Irvan and Robert – are no exception. Their history stretches somewhere between the Netherlands, Ukraine and Syria, and above this geography there is also another — the geography of feelings. And in order not to lose their bearings, they will have to rely on that internal compass that will allow them to find the route they need — like the way home for migrating birds.

“Antero” by Tanya Kalytenko (“Tempora” publishing house)

Finland would have to become for Elena not only an ideal place for an academic internship, but also a space in which you can get lost, escape from the burdensome everyday life, be at least a little not yourself, starting a new chapter in life. However, under the blowing of the cold northern winds, the memory brought with him dissipates, acquiring almost physical dimensions: appearing first as goosebumps on the body, later in a warm coat, and in the end – in full-fledged armor, which, however, is riddled with bullet holes. And too much – when you are not the first of your kind to find yourself on this earth and tread the already left footprints on a new, but paradoxically familiar territory. Although you have to walk in the footsteps of army boots. And in this collision, in this combination, the reliving of one’s own and other people’s stories is born, the border between which becomes less and less clear with each step.

“Adventures of Cells” by Olga Maslova (“Tempora” publishing house)

Cells exist inside and around us. The whole world consists of tiny bricks that determine our actions, feelings, mood and even intentions. And although at first glance, cells are only building materials for living organisms, in fact they are independent and autonomous systems that not only produce and consume energy, but also communicate and adapt to the demands of the environment. Cells make us love and hate, take care of ourselves and seek pleasure. Immortal cells in laboratories endlessly divide and transform, and stem cells have potential that we did not even know existed. So if you didn’t know anything about cells before today, now is the time to start getting to know them

“Culinary journey to the Hetman region” Oleksiy Sokyrko (“Tempora” publishing house)

Secrets and mysteries of the old Ukrainian cuisine of the mid-17th-18th centuries with authentic recipes adapted by chef-technologist Vasyl Druchyk. Magnificent dishes, vodka, borscht, lard and dumplings – this is an approximate list of what Ukrainian cuisine of Cossack times is associated with today, sung in “Aeneid” by Ivan Kotlyarevsky. However, does all this really correspond to historical reality, and is it possible to put an equal sign between the food style of that time and Cossack traditions? Which dishes were available to the majority, and which were only available to the elite? How did tastes and ideas about healthy and unhealthy food change? After all, what from the gastronomic arsenal of the past has been lost without a trace, and what remains in our modern kitchen? This book is not only a study of the history of the gastronomy of the Hetman region of the middle of the XVII-XVIII centuries, but also an attempt to look through it at the broader context of the era: food as a marker of social status, wealth, education, culture, fashion. The author’s text is complemented by authentic old recipes adapted for cooking in modern conditions, as well as a dictionary of old Ukrainian gastronomic terminology, measures of weight and volume.

“12 ounces of love” Serhiy Demchuk (Tempora publishing house)

This is a story about a boy named Timofey. Or Timko. His youth neatly stretched into the stormy nineties in a provincial city, and youth came with a move to the capital and the anxiety of the beginning of the zeros. This is an extremely simple and sincere story of growing up against the background of difficult times. With first loves, brawls, summer camps and all the inconveniences that come with it. And there is also a lot of sports in this story: a bit of football, then karate and eventually boxing. Sport, which turns out to be a reliable shield, behind which lyricism grows in safety – so that, fueled by experiences accumulated over the years, immersion in the world of books left by his grandfather and memories of childhood, he blossoms into a creative impulse that can no longer be restrained.

“Cuba-that-wasn’t-there” Nataliya Dovgopol (“Tempora” publishing house)

Tamara is a nurse at the Kyiv hospital. In the summer of 1962, she went to work in “one of the socialist countries” as part of the Soviet contingent. Even the captain of the ship does not know the final destination, until the ship is directed to the mysterious tropical and undoubtedly friendly Cuba. However, such a positive image turns out to be misleading, the exoticism is unwelcoming, and the atmosphere of the victorious revolution is not so joyful. It is under such circumstances that a woman has to search and assert herself. And later – to fight for memory: your own and about yourself.

“The Reckless Little King” by Alisa Gavrylchenko (“Tempora” publishing house)

August 2015, Kremenchuk. Margo Perekhrist, who recently left such a familiar and comfortable job at the bank and joined the ranks of the newly created Patrol Police, faces rejection and ridicule from her colleagues – and all because of her vacation photos, which someone sent to journalists. And now her service is hanging in the balance. But this is a shame for the granddaughter of a local police legend! So now, in order to prove to everyone, and most importantly to herself, that she is worth something, Margo will take up the investigation of a strange murder, which just happened these days in one of the sleepy houses of Kremenchuk…

“What she is silent about” (Collection) compiled by Iryna Nikolaychuk, Slava Svitova (Creative Women Publishing)

“What she is silent about” is a book written by women for women. This collection contains the voices of women who dared to tell their personal stories so that others would also stop being silent. The book brings together about 50 texts about physicality and sexuality, pain and healing, the experience of motherhood and living with a serious illness, loss, toxic relationships, asserting personal boundaries and climbing Everest – metaphorical and real.

“Anatomy of a writer. How to create living texts” (Collection) compiled by Slava Svitova (publishing house “Creative Women Publishing”)

“Anatomy of a Writer” is not a book-pill that you can swallow overnight and wake up a “real writer” in the morning. This is a travel book, a tool book, a book of inspiration, in which modern Ukrainian authors and writers of the past have come together under one cover. This is an intimate conversation about creativity, during which you will learn about each author’s writing methods, their stories of success and failure, the sources of ideas, the endless struggle with writer’s block, and the rituals that help to write. And here you will find important tools and practical exercises for the development of writing skills and creativity. This book is for you, so that you believe in your abilities, find your author’s voice and start writing.

“Prison Song” by Olena Gerasimyuk (“Furious Business” publishing house)

Olena Gerasimyuk is one of the brightest representatives of the poetic generation of the tenth, who, having just started her literary activity, immediately became on a level with the most famous poets. Author of the famous “Shooting Calendar”, volunteer, paramedic of the “Hospitaliers” volunteer battalion. Has the award “For saved life”. “Prison Song” is the second book of poems by Olena Gerasimyuk. It is based on the poem of the same name, which is already familiar to readers; it was presented in April 2016 in the basement of Mystetskyi Arsenal, specially opened for the first time for this event. The reading of the poem was accompanied by a performance, the screenwriter of which was Natalya Vorozhbyt, and the main roles were played by fighters and former prisoners. Olena’s collection Gerasimyuk, known and respected in artistic circles under the name Gerych, is the apogee of thanatos given to us in our feelings. She is extreme and looks like a hot piece of truth, created by a mature master, full of fire, bells, dog barking and the smells of prison. Gerasimyuk’s poems impress with their stylistic and intonation richness, and, less so, it is difficult to think of another young poet who would rely so firmly on the Ukrainian cultural tradition in all its manifestations.

“The event in the basement of Mystetskyi Arsenal turned out to be not just a theatrical action, but a happening and a good example of the “art of participation”, when the audience becomes its co-creator. The smallest details worked for the effect of presence: strict guys in camouflage who led the audience to the location; a document about familiarization with the safety equipment at the place, disguised as a subpoena to the investigator; pans and rolling pins, with which the audience had to create prison music along the way plays. It can be assumed that the action posited the concept of “prison” as a state of national consciousness. There are no specific indications about the time and place of action of “Prison Song”: from time to time the heroes, – military prisoners, – mention the Maidan, the Lukyaniv prison. (Art Ukraine publication)

The book received the BookForum Best Book Award 2020, was nominated for the Taras Shevchenko National Award (nomination “Literature”); has a number of other distinctions. The first print run was 500 copies, but due to high popularity, the publishing house made a reprint of 1,000 copies the following month; total edition – 1500 copies.

“8000 Miles of Solitude” by Oksana Shavarska (“Furious Business” publishing house)

Stories from New York, from Kyiv and other points of our crazy globe… In Oksana Shavarska’s book, meetings with numerous eccentrics and equally numerous “average people” will bring readers not only heartbreaking, touching and philosophical life stories, but also that special feeling when you almost caught the answer to the question: “Who are you and why did you end up on this planet?”, almost understood the rules of the game in life. history is a sensual journey to oneself.

Oksana Shavarska – editor, screenwriter, blogger. For the past 13 years, he has been working on Ukrainian television, shooting various TV shows. Likes to travel, people and write. Her life is woven from thousands of human stories. At some point, there were so many of her own and other people’s stories that she decided to transform them into one whole. This is how the idea of writing the book “8000 Miles of Solitude” arose.

“People in search of happiness” by Artem Polezhaka (publishing house “Furious Business”)

A complete book of pages, abundantly sprinkled with drawings, made by the hand of the very genius of mankind. Artem Polezhaka — in his full creative bloom! Such luminaries as Yuriy Andruhovych and Yevhen Dykiy wrote their important words in the form of prefaces. This is the third, although not planned, but the most conceptual and colorful collection. For many of you, this will also be a wonderful soothing coloring book, not just a poetic oil.

“Three plus two” Oleksandr Irvanets (publishing house “Furious business”)

The collection of plays by Oleksandr Irvanets “Three plus two” contains five different texts. Three old ones are shorter, two newer ones are longer. Some of these plays were performed on the stages of Germany, the USA, Poland, Croatia, and were performed in Ukraine at the professional and amateur levels. The focus of these plays is our contemporary, progressive and aware of the responsibility of his social mission, which he had to fulfill in a difficult and harsh time. The book is intended to be read primarily by directors, as well as other lovers of Melpomene’s beautiful writing and art.

“Ceber without a bottom” by Vano Kruger (publishing house “Furious Business”)

Vano Kruger is a member of the National Union of Writers of Ukraine, a member of the PEN club, the author of the books of poems “Illich’s Farewell Kiss”, “Ziggy Freud & Cthulhu”, “Nertep na Kurenivka”. “Ceber without a bottom” is the author’s fourth book.

“Fighting for the truth. How my uncle overcame a lie” Oksana Moroz (Yakaboo Publishing)

Laureate of the All-Ukrainian rating “Book of the Year” 2020. Nomination “Obriya”, special and adaptive literature / lifestyle BookForum Best Book Award 2020 – Personal award of the director of the Ukrainian Book Institute Oleksandra Koval. 

The book debunks the myth that the average person cannot recognize lies in the media and social networks. Maybe, but for this you need to observe information hygiene. Simple rules that can be mastered by everyone regardless of age. The main events take place from spring 2019 to summer 2020. The book has two main characters. Uncle Ivan, a simple, intelligent hard worker, who does not keep up with information and because of this constantly gets into trouble. He is a patriot, lives in Ukraine, but understands that everything is terrible in the country. He is a man of the Internet, but of an analog temper. He understands that everyone is manipulating, but he does not know how. And his niece, who is just busy setting up a rake for such uncles, manipulating them through the media and social networks. She grew up listening to her uncle’s stories about Soviet propaganda and how people tried to resist it. The book describes the turning point when the uncle finally got confused, and the niece decided to switch to the other side of the force. Instead of manipulating – teaching ordinary people to resist these manipulations. At first, she tried to understand why Uncle Ivan turned from a stubborn fighter against the lies of the Soviets into a person who steps on all the rakes of populists, fraudsters, creators of magic pills. She tells her uncle how it works information in the digital world. How online media, television, Facebook, Viber, YouTube, Telegram work and manipulate. How can he protect himself and become a fighter again. Uncle studies diligently. He even takes patronage over his friend Mykola. Together they go through the financial pyramid and the coronavirus infodemic. They see how much information kills people. They know by their example that there are effective and simple life hacks. Friends decide to teach fellow villagers to filter information. However, an unpleasant surprise awaits them here – people do not want this, they just want to live well. And the heroes of the book overcame this, although they had to sweat, but they still found an approach and taught information hygiene to some of their acquaintances.

“A book for adults. How to grow old, but not grow old” by Darka Ozern (“Yakaboo Publishing”)

Darka Ozernaya’s new book “Book for adults” talks about aging realistically. How to grow old, but not grow old”, which became the third in the series “Optimistic about health”. Actually, in our information space, the lives of all people even older than 35 years old are barely noticeable. How do “adults” live? And is it true that older people are all sick, boring, unmodern, don’t want sex and don’t like themselves in the mirror?… No, it’s not true. It’s long past time to revise the attitude towards age, aging, aging, and chronic diseases. Why not just “take it and stop getting sick”, but understand what’s happening to us, what are the risks and opportunities at each age, and continue to grow older, and not grow old. 

“A book for adults. How to grow old, but not grow old” will help in this. It covers factors that slow or accelerate aging, preventing cardiovascular disease and cancer, living with diabetes and lung and bowel disease, taking care of the body from the eyes to the bone, mental well-being, general and specific nutrition tips, menopause, erections, sex, and how to live happily ever after. Only without magic and magic pills.

Darka Ozern, as always, easily, scientifically and evidently, with quotes from Oksana Zabuzhko, Evgenia Kuznetsova, Serhiy Zhadan, Yuriy Izdryk, Patriarch Yuriy Andruhovych, Ivan Semesyuk and Lesya Podervyansky, gives answers to unexpected and provocative questions: 

Is there any basis in the meme about “a glass of water in old age” and what connection could there be between dehydration and delirium? 

Which wrinkles can be prevented, and which can be smoothed out, as you wish? 

Why is it really good to be sweet pies after seventy? 

Why should you give your parents a few sex toys? 

Do crosswords save from dementia? 

Why does a very old neighbor think you are a prostitute? 

Why do healthy apples and pumpkin give you a stomach ache? 

Why is it sexy to give a bottle of red, but not a box of chocolates?

“Being okay. What is important to know about mental health” by Darka Ozern. (Yakaboo Publishing)

It is important for us to “be okay”. After all, our physical condition, ability to take care of ourselves, be successful in our profession and satisfaction with life in general depends on mental health. It is still shameful to talk about mental health in Ukraine, it is scary to think, it is expensive to consult a doctor – and it is not even known how to find one. In Being Okay: What You Need to Know About Mental Health, you’ll find not only basic mental health information with links to medical protocols, but also a set of guidelines. The author focuses on the Ukrainian context: what is being said about us, what stereotypes exist, what problems arise, what causes them and what are their possible consequences. The first part collects general information about the mental state of a person, its connection with the physical state, and also describes the principles of the brain and the expression of emotions. The second part deals with the most common mental disorders. The book “Being Okay” concludes with an examination of historical trauma as a factor affecting collective mental health.

In the second stage, each expert in the category “Literature for adults” will choose five candidate books from this list, which they will place in order of ranking.

Accordingly:

1st place (5 points) — winner and further

II place (4 points),

III place (3 points),

IV place (2 points),

V place (1 point).

The organizing committee, by counting points, will determine 3 books in the “Literature for adults” nomination, which will go to the third stage of voting. These finalist works will be presented at the discretion of readers in libraries throughout Ukraine. During this voting, the final winner will be determined.

Book prize “Espreso. Readers’ Choice” was founded by the “Espreso” TV channel and is supported by the NGO “Demforum”. Its presentation took place on May 18, 2017 at the “Book Arsenal” in Kyiv.

The award is designed to celebrate the best Ukrainian modern literary novelties of the year, to support the interest of Ukrainians in reading books by domestic authors. To help readers choose interesting books, and publishers to find a way to readers. The winners of the Prize will be announced at the beginning of December 2021 on the air of the “Espreso” TV channel, on the “Espreso.TV” and “Demforum” websites. 

The organizing committee of the “Espreso. Readers’ Choice 2021” book award has presented the longlist in the “Adult Literature” category (part two)

During the first stage of the 5th season of the book award “Espreso. Readers’ Choice 2021” received 210 applications from 31 publishing houses of Ukraine. The organizing committee carefully checked all publications sent by publishing houses for compliance with the requirements. After that, Long lists of books for the competition were formed in three nominations: “Literature for adults”, “Literature for teenagers” and “Literature for children”.

By the second stage, 84 book novelties from 19 publishing houses of Ukraine made it to the Long List of Books in the “Literature for Adults” category.

The second part of the list:

“37 Buddhist pieces. How to survive embarrassing times” Olha Kornyushyna (publishing house “Nash Format”)

This book is not about Buddhism as a religion. It is about how Buddhist practices change our state and help us in troubled times. How to experience losses and not cling to the past? How to respond to gossip and injustice? Can regular practice make us calmer and kinder? How to manage emotions? Why does helping others make us feel better? The author talks about this. She offers 37 steps that can change our psychological state and attitude to life. At the heart of each step is Buddhist wisdom, supported by stories from personal experience and parallels from the fields of psychology, self-help, and neuroscience. As a scientist, Olga Kornyushyna explores the similarities in the vision of modern science and Buddhist methods of training the mind. And as a coach, he offers exercises that will help you work through each step qualitatively and get on the path to balance, harmony, and peace.

“Gradus of Love” Serhii Mozgovy (“CONDOR” Publishing House)

How to accept yourself and be happy despite society and life’s disagreements? Bohdan decides to radically change his life and, in search of himself, sets out on a journey through countries and his inner world. On this path lurked anger, hatred, feelings of injustice, mixed with feelings of love and care, which confuse and determine his future fate. How far do you need to deviate from the “norm” in order to be yourself and become happy?

“Delivery of freedom is guaranteed” by Oles Osadchiy (“CONDOR” Publishing House)

The Milky Way galaxy. Future. Spaceship captain Harry Tom, whose starship has been confiscated, pours out his grief in a bar on Earth, where he unexpectedly receives an attractive offer – to receive a high-tech ship as a gift. But in turn, he has to carry out a dangerous mission – to lead the delivery of a special passenger to one of the free planets in order to preserve its independence. The novel will appeal to everyone who likes the series “Firefly”, “The Adventures of Captain Han Solo” from “Star Wars” and just high-quality and exciting fiction.  

“People without a profile” by Dmytro Afanasyev (“CONDOR” Publishing House)

The new government recognizes people without a profile on the Web as criminals and begins to persecute them. Because of this, the so-called profileless, has to hide from hundreds of fighters for years. Young agent Dob Avos is among the hunters of the LBP, who after the very first task puts on the glasses of a murdered faceless girl and instead of the usual ideal world, he sees a destroyed city around him. Since then, the boy has been trying to figure out what the real world looks like. Yes, as the inhabitants of the Network see him, or as profileless? But why do people delete profiles anyway? But all these answers require great sacrifices for the boy. Will he agree to them? Is this price worth the truth? But does this truth need anyone but him? 

“Spiral of Silence” by Iryna Vlasenko (“CONDOR” Publishing House)

Television journalist Viktoriya Tereletska suffered from insomnia after the elections. She is sure that this is not an accident. Four years ago, something similar happened to her, and then insomnia led to terrible and tragic events in her life. Analyzing the past and the present, she realizes that the spiral of silence, in which she was hiding from reality all the time, has spun in the opposite direction to the starting point of the irresistible truth. Now you need to find the courage and strength to accept it. 

“Yes, what “in the subject” Lyudmila Yasna (Condor Publishing House)

All people long for love. But the fate of some leads to happiness in unbearable ways. Not everyone finds their soulmate right away. It is especially difficult for girls and boys with a non-traditional orientation, because they have less choice. And some of them suffer not only from the condemnation of society, but also from insecurity that they have the right to be the way nature created them. The novel “The one who is in the subject“ shows how Ruslana’s heroine suffers from internal homophobia towards herself. Fortunately, her family and friends, in addition to her mother and fellow teachers at school, accept the girl as she is. In search of herself, Ruslana tries to combine the incompatible, reconcile with the world, which forces her to live according to established rules. But gradually the girl understands that this is not an option and that she must defend her identity.

“Killing citrus aroma“ Oleg Bondar (Publishing house “CONDOR“)

Abandoned by her husband, left with a child in her arms, Ganya is forced to say goodbye to her dream of higher education. To make ends meet, the girl works as a cleaner in an office building and, like every young woman, dreams of love and family comfort. Unexpectedly, fate smiles at her, and Ganya meets the prince of her dreams, and later achieves a rapid career rise. It seems that nothing can stand in the way of the dreamed happiness, but the war and the woman’s excessive ambitions make their harsh corrections.

“Anyone but me“ Halyna Kruk (publishing house “Vivat“)

In this collection of short stories by Galina Kruk, gentle, intimate, and sometimes scary experiences are woven together. The heroes of the book roam somewhere among us, but only on these pages will we be able to read their thoughts. Here are quarantine chronicles with real anxieties and consolations that each of us had to experience. And the feeling of loss when only an old photo card remains instead of a person. And telephone conversations, which cannot happen anyway, because the subscribers are unavailable to each other… Seductive, emotional, close – stories in “Anyone, but not me“ woven from feelings. And, despite the name, they are about us. It’s about us.

“(In)visible“ Ivan Baidak (publishing house “Vivat“)

Ready for an honest conversation about otherness? To the discussion that people are not always able to accept in others – or in themselves. Vitiligo, Tourette’s syndrome, alopecia, hemangioma – the heroes of this book are ready to talk about what distinguishes them. So you have an opportunity to talk to those who have acutely felt all the pain of not accepting traits that are not up to them. Their experience proves that the most important thing is to learn to love yourself, regardless of what others say. This book is a frank confession about the daily struggle of those who need acceptance and support. Here everything is true and sincere. Here finally the voice of those who usually strive to be invisible is heard.

“I will die for Ukraine, but it is not certain“ Artem Zakharchenko (publishing house “Vivat“)

Whose prison grinds people more terribly – Russian or Ukrainian? Orest is one of the activists of the patriotic movement. Due to his own complexes and unfortunate coincidences, he falls into the clutches of the Russian security forces. He is tortured, he is broken, he is betrayed. Lyosha is an entrepreneur, he likes to say that he helps Ukraine with deeds, not with noise. But he also ends up behind bars, right here in Ukraine, when a prosecutor keeps an eye on his business. Olya is the communications director of a Russian bank in Ukraine. She tries to save her career and image, and pays a terrible price for it. One of them must die for Ukraine. But it’s not exactly… This is a story for those who, seeing a firewood and a pear, immediately recognize them as patriotic symbols. A story about the betrayal of those closest to you and about the eternal choice that again and again faces generations of Ukrainians: what is more necessary for the Motherland, your life or your death?

“In the fire of the smelter. Silver“ Hanna Horozhenko (publishing house “Folio“)

A lively, light and at the same time deep novel about the events of the beginning of the 17th century – “In the fire of the smelter.” Silver“ — based on historical facts. These times are not so often mentioned in literature, as is the entire history of the Commonwealth of Nations and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania (which has very little in common with present-day Lithuania, the larger and dominant part of the population were Ruthenians, that is, the ancestors of the current Ukrainians and Belarusians). The story of Samiil Koretsky, told by the author, is almost Dumas! The reader’s attention is firmly held by the main battle, the main intrigue of the novel is the enmity of two incredible women, the real-life princesses Anna Koretskaya and Sofia Ruzhynskaya. This battle is purely brutal, medieval actions: attacks, poisoning, destruction of entire villages and cities, contempt for justice and supreme authority. All this against the background of religious confrontation between Catholics, Orthodox, Uniates… and not priestly passions at all.

“Chornobyl chronicle. People“ Olga Kuprienko, Alla Bagirova (publishing house “Folio“)

This is a book dedicated to heroes who 35 years ago risked their lives and health to save millions of other people. It contains the stories of sixteen fighters for our lives. These are witnesses and participants in the elimination of the consequences of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant: nuclear workers, firefighters, doctors, assemblers, operators. They tell “in X-ray style“, uncompromisingly honest. They remember their own formation, about life in the city of Pripyat before the accident; they talk about events that will later be called a man-made catastrophe. Today, they are members of the public organization “Ray 5-2“ — unification of participants in the liquidation of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Every page of the book is worth the most careful reading, because not everything has been said and heard by society. Every word spoken by the eyewitnesses of those events has great weight for future generations. The business of the living is to remember.

“Cain“ Volodymyr Eshkilev (publishing house “Folio“)

“It is in our time that the future of states and dynasties is determined for the coming centuries“, — Cardinal Mazarin’s spy says to the young noble Pavlo Moshkovsky (the future hetman of Teteri). And he is right – the middle of the 17th century. not only opened the gate of the New Age of European history, but also drew the apocalyptic contours of the world in the twilight of which we now live. The dark shadow of the firstborn of the Grandmother Eve has been rising over the last four centuries, claims Volodymyr Yeshkilev in the historical novel “Cain”, the second of the trilogy “Cursed Hetmans“. Among the heroes of the novel, the reader will meet those whom he met on the pages of “Union“, and many new ones who had to live and act during the Ruina years. The hetmanship of Teteri, one of the most slandered and disgraced rulers of Ukraine, falls on these stormy times. Eshkilev offers his own — non-canonical and unexpected — vision of this historical figure. It also complements the artistic story with a kind of “encyclopedia” political, diplomatic and occult processes and events of the 17th century. And not only those that are familiar to the reader thanks to chronicles, memoirs and textbooks.

“One of us“ Halyna Datsyuk (Publishing House “BUKREK“)

The stories revealed in the book will tell you about one of us – a Ukrainian woman. And although we climb Everest, receive Paralympic medals, write books and take up arms in the East, we still have to overcome stereotypes that we are not capable of something every day. We do not live for show, but we know for sure that each of us also has a unique experience that should be told to the world. Thanks to One of Us“ we are taking the first step towards this. Our stories are full of inspiration, they are about strength of spirit and love – despite any obstacles: physical or psychological. We talked about ourselves on the radio, you can read about us in a book – paper and electronic. And to be closer to you, the audio edition in a special format will help – precisely for those who can only listen to the book.

“You are young“ Lyudmila Taran (Publishing House “BUKREK“)

Youth and old age are two poles of human life. Each season is joyful and dramatic in its own way. Both youth and old age are characterized by love, love. Enjoying today is a difficult science for both the young and the mature. Ludmila Taran’s new book of short prose encourages this. For a wide range of readers. 

“Cruz and Fox. The day before“ Anton Sanchenko (Publishing house “BUKREK“)

It is not surprising that the first Russian expedition around the world was commanded by a German and a Ukrainian – it was Ukrainians and Germans who built the Russian Empire. It is surprising how Russians know how to appropriate and make “Russian people“ of all successful figures, even if the surname of one of them is von Krusenstern and he is an Estonian baron, and the other is Lysyansky and he is from a Cossack regimental town. In all the biographies of Lysyansky, Nizhin is spoken of as a tongue-in-cheek and no different from some Russian town, and Krusenstern is introduced to him even before the expedition set sail from Kronstadt, despite the fact that they studied together in the Sea Cadet Corps, fought and had many years of practice in the British Navy. Anton Sanchenko undertook to reconstruct the beginnings of the stellar career of the future Knight of the Order of St. George, the owner of the golden sword of his name, captain of the first rank Yuriy Lysyanskyi. The result was an exciting and witty story about fateful feasts and the right best man, about the benefits of learning foreign languages and maritime terminology, about brigantines on the Oster River and alcoholic cocktails on the Loiseau frigate“, about collecting sea urchins and the secret of Nizhyn zucchini caviar.

“Pumpkin compote“ Olga Kari (Publishing house “BUKREK“)

“Pumpkin compote“ is a series of reportage sketches and essays describing how a whole generation of Ukrainians grew up against the background of the breaking of eras and political systems. This book is about what it was like to live in the 90s, when “pineapple” squash compote and “mushrooms” from eggplant were born, when everyone was gripped by a total knitting mania, people grew accustomed to hoarding absolutely everything, and the first pads just began to change the lives of Ukrainian women. The author, relying on her own memories, tells how the punitive gastronomy of that time worked, how the famous good-neighborly relations were quite often manifested, and how Abkhazia hosted Ukrainian schoolchildren a few months before the war.

“Express to Galicia“ Bohdan Kolomiychuk (“Stary Lev Publishing House“)

“Express to Galicia“ — a new detective novel by Bohdan Kolomiychuk, in which tangled cases and dangerous investigations await the reader. Spring of 1906. During a vacation in Switzerland, Lviv police commissioner Adam Vistovych unexpectedly gets involved in a dangerous spy game in which not only human lives are at stake, but also the fate of empires. After deciphering the secret document, Vistovych learns too much for an ordinary detective from the distant Austrian Lviv. At the same time, a strange Russian patient disappears from a clinic in the spa town of Baden, who is wanted by the intelligence services of several countries at once, and an unremarkable translator from German is murdered in Venice. Vistovych will have to find out how these events are connected and why the traces of seemingly unrelated cases lead to Lviv.

“I saw him alive, dead and alive again“ Valery Puzik (“Stary Lev Publishing House“)

“I saw him alive, dead and alive again“ — Valery Puzik’s stories about childhood, feelings and relationships, about peace and war. The point of view in all these texts is very unexpected, the conflict is mostly internal, and the events unfold in an unusual way. The author is a master of details, a master of the episode and the situation. His stories, at first glance impressionistic, airy, watercolor, will actually give the reader the opportunity to reflect, to experience every moment of the story with the author – to inhale the construction dust, touch the skin of the river water, absorb the obsessive hum of the engine, feel the full effect of presence. 

“Three ropes for Mary“ Serhiy Osoka (“Stary Lev Publishing House“)

Each novel by Serhii Osoka is a small big story of a simple person, which, perhaps, no one would have noticed on this earth, if not for the attentive master of words. Because he does not just write, but creates a three-dimensional picture of human life with a few strokes: it seems that you can listen and hear how reeds rustle, fish splash in the pond, how apples fall, old doors creak, how human sighs, muffled laughter or sobs mix with the wind. And you can also feel the smells – sometimes thick and dense, to the point of choking, sometimes volatile and transparent, like the scent of a flower. Somewhere in this 3D format you can see a person, with all his beautiful and ugly features, with the rough surfaces and deep recesses of his troubled soul. It seems that the plots of these novels are small or secondary, but that is only the key that opens the portal through which you enter the world of great literature.

“The Lexicon of a Nationalist and Other Essays“ Mykola Ryabchuk (“Stary Lev Publishing House“)

This collection of journalism is a comprehensive and far-sighted look at the past, present and future of Ukraine in political and cultural aspects. The author painstakingly describes the phenomena of Ukrainian realities, in particular, analyzes the Maidans of Ukraine (2004 and 2013), examines the crisis of the Ukrainian elite, the crisis of the identity of Ukrainians by nationality and/or citizenship, and also details the facts of the USSR iron curtain of the 20th century in the sphere of culture and literature in particular. Most of these essays were published in periodicals, most often in English and Ukrainian, sometimes in Polish and German, and sometimes in such exotic languages ​​as Farsi, Turkish, and Catalan. The author prepared all Ukrainian versions with the hope of a synergistic effect of personal experiences and experiences collected under one cover — with the hope of awakening from the Soviet delusional dream that has not yet dissipated.

“Ask Miechka“ Evgenia Kuznetsova (“Stary Lev Publishing House“)

What should sisters do who are so easily lost in their own thoughts and desires in the big city? Everything seems to be fine, but I want to put life on pause, at least until September, and return to the place of my childhood. The braided walls of the old house fence off the whole world with its many questions, and Teya’s grandmother does not ask anything, but is always there. But time does not stop summer: people from past, present and future lives appear at the door of the house. Everyone in this house – the sisters themselves, and the grandmother, and the Indian cousin, and the confused mother, and even the red-haired cat with no name – is on the verge of change. Summer is coming, pumpkins are growing for export, conversations are not stopping, and problems and solutions are running ahead.

“Iron water“ Myroslav Layuk (“Stary Lev Publishing House“)

Have you ever tried to follow Lesya Ukrainka to the most remote Carpathian village? This “weak, poor girl“ she conquered mountain routes fearlessly, on a par with everyone else; locals still tell legends about it. What was left in those regions in memory of her, Frank or the Okunevsky family, except for the contradictory testimonies of eyewitnesses, which were passed down from generation to generation? The novel unfolds a story related to the main woman of Ukrainian culture. A theater director and a young man who returns to his homeland after a long absence – how far are they ready to go in search of a unique letter that could shed light on one of the most mysterious and resonant stories in the history of our literature? At the beginning of the last century, how did an unknown poetess, a simple hutsulka, a plowman and a Bernardine nun follow Lesya?

“The death of Cecil the lion made sense“ Olena Styazhkina (“Stary Lev Publishing House“)

“The death of Cecil the lion made sense“ — a novel by Elena Styazhkina about our war and the fate of people who were accidentally brought together in the Donetsk maternity hospital in 1986. The magic of photography and borrowed names turns strangers into branches of a family tree – and they eventually become a family, the head of which is a little girl. In the book, there are many transitions – a dentist becomes a military surgeon, a goat becomes a sapper dog, a cowardly Soviet official acquires the features of a guardian angel, a cosmetics saleswoman turns into a sniper shooting instructor… In the Ukrainian Donbass. At the beginning of the XXI century. However, time in the book is a rather arbitrary value. This is the author’s first novel in the Ukrainian language – however, not completely: by design, Ukrainian here is perhaps the most important point of transition, in which a conscious farewell to Russian means for heroes and non-heroes the opportunity to be themselves.

“Ivanko, or Men is…“ Lyudmila Taran (“Stary Lev Publishing House“)

“Ivanko, or Men is…“ — a new book by Lyudmila Taran, a Ukrainian writer and journalist. In the center of the book are men of different generations and characters. Strong and weak, loyal and treacherous, romantic and cynical, young and old. And next to them, bright and apt female images appear. Lyudmila Taran’s honest and sensual prose prompts a rethinking of the usual and deep existential experiences.

“The first investigation of the empress“ Natalka Snyadanko (“Stary Lev Publishing House“)

A rare violin, on which Mozart also played, is usually not exported abroad. An exception was made for the festival in Lviv, but no one even assumed that it would become an important link in the whole chain of spooky events. Unexpectedly for everyone and herself, the legendary Austrian empress Sissi successfully investigates not only the mysterious assassination attempt on her own husband, but also a number of other mysteries. Natalka Snyadanko’s new novel, based on documentary materials of the life and adventures of the imperial family, immerses the reader in a heartbreaking detective story with political undertones. Additional intrigue to this story is given by the duality of the narrative, thanks to which the events of the middle of the 19th century unexpectedly sharply echo in Lviv at the beginning of the third millennium.

“Treats for Medor“ Andriy Bondar (“Stary Lev Publishing House“)

“Treats for Medor“ — a collection of essays that Andrii Bondar wrote during 2017–2020. Essay writing here is a way to explore and make sense of the world through one’s own system of values ​​and experience. Behind the intellectual reflection, frankness shines through, and in the form of short prose, deeper meanings and sometimes unexpected conclusions are hidden: the void can be filled, the definition of “falling from the height of one’s height“ can refer not only to bodily injury, but also to moral decline, which always occurs from the height of one’s own ethical construction, and losses can later turn into gains, it is only necessary to look at them from a different angle.

“Three Marthas“ Iryna Savka (“Stary Lev Publishing House“)

Three Marthas – three women, three loves of one man. The stormy times of war, collective farm yoke, and repatriation intertwined their destinies into one canvas from which you cannot pull out a single thread. This family saga is a reflection of an entire century that swept through a small western Ukrainian village with all its horrors, executioners and good people. When love, dedication, forgiveness and mercy save from death and hopelessness.

In the second stage, each expert in the nomination “Literature for adults“ will choose five candidate books from this list, which will be ranked by place.

Accordingly:

1st place (5 points) — winner and further 

II place (4 points),

III place (3 points),

IV place (2 points),

V place (1 point).

The organizing committee, by counting points, will determine 3 books in the nomination “Literature for adults“, which will take place in the third stage of voting. These finalist works will be presented at the discretion of readers in libraries throughout Ukraine. During this voting, the final winner will be determined.

Book prize “Espreso. Readers’ Choice“ founded by the TV channel “Espreso“ and is supported by the NGO “Demforum“. Its presentation took place on May 18, 2017 as part of the Book Arsenal“ in Kyiv.

The award is designed to celebrate the best Ukrainian modern literary novelties of the year, to support the interest of Ukrainians in reading books by domestic authors. To help readers choose interesting books, and publishers to find a way to readers. The winners of the Award will be announced at the beginning of December 2021 on the air of the Espreso TV channel“, on the websites “Espreso.TV“ and “Demforum“. 

The organizing committee of the “Espreso. Readers’ Choice 2021” book award has presented the longlist in the “Adult Literature” category (part one)

During the first stage of the 5th season of the book award “Espreso. Readers’ Choice 2021” received 210 applications from 31 publishing houses of Ukraine. The organizing committee carefully checked all publications sent by publishing houses for compliance with the requirements. After that, Long lists of books for the competition were formed in three nominations: “Literature for adults”, “Literature for teenagers” and “Literature for children”.

By the second stage, 84 book novelties from 19 publishing houses of Ukraine made it to the Long List of Books in the “Literature for Adults” category.

The first part of the list:

“Rejected and resurrected” Stepan Protsyuk (“Discursus” publishing house)

The new book of essays by Stepan Protsyuk is essays about iconic Ukrainian writers whose destinies are no less impressive than their creativity. Fanatic of the new art Mykhailo Semenko, steely and tender Lesya Ukrainka, genius with a frozen heart Pavlo Tychyna… Unexpected angles of well-known figures fascinate and confuse. The second part of the publication is the author’s reaction to contemporary social events in Ukraine. The final section is the latest interviews with the author.

“Blood of Krykhdem” Andrii Gulkevich (NK-Bohdan publishing house)

The bloody war did not end with the capture of Argat. An old enemy, who had long been waiting for an opportunity to show his strength, started a campaign against Krykhdem from the North. Deylar joined the army of Prince Dunstan, the heir to the Crichdem throne. Two great armies converged on the battlefield, designed to decide the fate of all of Vesper. So the further course of the story depends on the actions of the heroes, and a small shift is enough to sweep away everything or leave it intact. At the same time, in the duchy of Montaigne, a conflict broke out between the cruel nobleman and the simple peasants and other disadvantaged people who were unfairly offended by him. In between bloody battles, Deylar almost becomes a victim of treachery, finds new friends and tries to understand the secrets of ancient magic.

“Carpathian trap” Serhii Ukhachevskyi (“NK-Bohdan” publishing house)

This story is based on the fate of real people and events that took place during 1941-1951 on the territory of Great Britain, the German Reich, Poland, and the USSR. The main character is Colonel Stepan Kryzhen, a Soviet intelligence officer who always plays his game: both fighting the Nazis, and becoming a resident of the MGB in Western Ukraine, and fighting the system in which he has to work. Multi-track espionage operations, initiated in the offices of Moscow and London, lose their meaning when he enters the game. The book is written in a lively language, with humor, living characters and events that pull you into a whirlpool of intrigue from the first words and lead to the last line.

“Legends of unconquered winter” Serhii Ukhachevskyi (“NK-Bogdan” publishing house)

The novel “Legends of Unconquered Winter” is a harsh and frank story about the events on the Maidan and outside it, about the little-known exploits of the rebels and their daily life, about the “heroes” of the anti-Maidan and its sponsors. No one wrote about the Maidan in 2013-14. The events of the novel take place in the streets and squares of Kyiv, in the Maidan and anti-Maidan tents, hotel apartments in Vienna and Paris, the offices of the Bankova and the Kremlin. And behind the events raging in the novel, there are other characters – politicians. For them, the Revolution is just a bargaining chip to achieve their own goals. And when the people of Maidan volunteered to defend the integrity of Ukraine, the entire political gang rushed to power…

“Autumn season of deaths” Andriy Kokotyukha (“NK-Bogdan” publishing house)

A serial killer is active on the campus of one of the Kyiv universities. His actions are unmotivated, and his next steps are unpredictable. Residents of nearby hostels are terrified, and law enforcement agencies are following behind, detaining persons not involved in crimes. By the will of fate, journalist Andriy Shkarada intervenes in the investigation, and he exposes the merciless maniac-psychopath, almost paying for it with his own life.

“Prophet” Andriy Kokotyukha (“NK-Bohdan” publishing house)

Policemen are also imprisoned for the sins of their colleagues. This is what happened to Serhii Gorily: he served time for his own and someone else’s. I returned to my native Konotop, I need to start life with a clean slate. But it cannot be anyone but a detective. There was an opportunity to prove it. A local businessman complained to the police: a woman called a witch prophesied his death. The man was laughed at – but he is really dying. The investigation is conducted by Gorily’s friend, to whom the same prophetess also predicts death. And when this prophecy also comes true, Gorily understands: everything is serious. He does not believe in mysticism, he is looking for a rational explanation. But when there is one step left to the truth – Serhiy himself receives a deadly prophecy… Andrii Kokotyukha’s novel “The Prophetess” continues the cycle of Gothic detective stories, which includes “Legend of the Headless” and “Secret Source”. The plot of the novel became the basis of the TV series “Triple Defense”, which premiered in 2016.

“Marriage games of frogs” Andriy Kokotyukha (“NK-Bogdan” publishing house)

1991, hot summer. Seven young men suddenly get a chance to get rich quickly. One million is at stake, the money will help each of them solve their own problems. Everyone is ready to take risks, everything is at stake, such luck only happens once in a lifetime. Getting hold of a million turned out to be even easier than these dilettantes imagined. Now the most difficult thing is to divide the treasure. Meanwhile, the robbed began a real hunt for young, inexperienced robbers. Will you be able to save yourself if you cannot safely turn your back on your friend in misfortune… In the mid-1990s, the literary debut of “Marriage games of frogs” immediately caused an ambiguous reaction in the Ukrainian literary environment. What made the debutant Andrii Kokotyukha famous. The new edition of the novel is supplemented with an afterword about the history of the book’s creation and its adventures after publication. And it is also an original document of the era, which the author experienced and recorded, and some of the unfortunate signs of which are still evident today.

“That’s how we were friends with Moscow” Valentin Severyniuk (“NK-Bogdan” publishing house)

The work covers the historical period from the beginning of the XIII century. (disintegration of the Old Kyiv Russian state, Polish-Lithuanian times, Cossacks) — until the beginning of the XXI century. (the collapse of the USSR, post-Soviet transformations, Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine). The leading theme of all events is the socio-political and cultural-spiritual dimensions of Ukrainian-Russian relations. The internal structure of the poem is determined by 40 chapters-verses, each of which has an emotionally emphasized ending-refrain: “So we were friends with Moscow…”. The book cites and uses many documentary sources and studies. Notes contain comments on historical facts, biographical references, explanations of foreign and rarely used words.

Roksolana. Union with the Jagiellonians” by Oleksandr Shutko (“NK-Bohdan” publishing house)

The novel highlights events from the life of Ukrainian Roksolana (Hurrem Sultan), the wife of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, which took place in 1540–1551, when she was at the zenith of fame and power. This woman had a significant influence on the politics of the Ottoman Empire. She acted as an intermediary for the husband-sultan regarding the establishment of good-neighborly relations with the Polish Jagiellonian dynasty – the Hungarian Queen Isabella, her mother Bona Sforza and her brother – the Polish King Sigismund II Augustus. The basis of the novel is Roksolana’s love and diplomatic correspondence, archival documents, reports of European ambassadors in Istanbul, Ottoman chroniclers, and information from thorough investigations by Turkish, Polish, Ukrainian, German, Italian, and American historians. In the novel, not only events and characters are real, but also their dialogues, which history has preserved to this day.

“The Last Letter” Viktor Yankevych (“NK-Bohdan” publishing house)

The eternal mystery of love. Its unpredicted beginnings, the flash of passion, its extinction… But some people are possessed by it completely, almost to the point of madness… This novel will immerse you, dear reader, in the difficult collision of another love story, which, like everything else in this world, is unique. For a wide range of connoisseurs of sensual, psychological prose.

“Roksolana: biography” by Oleksandr Shutko (“NK-Bogdan” publishing house)

This book is devoted to the biography of the most famous Ukrainian sultana, the founder of the “Women’s Sultanate” in the Ottoman Empire – Roksolana (Hyurrem), who by the will of fate from a simple captive became first the beloved concubine, and later the only wife of the most powerful sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and the mother of his successor – Selim II. The publication contains nine of her love letters to Sultan Suleiman (one of them published in Ukrainian for the first time) and four diplomatic ones addressed to the Hungarian Queen Isabella Jagiellonian, the Polish Queen Sigismund II Augustus and the Persian princess Sultan Beygum, the sister of Shah Taghmasp, as well as the answers sent to Roksolana by these monarchs. At the end of the book, it is told about the honoring of this great woman, her role in the history of Ukrainians and Turks, and how she inspired artists to create wonderful works.

“Mysterious Dukhnovych” Oleksandr Gavrosh (“NK-Bogdan” publishing house)

In the second, significantly expanded edition of “The Mysterious Dukhnovych”, the well-known journalist and writer Oleksandr Gavrosh offers his own reading of the figure of the priest and educator Oleksandr Dukhnovych (1803–1865), around whom many controversies are still raging: Muscophile, separatist or initiator of the Ukrainian revival beyond the Carpathians? This is the first book about the most famous Transcarpathian of the 19th century, published outside of historical Transcarpathia. It included excerpts from diaries, letters, autobiographies of the wake-up call, presented in modern literary language, as well as articles by Oleksandr Gavros, his story about Dukhnovich’s childhood “Family Secret” and a play about the last hours of the life of the spiritual father of the Silver Earth “The Kindest Friend”. The book also contains an interview with the most famous spiritualist Olena Rudlovchak, the opinions of famous researchers, a poem by the Shevchenko laureate Petr Skunets.

“Ivan Kotlyarevsky: between the empire and Ukraine” Petro Kralyuk (“NK-Bohdan” publishing house)

The creative biography of Ivan Kotlyarevskyi is considered for the first time in the context of Ukrainian history of the XVII-XVIII centuries, as a continuation of the ancient Ukrainian literary tradition. The publication is aimed not only at connoisseurs and lovers of the native language, but also at researchers of European history and culture of the 18th-19th centuries.

“Dreams against Palm Sunday” Vitaliy Levun (publishing house “Astrolabia”

In the novel “Night Dreams against Palm Sunday” reality is intertwined with the bizarre visions and memories of the main character Ulyana. Thirty-three dreams, interspersed with proverbs, sayings, mythological images, flavored with words of local sayings, lead the reader through a personal family history, closely related to the tragic circumstances of the life of Ukrainians in the 20th century. It is a baroque mixture of grotesque and drama, where death borders on eros, mysticism – on inevitable reality, faith in fate – on an alternative version of the development of events. At the beginning of the novel, the lodger Mykola Ivanovich comes to the house of the widow Ulyana, who constantly locks himself in his hut and conducts his bizarre experiments there. Will he be able to complete what he came for? Where did Volodka disappear from old family photos? And what kind of child suddenly appeared in Ulyana’s yard, like two drops of water like her long-dead son?

“Tadush” Artem Pospelov (publishing house “Publishing House 21”)

Zoika is about four thousand days old, and the boy chose this name for himself. It’s just that first a dog dies in his family, and a little later Grandfather dies. After the death of Grandfather, the family begins to fall apart. Zoik forgets the past, but remembers that he is to blame for what happened. The only one who knows how things really were is a friend named Kid, whom he has never seen. With his help, Zoik tries to fix everything. He is looking for a place for Grandpa’s death in his life, and with it the answer to the question – does love really mean living happily ever after? Published in cooperation with OVO Literary Agency.

“Jellyfish Reflex” by Roksolana Syom (Publishing House 21)

No one canceled the laws of nature – the stronger wins. But what if you don’t know the rules of survival in a hostile environment? When you are helpless before the challenges of fate? And how to confront the closest relatives, for example, mother, whose guardianship violates your own boundaries? Will the heroes of this novel be able to avoid the disaster?

 Published in cooperation with OVO Literary Agency. Finalist of the International Literary Competition of novels, film scripts, plays, song lyrics and works for children “CORONATION OF WORDS-2020”.

“Your M.” Iryna Zhurakovska (publishing house “Publishing House 21”)

Ukrainian Maryna and German Maria have completely different ideas about happiness, and both go to look for it far from home – in Paris. Maria knows exactly what she wants from life: to do science, play the violin and find true love. Marina, on the other hand, knows what she definitely does not want – to work as a waitress and deal with her father all her life. “Your M.” is a modern Ukrainian novel about what it is like to be a woman. About finding yourself, about friendship, about very different love, about loneliness, about stereotypes, about motherhood and a little about quantum physics. 

Published in cooperation with OVO Literary Agency.

Magnum by Ilya Makarenko (Publishing House 21)

“Magnum” has plenty of everything: rain and wine, love and betrayal, desperation and cowardice, Ukrainian workers and Portuguese revolutionaries. For various reasons, including the war in the east of Ukraine, the hero of the novel finds himself in the extreme west of Europe, where he accidentally plunges into a tragic family history that began almost half a century ago. However, the real main character here is Lisbon – a bright and friendly city that is impossible not to love, but which, however, hides many secrets from prying eyes.

“Radio Night” Yuriy Andruhovich (publishing house “Meridian Czernowitz“) 

As in “real reality”, another revolution has been defeated. Maybe because she lost her mysterious leader. Joseph Rothsky (not to be confused with Joseph Brodsky or Joseph Roth), the musical hero of the barricades, is forced to flee somewhere, risking the fate of many other Josephs. He is being persecuted, and the regime’s special services are only half the trouble. There’s also an inappropriate love to deal with and a bank secret to deal with. Prison experience and an involuntarily successful terrorist attack. As well as mind and oblivion, laughter and darkness, cold and hell, irony and pain. The last hiding place from where it is allowed to conduct the night ether. Is it really the last?..

“Radio Night” is the most poignant and at the same time the most lyrical work of Yuriy Andruhovych. A space where adventure romance meets fantasy and David Bowie meets traveling musicians of the Middle Ages.

“Order of Silent Women” (poetry collection) Kateryna Kalytko (publishing house “Meridian Czernowitz“)

The portrait of a Ukrainian woman more often defines what she is silent about than what she speaks about. But without the experience of this silence, there would be no voice that sounds in this collection. A voice that defends the right to speak honestly about acute grief, generational trauma, stereotypes and archetypes, roots in burning soil, the courage of love and the disappointment of emptiness behind masks. Ignoring objections in excessive frankness or thorniness, in the abyss and darkness. Because that’s the only way they remain themselves – but also embody the experience of hundreds of still speechless sisters.

Paintings by Kateryna Kosyanenko are used in the artwork and on the cover.

“Aviation Psalm” (poetry collection) Serhiy Zhadan (publishing house “Meridian Czernowitz“)

These poems were written during 2020. The place where they wrote lies on the hills. This meant the presence of a wide horizon line and a large amount of air. And there were also many trees and birds, there were streams, ponds and the even, distant breathing of the city beyond the horizon. A change in optics somehow leads to a change in writing. This is what the book is mainly about: how landscapes shape us, how trees give us verticality, and lakes give us depth, how spring greenery teaches us optimism, and summer rivers teach us generosity. Simple knowledge that helps to appreciate every voice heard in the morning.

The photo of Marisa Myanovska is used in the artwork and on the cover.

“Because it is so” (rough book of short prose) Taras Prokhasko (“Meridian Czernowitz” publishing house)

This rough book of short prose is built on the model of a clepsydra – a water clock. Ten years of cognitive experience are scattered in a few dozen notes, a few thousand sentences. By reading them, you can deal with time in every way. Depending on the jet setting. Pass through yourself at full strength for several days; release almost drop by drop for several years… Or find your own abnormal game with the rhythm of twisting and unscrewing the clock face. 

“Theory of Revenge” by Alla Serova (“Kalvariya” publishing house)

At one time, the author’s first novel “Rules of the Game” won the Grand Prix of the very first International Literary Contest “Coronation of the Word”, causing a heated discussion in the jury before that. Some could not believe that this was an original work by a Ukrainian author. Then there were the publications of several of her other novels, three of which were published in Calvary, and the granting of licenses for audiobooks. And then, at that time, one of the two most powerful Russian publishing houses acquired 21 licenses to publish her novels and even created a separate series for her. True, there was already an author of thriller books there, whose pseudonym coincided with the real name and surname of our writer, so the books were published under a pseudonym.

The new novel of the Zaporozhian author opens a new series titled “Rules of the Game”. Rita Lukash is a realtor with experience. Over the years of work, she got used to any surprises, but it was too much even for her: in the apartment she was showing the client, the corpse of Rytyna’s former lover was found. With the help of her lawyer friend, Rita miraculously manages to avoid arrest – the police strongly suspect that she is the killer. That same evening, another corpse is found in Rita’s apartment, but here even the police understand that she was not involved in the murder. And although Rita convinces everyone that she has no idea who wants to “frame” her, somewhere on the subconscious level, she guesses that this is a trace from her distant past, when Rita Lukash was still Anna Dubynska…

“Politicians do not lie. 10 laws of interaction between politicians and voters” Vadym Denysenko, Yuriy Vishnevskyi (“Nash Format” publishing house)

Why did Churchill lose the election in July 1945, two months after the victory over Germany? Why is the era of Duda lasting so long in Poland, and Orban in Hungary? Why was Poroshenko defeated in the spring of 2019, and Zelensky ended up in the president’s chair? There are many such questions, and the answers to them can be found in many coincidences. However, the solution to all these victories and defeats lies in the laws of political science, which operate in politics with the same inescapable force as physical laws in nature. This book is about ten laws of political science, with vivid examples from world and Ukrainian modern history. The authors tried to satisfy the curiosity of those who want to understand how the world of politics works and why it seems so strange.

“In Simple Words. How to Understand Your Emotions” Mark Livin, Ilya Poludyonnyi (“Nash Format” publishing house)

Mind: everything is fine! You have a job, a roof over your head, food and friends. Emotions: something so sad. If you have experienced something similar and couldn’t figure out what it is, this book is for you. In it, journalist Mark Livin and psychotherapist Ilya Poludionny talk about emotions and feelings in simple words. They learn to decipher the messages that come into the chat with themselves: “You’ve been sad for several days. Pay attention to this.” Or: “It seems that you are jealous of a friend who found a new job. Maybe it’s time for you to change something too?”. Structurally, the book consists of 20 chapters. Each is devoted to a separate feeling or emotion: anger, envy, resentment, shame, loneliness, etc.

The authors popularly teach the theory, explain topics using examples from their own lives, and share exercises for practice. And a lot is said about current realities. The book is not a duplicate of the Simply Words podcast. It can be read regardless of whether you have listened to the episodes or not. It is deeper, but no less accessible.

“Fingers in the Sand” Stepan Protsyuk (publishing house “Nash Format”)

Life is “one chosen scenario out of many others neglected or rejected.” What does the Soso boy choose: priesthood or tyranny? What will the composer Fyodor choose: the love of his life or a marriage with an unloved woman for the sake of a career? How will an honored artist end up in a psychiatric hospital? Will the student Ivan renounce the idea of ​​a cathedral Ukraine and what will his nationalist friend Mykyta choose? Against the background of Soviet Ukraine of the 1950s and the cult of Stalin, the dramas of people who make their choice in a world of pain and suffering unfold. Everything passes, only the thirst for life “has in some places a chance to stand under all the fingers of change and the sand of renunciation…”.

“Skoropadsky and Crimea. From opposition to joining” Serhii Gromenko (publishing house “Nash Format”)

Whose Crimea now and who should it belong to in the future? What should be the status of the peninsula: an independent state, a member of a union or a subject of a federation, an autonomy or a region under a foreign protectorate? Who should have the right to govern Crimea — the ethnic majority or the indigenous peoples? How should Ukraine deal with the peninsula — give it the widest possible powers or introduce direct management from Kyiv, persuade the Crimeans with a kind word or introduce a ruthless economic blockade? No, these issues are not on the agenda of 2014 after the Russian annexation of Crimea – they appeared before Ukraine a hundred years ago. This book tells how the Ukrainian State and the international community responded to the challenges regarding Crimea at the end of the First World War.

“The last commander of the UPA. The Life and Struggle of Vasyl Kuk” by Alina Ponypalyak (publishing house “Nash Format”)

There are people of eras, and there are people of several eras. Vasyl Kuk, the last commander of the UPA, was such a person. He was born before the First World War, survived the horrors of the Second World War, the rise and fall of the UPA, was captured by the Soviets and, together with Ukraine, received the desired freedom in 1991. How did family trouble affect his views? When did he catch fire with the idea of ​​armed struggle? How did he survive the death of brothers Ilka and Ilaria, who were executed for Ukrainian statehood? How did he build the OUN network in Dnipropetrovsk and stay underground in Volyn and Galicia? How did he continue the quiet struggle in the 1970s and 1980s and get a “second wind” after independence? Historian Alina Ponypalyak answers all these questions. The author researched archival data and memories of people who knew Vasyl Kuk personally, talked with relatives, visited the place where he was born, lived and worked. All this helped to show what Cook was like and how he fought for Ukrainian independence.

“Apricot Bookstore” by Orest Osiichuk (publishing house “Nash Format”)

Due to poverty, Maria Faryniak is forced to give her son, nine-year-old Mykhailo, to be raised by her late husband’s relatives: uncle Stefan, the owner of a bookstore, and aunt Kasia, a strict woman who is not happy about the appearance of someone else’s child in the house. Thus begins the story of Miska Farinyak, a boy from the beginning of the 20th century, which is strangely intertwined with the story of Mykhailo Farinyak, a man from the beginning of the 21st century. This is a story of childhood friendship and unchildish betrayals, family skeletons in the closet and love, which through the centuries saves lives and mysteriously unites two namesakes without common blood.

In the second stage, each expert will choose five candidate books from this list, which they will place in order of ranking.

Accordingly:

1st place (5 points) — winner and further 

II place (4 points),

III place (3 points),

IV place (2 points),

V place (1 point).

The organizing committee, by counting the points, will determine 3 books – finalists in the “Literature for adults” nomination, which will go to the third stage of voting. These finalist works will be presented at the discretion of readers in libraries almost throughout Ukraine. During this voting, the final winner will be determined.

Book prize “Espreso. Readers’ Choice” was founded by the “Espreso” TV channel and is supported by the NGO “Demforum”. Its presentation took place on May 18, 2017 at the “Book Arsenal” in Kyiv.

The award is designed to celebrate the best Ukrainian modern literary novelties of the year, to support the interest of Ukrainians in reading books by domestic authors. To help readers choose interesting books, and publishers to find a way to readers. The winners of the Prize will be announced at the beginning of December 2021 on the air of the “Espreso” TV channel, on the “Espreso.TV” and “Demforum” websites.

Longlist announced for the “Children’s Literature” category in the fifth edition of the “Espreso. Readers’ Choice 2021” book award (part three)

A total of 210 applications for participation in the literary contest were received from 31 Ukrainian publishing houses. The organizing committee carefully checked all publications sent by publishing houses for compliance with the requirements. After that, Long lists of books for the competition were formed in three nominations: “Literature for adults”, “Literature for teenagers” and “Literature for children”. Readers’ Choice 2021″. 

By the second stage, 79 book novelties from 16 publishing houses were included in the Long List of Books in the “Literature for Children” category.

“In Search of Winter Sleep” by Rumenko Tetiana (“Mushlya” publishing house)

Kvitochka is a small brown bear. She is sure that the world is arranged for the comfort and happiness of animals. But winter came, and the peaceful life of the residents of the “Rehabilitation Center for Brown Bears” was filled with anxiety – someone stole the bears’ sleep. Kvitochka decided to find him and find out who the thief is. So now a long journey, unexpected meetings and many discoveries await the little bear. Go with her – and find out where the bears’ winter sleep went and how to get it back!

“Firk is a super raccoon” by Rumenko Tetyana (“Mushlya” publishing house)

Firk is a grumpy and cunning raccoon who is used to looking out for himself and leading a mischievous lifestyle. But somehow Firk was caught – and he ended up on a fur farm, where he met many other animals. Firk wants to get free. But new acquaintances, new experiences and some very unexpected and scary discoveries will force the furry grunt not only to change his attitude towards others, but also to perform deeds worthy of the title of a superhero.

“Musya and Grandma” by Galina Kirpa (“Stary Lev Publishing House”)

It is not easy for homeless cats to live on the street. There is no one to curl up in a ball on the lap, no one to sing a purring lullaby or look out the window at the rain with, instead – cold, hunger and wet bare feet. Sometimes a tiny, lonely street kitten can notice a person with whom he wants to live his whole life. This is what happened to little Musa, who chose her person – Grandma. The story of a touching friendship is told in her new book by the famous writer and translator Galina Kirpa.

“Mission “Rescue”: bears” Yevhenia Zavaliy (“Stary Lev Publishing House”)

Little bear Christia is caught in the forest and forced to work in a traveling circus. In order for Khrystia to dance, she is placed on a hot platform, so she is forced to shuffle her paws to the music. The trainer is a cruel man who threatens to withhold food from the bear and often beats her when she refuses to dance. Fortunately, animal rights activists come to the circus and free the animals from terrible conditions. Khrystia ends up in a shelter, where other bears, who were freed from captivity, tell her their sad stories. Many of them are no longer able to return to life in the wild. But it is not about Christ. After all, her mother and brother are waiting for her in the Carpathians…

“Kiwi Kiwi” Myroslav Layuk (Stary Lev Publishing House)

Kiwi was born in captivity, because earlier bird catchers caught his parents in New Zealand – in their homeland. And although Kiwi is a bird, he cannot fly. But this does not prevent him from escaping from the zoo. After all, he has strong legs, and he is extremely fast. Life on the loose can be both fun and dangerous. Kiwi is a promising footballer, one of the best in the birds team. But will he and his friends be able to beat the rat team in the match? 

Garbage Garbage Truck by Olena Yagubets (Abrikos publishing house)

The garbage truck is the favorite toy car of many children. He is so beloved that the children gave him an interesting name – Garby. From the pages of the book, children will learn where Garby the garbage truck goes during the day, whether it is possible to make friends with him and why it is important to sort garbage.

“Tasty Alphabet” by Marko Teren (“ASSA” publishing house)

Learning the letters of the Ukrainian alphabet with “Tasty Alphabet” is both interesting and very tasty! After all, all the dishes are bright, healthy and so native, because they are prepared by the whole family with a smile and love. The child will look at the wonderful illustrations with pleasure, and thanks to the QR code, he will be able to listen to how creative moms and dads read beautiful and tasty poems; and also to see how, as if in a fairy tale, the pictures come to life on the pages. 

“Just about science. How we appear in the world” Bushkovska Nataliya (“ASSA” publishing house)

This encyclopedia tells about the greatest miracle of the world – the emergence of new life. The book provides answers to the most common children’s questions. What happens after mom and dad meet each other? How is childbirth and what awaits the family after the birth of a child? What are newborn babies like and what do they feel? 

Chapters of the book:

– How does it all begin?

– How is the birth?

– After childbirth.

– Breastfeeding.

– Infertility.

– Artificial insemination.

– Adoption of a child.

– If the couple does not want children.

– Are mom and dad always there?

– What are babies like?

– What do babies feel?

– Why are we born so helpless?

Reveal all the secrets of birth to children!

“Where and from” by Romana Romanyshyn, Andriy Lesiv (“Stary Lev Publishing House”)

Nothing in the universe is in a state of absolute rest. Movement is natural: Earth, water on it, atmosphere, continents, all living organisms are in continuous movement. We walk, run, jump, crawl, swim, fly. We are traveling. This book is about movement and journeys: not only people, but also animals, plants, wind, water, our planet. It tells about journeys for trade or conquest, about journeys for pleasure and recreation or for survival, about scientific expeditions and pilgrimages. About migrations, maps, navigation and, ultimately, about finding your own way. Two words that a traveler often hears when traveling are “where” and “from where.” “Where are you going?”, “Where are you from?”. This book is a visual and intellectual journey through thousands of years in search of answers to these and many other questions.

“The Great Cosmic Apchikh” by Slava Svitova (“Stary Lev Publishing House”)

Little Veronichka does not know how to sneeze quietly. Because of her loud voice, every day she gets into new curious adventures: sometimes she stops the movement of the entire street, sometimes she disrupts the lesson at school. During a trip with her parents to the zoo, she comes up with a witty game: how to tickle the elephant’s heels? So you can fly into space! But how to return to Earth to mom and dad?… This witty picture book of Slava Svitova with illustrations by Anna Lomakina will tell you about it.

“I give my brother for the subscription. Your Instagram diary” Sasha Kochubey (“Stary Lev Publishing House”)

In your hands is a two-in-one book. On the one hand, it is a witty novel by Sasha Kochubey about a girl named Zo, who decided to become a popular blogger. It’s not easy to portray yourself as an exemplary influencer when your dog’s favorite toy is underwear, and your little brother is tooting your horns during photoshoots and chipping at your nail polish. You will find out whether Zo will be able to gain a million subscribers after reading the book. If you turn the book over, you will get an insta-diary for beginner bloggers. The author shares big and small insta-secrets: how to develop a blogging strategy, design a profile header, what photos to post, how to shoot a video and live broadcasts, how to differentiate yourself from other blogs. Instadaily is almost like a school diary, only more fun: with lessons, but without grades and rules.

“Myroslava and others from our court” by Olga Kupriyan (Stary Lev Publishing House)

“Myroslava and others from our yard” is a funny and sincere novel for young readers by the writer Olga Kupriyan about all those miracles and vicissitudes that happen to us only in childhood, when you are ten and vacations are a whole life lasting in the summer! Nikita and Miroslava are friends, quarrel and make up again, learn to earn their first money by walking grandmother Sonia’s dog or little Zlata, try to summon Rubber Ass… And they also live together all the joys and sorrows and know how to enjoy small things – like a piece of the “Mriya” plane in the sky!

“Where are you Dino?” Oleksandr Orlov (“Stary Lev Publishing House”)

Dina is a land turtle. But together with his little owner, he goes on a journey to the sea. It is not surprising that the boy has to constantly look for her when they are outside the city residence. And his beloved grandfather Mykola helps him in his search. He used to be a ship captain and now works as a lighthouse keeper, so he has lots of interesting stories and activities for his grandson. Grandpa and little one are the two best friends. Together, they take care of the lighthouse, and at the end of the vacation, the boy receives a wonderful gift from his grandfather, which will remind him of the summer at the seaside – with his grandfather and the irrepressible Dina.

“The Happiest Lion” Oleksandr Shatokhin (Stary Lev Publishing House)

In hot Africa lives Levenya, who dreams of being a musician. But Tato-lion is against it, because he believes that Levenia should become the king of beasts. And for this one must learn to growl menacingly, and not to play and sing. Will Levenyat have to give up his own dream?

“Sam, without problems” by Oksana Lushchevska (Stary Lev Publishing House)

Sam goes to ballroom dancing and even wins honors. However, one day dad decides that the boy must become a real fighter – and enrolls him in the hand-to-hand combat section. And here the real adventures begin. Will Sam be able to withstand a much stronger opponent? Will Angelinka find her dance partner? You will learn about everything while traveling through the pages of this dynamic, humorous book.

“Love, Grandfather and Tomatoes” Nataliya Yasinovska (“Stary Lev Publishing House”)

Thirteen-year-old Olesya lives with her grandparents and lives an ordinary teenage life: she goes to school, spends time with her best friends Inna and Alina, looks at boys… Until at one point everything changes. Her beloved literature teacher is replaced by a young student, and the girl’s grandfather suddenly falls ill. Olesya is left alone with her experiences. Until the new teacher offers the students to keep a school blog, where the girl vents her feelings. Yes, step by step, her life takes on new and completely unexpected colors.

“The Ghost Who Couldn’t Sleep” by Natalka Maletych (“Stary Lev Publishing House”)

A ghost lives in an abandoned house on the outskirts of the city. He is terribly lonely, since there are no people around to visit in the evening. Turn off the night lamp for someone who fell asleep with a book, cover the child with a blanket. And then, returning home, sleep sweetly for the whole day. Ghost has lost sleep since all his neighbors moved out. However, one day everything changes. After all, a young family with a girl is moving into the haunted house…

“Easter Story” Natalka Maletych (Stary Lev Publishing House)

Jonah is an ordinary boy with an extraordinary destiny. Children on the streets of Capernaum tease him with Znaida, because the boy is being raised by an elderly widow who found him young on the shore of Lake Gennesaret. Jonah wants to be a fisherman, like most of the men in his town, and he also dreams of a good father like Jesus. The boy cannot even imagine that the Teacher will soon face difficult trials… “The Easter Story” invites readers to travel back in time to the origins of Christianity, when Jesus lived and preached in Capernaum, and Jonah, most likely, was among those who listened to the Teacher and lived imitating His teachings.

“Honey and Pate – fantastic wind blowers” by Ulyan Chub (“A-BA-BA-HA-LA-MA-HA” publishing house)

Pate the rabbit and Honey the bear are close friends. Pate is a skilled cook with a heart sensitive to beauty, and Honey is an appreciative foodie who carries a backpack of family heirlooms over her shoulders. Friends travel around the world on Khumasi’s motorcycle – France, the Carpathians, the Zeleny Peninsula… There are many adventures ahead of them – sometimes funny, and sometimes scary. Hold on, the motorcycle is rattling again… Let’s go after them, after these restless wind turbines, about which the talented young writer Ulyana Chuba wrote so wonderfully.

“Where dreams wander” by Rostislav Popskyi (“A-BA-BA-HA-LA-MA-HA” publishing house)

The new book “Where Dreams Wander”, drawn and written by the leading Ukrainian illustrator Rostyslav Popskyi, invites children from 2 to 102 to the world of children’s dreams…

“Steamboats and whales” Hryhoriy Falkovich (A-BA-BA-HA-LA-MA-HA publishing house)

This is a book of new and newest poems by the classic of modern Ukrainian children’s literature Hryhoriy Falkovych. How fortunate that this incredible poet lives and actively works somewhere near us – a sage, a wit, a joker and a gentle lyricist, whose amazing poems are memorable almost from the first reading! The book was illustrated by two brilliant young artists — Yana Grankovska and Rostyslav Popskyi.

“A large illustrated book of fairy tales. Volume 2” Compiled by Ivan Malkovych (A-BA-BA-HA-LA-MA-HA publishing house)

Fairy tales by Ukrainian and foreign writers with drawings by leading Ukrainian illustrators. Editing and general editing by Ivan Malkovych.

“How to mold a snowman” by Olenka Bugrenkov (“A-BA-BA-HA-LA-MA-HA” publishing house)

Two inseparable friends the rabbit Ronnie and the bug Cook are looking for new adventures. Last time they almost got to the moon, and now they decided to make a snowman. And they succeeded to their credit, but… You will learn about “but” and everything else when you read this wonderful book by Olena Bugrenkova.

This is the second volume in the series about Ronnie and Cook. The book is made of light, high-quality cardboard, which will withstand reading and violent examination of the most active children 😉

“Panda likes to travel” by Lesya Movchun (Stary Lev Publishing House)

Traveling through the pages of Lesia Movchun’s poetry collection, children make friends with her characters – a panda, hedgehogs, elephants, polar bears, snails and a bragging dog, drawn with love by illustrator Nataliya Oliynyk. Each poem in the book is also a wonderful language game: there are tongue twisters, counters, and endless rhymes, thanks to which you can develop a child’s speech and train his memory. “Panda likes to travel” is an indispensable book for fun family reading.

“A fast horse and a very bicycle adventure” by Yurii and Tetiana Gaidai (“Yakaboo Publishing”)

Oles lives in a town near the mountains. He often looks at them from afar and dreams of going there on his bicycle. In the end, Oles goes on a journey with his father, a rescue helicopter pilot. Who will they meet there and what secret will they reveal? Who are “fast-footed” and how to become one of them?

“A fast and very bicycle adventure” is a story about childhood and growing up, about trails in the mountains and in life. And about how diverse the world is. Especially when you are on a bicycle! The artistic story is supplemented with interesting cognitive inserts. Young and old readers will learn about special chromolka and magic sealant, learn to distinguish between a city bike and a mountain bike, and find out how to prepare for a two-wheeled trip. The authors of the book, Yura and Tanya, are not professional cyclists, but they adore rovers and teach their children to ride two-wheeled vehicles from an early age.

“The Lazy One Who Loved to Run” by Olesya Keshelya-Isak (“Yakaboo Publishing”)

The book was shortlisted for the Children’s Book of the Year BBC-2020 award. The debut of the year in prose” according to the results of the “Top BaraBuka” rating. This is a fun and moving story for children about running, love, friendship, support, and learning about yourself and the world around you. The main character Theo does not know how to sit still and loves to run the most. Just like his mother, for whom running is an integral part of life. Theo knows a lot about runners, but when he prepares to take part in a children’s race, he has a lot of questions. What does it take to become a champion? How to learn to always be first? And the most important thing is how and when to reveal his secret to his mother, which will explain why he is so “fidgety”?…In addition to the fiction, the book contains informative information: how to eat for young runners, how to choose comfortable sneakers, what is the heart rate and why it is important to measure it, what are marathons, half-marathons and children’s races and how to participate in them. And every young reader who reads the book to the end is guaranteed to receive a medal.

In the second stage, each expert of the “Literature for Children” nomination will choose five candidate books from this list, which they will place in order of ranking.

Accordingly:

1st place (5 points) — winner and further 

II place (4 points),

III place (3 points),

IV place (2 points),

V place (1 point).

The organizing committee, by counting points, will determine 3 books that will go to the third stage of voting. These finalist works will be presented at the discretion of readers in libraries throughout Ukraine. During this voting, the final winner will be determined.

Book prize “Espreso. “Readers’ Choice” was founded by the “Espreso” TV channel and is supported by the NGO “Demforum”. Its presentation took place on May 18, 2017 as part of the “Book Arsenal” in Kyiv.

The award is designed to celebrate the best Ukrainian modern literary novelties of the year, to support the interest of Ukrainians in reading books by domestic authors. To help readers choose interesting books, and publishers to find a way to readers. The winners of the Prize will be announced at the beginning of December 2021 on the air of the “Espreso” TV channel, on the “Espreso.TV” and “Demforum” websites.

Longlist announced for the “Children’s Literature” category in the fifth edition of the “Espreso. Readers’ Choice 2021” book award (part two)

A total of 210 applications for participation in the literary contest were received from 31 publishing houses of Ukraine. The organizing committee carefully checked all the publications sent by the publishing houses for compliance with the requirements. After that, Long lists of books for the competition were formed in three nominations: “Literature for adults”, “Literature for teenagers” and “Literature for children”. Readers’ Choice 2021″. 

By the second stage, 79 book novelties from 16 publishing houses were included in the Long List of Books in the “Literature for Children” category.

“Kotyhoroshka. Tangled tales” Anastasia Lavrenishyna, Halyna Tkachuk, Oksana Lushchevska, Alina Shtefan, Mia Marchenko, Valentina Vzdulska, Sasha Kochubei, Anna Khromova (Ranok publishing house)

Modern authors often turn to fairy tales, reinterpret them and create new texts – fairy tales in a new way. The collection “Kitten” contains eight tangled fairy tales by Ukrainian children’s writers. Anastasia Lavrenishyna tells an alternative story of Kolobok, Halyna Tkachuk introduces readers to Olenka Zmiyuchka, and Oksana Lushchevska presents Marie, a wise girl with a high IQ. In her fairy tale, Alina Shtefan travels to planet 581g to Kira’s “crooked duck”, while Mia Marchenko’s fairy tale takes readers to Podil, where Kozhumyaka and Princess Anna save Kyiv. Valentina Vzdulska tells the story of the dog and the wolf in a new way, and Sasha Kochubei presents a new heroine – Kotygoroshka. And in conclusion – a parable-tale by Anya Khromova about a heart in an iron chest.

“How to roar correctly” by Olesya Mamchich (“Ranok” publishing house)

Sometimes it’s quite useful to read… instructions. In her collection of poems for children, Olesya Mamchich gives a whole list of tips on how to howl properly. And it also tells what to do when a mouse gets into the house, how to scare away all the fears of the world and where to get goats. The heroes of Olesya’s poems are wise moles, a hatched shovel, predatory skis, a chameleon, bags, a flying donkey, a suitcase… The author’s texts are full of unusual rhymes, similes, verbal puns, so they are sure to entertain both children and adults.

“Viktor_Robot.Diary of a collector of planets” by Anastasia Lavrenishin (“Ranok” publishing house)

Viktor_Robot, the main mechanic of the artificial star Zoryana, flies to Earth to the girl Vika – the granddaughter of Zoryana’s inventor. His goal is to find out how the iron star was created and for whom it should shine. Vika can’t answer all of Victor’s questions, but she does have the Planet Collector’s Diary. Grandfather Markiyan wrote it just when he was inventing Zoryana. Together with Viktor_Robot and Vika, readers of Anastasia Lavrenishyna’s book will dive into the world of dreams, astrophysical theories and their practical application, fly to the Moon, cross the Universe and return to their native land again. 

“UFO behind the village” by Nataliya Bon (“Ranok” publishing house)

Unidentified flying objects, or UFOs, land where they are not supposed to be seen. And of course, they do it at night. However, if the UFO decided to land behind the village of Bilenky, the secret is unlikely to remain a secret. Aliens have decided to conquer Earth. But our planet has brave defenders.

“Chubzyky” Serhiy Loskot (“Ranok” publishing house)

In a small village with the funny name of Trivka-Dmy, there lives a man named Penzlyk. Nearby, in other hamlets and settlements, his fellow tribesmen live peacefully, and behind the village meadows – the old wizard Nobody – the oldest chubzik and Penzlyk’s great-great-grandfather. However, after a hundred-year hibernation, the White Queen wakes up. She wants to regain her power, capture and enslave not only the Chubziks and residents of the Hundred and One Kingdoms, but also the glorious Myla-Moor – the city of cats and former witches. A sinister army of stuffed animals comes to her aid. Who will restore peace? 

“Fairies and the Elixir of Happiness” by Yulita Ran (“Ranok” publishing house)

Do you think that fairies are fragile creatures who just flutter from flower to flower in cute lace dresses all day long? But no! They, like people, are different. Asha, Torry, Lycaea and Glianna are four modern fairies who live in the big city. And although they are tiny, like butterflies, they do not lack courage! But will the friends finally manage to defeat the evil professor and save the City from his dangerous elixir? To find out, just open the book!

“Fairies and the Crystal of Life” by Yulita Ran (“Ranok” publishing house)

Do you think that fairies are fragile creatures who only flutter from flower to flower in lace dresses? But no! They, like people, are different. Asha, Torry, Lycaea and Glianna are four modern fairies who live in the big city. And although they are tiny, like butterflies, they do not lack courage! This time, the friends went to distant Brazil… where they found themselves in the middle of a fierce struggle between jungle fairies and dangerous banana spiders. That’s right! Quickly open the book.

“An Epidemic of Good Behavior” by Stanislav Solovinsky (“Ranok” publishing house)

This is a story about how the children of one kindergarten group suddenly start doing good deeds. At home, in kindergarten or outside – every day for a good deed. And if it doesn’t work out, they don’t come up with anything – they get nervous, almost panic, which really surprises their parents. What is the reason for the mysterious epidemic of good behavior?

“Squirrels, Skipper, Albatross, or The Story of How Snowboarding Began” by Eva Solska (Ranok publishing house)

A fun and dynamic story about two little squirrels who are always looking for adventures and are not afraid of anything. Their desire for the new and the unknown is the driving force behind this story. It is permeated with good humor and the magical atmosphere of the winter forest. The story very easily and sincerely tells about loyalty, friendship and courage. 

“The Lilac Bear, or the Living Toy Me” by Maryana Goryanska (“Ranok” publishing house)

This is a touching story about the friendship between the boy Romchik and his lilac bear Buni. The bear shares all the joys and sorrows with the boy, helps him overcome illness and fears, and gives him all the love that his plush heart can hold. The book gives the reader the feeling that any magic is possible as long as the heart is able to love and believe in a miracle.

“Secret Order of the Great Stingray” by Hanna Buyaji (Ranok publishing house)

Once upon a time, extremely wise people lived on earth who knew how to listen and hear each other. And for this they did not need words, because they heard with their hearts. Over time, people lost their gift and became deaf to each other. It was then that an unusual girl, Svitanka, was born, who did not know how to speak the language of people, but imitated all the sounds of nature and, most importantly, knew how to listen and sing with her heart. Later, Svitanka had friends who also learned this art. Together, they were able to create real miracles and change the world for the better.

“Let’s be friends!” Anastasia Merenkova (Ranok publishing house)

This is a story about a little wolf. One day, Mom gave Wulf two candies – for him and for his new friend, whom the wolf cub still had to find. But the kid did not understand why he needed friends with whom he would have to share candy. After all, Wulf did not like to share, but he loved sweets very much! How will a wolf find a friend if no one wants to be friends with the greedy? Maybe happiness is not in candy? 

“Hedgehog and Maple Leaf” by Eva Solska (“Ranok” publishing house)

This story is about the little hedgehog Grigoryk. He loves sweets and mom and dad very much. And play with friends. Once the hedgehog forgot to congratulate his mother on her birthday. And now what to cheer her up?

“Kitten and the Sun” by Eva Solska (“Ranok” publishing house)

This is a story about a small and very inquisitive kitten Bonya. Once, a red bug with black spots sat right on his nose – a ladybug. I have never seen such a kitten. Bonnie wondered why these bugs were called that. Maybe because they are useful? Is it because they live in heaven? Or maybe we are all sunshine for our loved ones and relatives?

“My super grandfather” Hennadiy Melamed (“Ranok” publishing house) 

This is a story about a little squirrel Bella, who was forbidden to eat sweets, because she is allergic. Bella was very angry and ran away to her grandparents: they love her and will let her eat chocolate! How to convince a child to temporarily give up sweets and reconcile her with her parents? It’s good that the grandfather has a superpower – wisdom and love for his granddaughter. 

“Bear fishing” Hennadiy Melamed (“Ranok” publishing house)

Once the children’s writer Gennady Melamed met a real gentleman – a toy bear Mr. Whitham. Mr. Whitham was so kind in communication and manners that he inspired Gennady to write a story about the life of the small bear town Honey Deal. The book “Bear Fishing” is permeated with subtle humor, it tells about gentlemanly friendship, ingenious inventions, music and fishing. And the unusual combination of illustrations and photos of toys blurs the line between reality and fiction and gives the impression that this story really happened. 

“The Great Journey” Hennadiy Melamed (“Ranok” publishing house)

Once upon a time, rumors about the existence of a large cave, where giants lived in ancient times, reached a small bear town called Medovy Dil. Immediately, two brave bear friends – Mr. Whitham and the crazy inventor Mr. Taunton – set out to explore the dwelling of the giants, not afraid of danger and the unknown. “The Great Journey” is a story about friendly support, subtle humor, ingenuity and home comfort, which is sure to greet a traveler after long journeys. And the unusual combination of illustrations and photos of toys blurs the line between reality and fiction and gives the impression that this story really happened.

“Mesozoic on the fourth floor” Stanislav Solovinskyi (“Ranok” publishing house)

“Mesozoic on the fourth floor” is a book about smart, clever and, one might even say, strong people! What to do if diplodocus eggs were laid in your apartment? And suddenly the thieves got in? And if the pet triceratops got sick? All these problems the heroes of the book click like seeds! But it is more difficult with a slipper, which is independently carried around the neighborhood. Or maybe mom suddenly decided that it’s time for you to learn Chinese. These are problems! But the heroes of the Mesozoic stories on the fourth floor will try to cope with this too! 

“Talalayk’s Space Adventure” by Tetiana Vynnyk (Bukrek Publishing House)

In the second book by Tetyana Vinnyk, incredible space adventures await the more mature Darinka and Talalayk. They meet new friends and go all the way to space in an inflatable balloon! Together with the heroes, the reader will learn what the planets of the Solar System look like, what is the mass of the Sun, who is called Earth’s twin, and how many years it takes to cross the Galaxy. The book, like the Universe with stars, is dotted with good jokes, sayings and children’s discoveries. For little and not only readers who want to know what the solar wind, the Oort cloud and the asteroid belt are.

“Seven holiday wishes. Overheard and recorded from Iceland to China” by Yulita Ran, Sashko Dermanskyi, Miya Marchenko, Oleg Chaklun, Oksana Davydova, Yuliya Ilyukha, Hanna Osadko (“Chitarium” publishing house)

A colorful collection of fairy tales “Seven holiday wishes. Overheard and recorded from Iceland to China” created by talented Ukrainian writers and illustrators will become a real symbol of winter holidays. It will introduce children to the traditions of different countries in an exciting way and will give a magical mood.

“Alphabet for restlessness” by Iryna Tkachuk (“Chitarium” publishing house)

If you thought that learning letters was boring, then you just didn’t get your hands on “Alphabet for the restless”. The book is not just an alphabet, but also a fun movement. That is why the process of learning letters is easy and fun. The child will be happy to repeat all the movements of the characters, and will also get to know the diverse world of animals. The alphabet was developed taking into account all the recommendations of an age-related physiologist, so the movements proposed in it will be simple, understandable and useful for every child. The peculiarity of “Alphabet for restless people” is that it is created using only food dyes. This will help to completely avoid allergic reactions if the child literally wants to “bite the granite of science”. Learn letters in a new way, developing the child’s abilities, strengthening his physical health and having fun!

“Maika Palivoda chooses a profession” by Mia Marchenko (“Chitarium” publishing house)

“Maika Palivoda chooses a profession” by Mia Marchenko is the first book in the series. It’s a fun unusual story with “living” characters and curious events. The plot tells about an ordinary girl Maya, whom everyone calls simply Mike. She has a noisy family and two temperamental cats, loyal friends who are unlike each other and many preferences. But one day Maitya is given a homework assignment to write a report about what profession she wants to have in the future. Such a question is difficult for Maika, because she would dance, and swim, and take pictures, and climb high mountains, and be a detective, and much more… What will the girl choose? Learn from the book. Young readers will definitely like the book about Mike, because it touches on such important topics for them and reveals them, it entertains and makes you laugh heartily, it gives a good mood and exciting pastime!

“The Fly, the Bell and Christmas” by Vika Miziuk (“Stary Lev Publishing House”)

Little Mukha (whose real name is Mariyka) is waiting for unusual winter holidays. Her grandmother ends up in the hospital, and there is almost no contact with her. On St. Nicholas, among other gifts, the girl receives an amazing silver bell, which has magical power. Who gave it to her and why? She needs to have time to prepare for Christmas and for grandmother’s return, to take care of herself and the cat, the flocks of birds that for some reason flooded the city, the mysterious White Lady who appeared out of nowhere, and most importantly – to solve the mystery of the silver bell. Without her best friend Lucy and her fiercest enemy Andriy Mucha, she would not have been able to cope with all this. And also – I would not have known that miracles happen and even the coldest heart can melt from a sincere friendly touch.

“E-stories of Eka’s excavator” by Victoria Amelina (Stary Lev Publishing House)

Eka is a small excavator. But his adventures are big, sometimes on a global scale. He, like a real superhero, can harm or save the world. Eka likes to tell about his amazing adventures: how he scooped up half the sea with a bucket, how he plucked a star from the sky, how he almost stole an iceberg in Antarctica. Eka really wants to be useful. Either he will help St. Nicholas, or he will bring a dinosaur skeleton to the museum, or he will save his beloved park from destruction. Maybe, like the famous Baron Munchausen, Eka exaggerates a little in his e-e-stories? But they are also “E-e-stories of the excavator Eka” – funny stories of the most talkative excavator in the world.

“36 and 6 rescue cats” by Galina Vdovichenko (“Stary Lev Publishing House”)

“36 and 6 rescue cats” is the new, fourth book in a row of the cat epic by the famous Ukrainian writer Halyna Vdovichenko, which readers-fans are eagerly waiting for. This time, restless tailed heroes create a cat rescue service. Cats go on challenges, but they do not manage to feel like real rescuers. They are pursued by failure after failure: sometimes they pull out a raccoon from a machine with chips, which does not consider itself a victim, then they grab a package with dry food that someone lost from under the wheels on the expressway, and instead of thanks, they receive accusations of theft… During the next call, Commentator-Black Cat mysteriously disappears. While friends everywhere are looking for him, a campaign to discredit the rescue cats is unfolding in the city. Will the cats manage to get out of trouble and dangers that are lurking at them from everywhere – read in an interesting and dynamic story with wonderful illustrations by Natalka Haida.

“Mysteries” by Galina Vdovichenko (Stary Lev Publishing House)

In the center of Lviv, tiny winged girls and boys live on the roofs – mistels. These are city elves. Each of them has their own tower, their own work and common entertainment in the air. One day their carefreeness will come to an end. The city’s dungeons will be taken over by mutant rats that will threaten the entire city. Not only humans and mistels will have to defend themselves…

In the second stage, each expert of the “Literature for Children” nomination will choose five candidate books from this list, which they will place in order of ranking.

Accordingly:

1st place (5 points) — winner and further 

II place (4 points),

III place (3 points),

IV place (2 points),

V place (1 point).

The organizing committee, by counting points, will determine 3 books that will go to the third stage of voting. These finalist works will be presented at the discretion of readers in libraries throughout Ukraine. During this voting, the final winner will be determined.

Book prize “Espreso. “Readers’ Choice” was founded by the “Espreso” TV channel and is supported by the NGO “Demforum”. Its presentation took place on May 18, 2017 as part of the “Book Arsenal” in Kyiv.

The award is designed to celebrate the best Ukrainian modern literary novelties of the year, to support the interest of Ukrainians in reading books by domestic authors. To help readers choose interesting books, and publishers to find a way to readers. The winners of the Prize will be announced at the beginning of December 2021 on the air of the “Espreso” TV channel, on the “Espreso.TV” and “Demforum” websites.

Longlist announced for the “Children’s Literature” category in the fifth edition of the “Espreso. Readers’ Choice 2021” book award (part one)

A total of 210 applications for participation in the literary contest were received from 31 publishing houses of Ukraine. The organizing committee carefully checked all the publications sent by the publishing houses for compliance with the requirements. After that, Long lists of books for the competition were formed in three nominations: “Literature for adults”, “Literature for teenagers” and “Literature for children”. Readers’ Choice 2021″. 

By the second stage, 79 book novelties from 16 publishing houses were included in the Long List of Books in the “Literature for Children” category.

“Alexa Dovbush. The Secret of Power” Vasyl Karpiuk (“Discursus” publishing house)

Do you know who Oleksa Dovbush is? Probably so, because there is no greater hero in all the Carpathians! But the story of the most formidable leader of the Carpathian opryshkas began with a stubborn boy who unexpectedly received great power for himself. Plunging into this story, you and Oleksa will live in the forest next to wolves and vyrkas, join the Opryshki band and look into the world of the heroic past of the Carpathians. And most importantly, in the end you will find out where Oleksin’s Power came from and whether he was able to master it.

“Alphabet” by Iryna Rutilo (publishing house “Kalamar”)

The alphabet is the book from which everything begins: the love of reading, language, knowledge, and time spent with loved ones. Therefore, this first book of a child is chosen with special trepidation. We have created such an Alphabet that even an adult will read from the first page to the last! Because she really impresses! Why? Read on! 

1. Volumetric letters can not only be read, but also felt with your fingers. This approach is the first step towards language perception in the future.

2. Development of fine motor skills – the book seems to invite children to touch and feel the pages from all sides.

3. Unexpected bold images for each letter created by the wonderful designer Iryna Rutilo. Our young readers and their parents admire them.

4. Every turn is full of sophisticated humor and hidden meanings that will amuse even adults.

5. Extremely high-quality, dense edition will accustom to good books from an early age.

“Divodrim and Pajama Lady” by Ira Bov (children’s art publishing house “Black Sheep”)

Little Yasa’s parents went on business. The girl does not want to go to bed because she misses them very much. In order for the granddaughter to fall asleep, the grandfather recalls a legend from his childhood about the wizard Dyvodream, who can fly, be invisible and even fulfill secret wishes. But you can meet him only in a dream. What wish will Yasya make? Where will they travel with Divodrim? And how to find out if all this is real?

“Tales for Eliza” Oleksandr Gavrosh (“NK-Bogdan” publishing house)

Dear Eliza! Do you remember how we read these fairy tales out loud, wrapped in a checkered blanket? You snorted, sighed, wrinkled your snub nose, but mostly laughed. I wrote them for you because I didn’t have the courage to say everything that was on my confused heart. Therefore, he poured his feelings into various stories. You will find yourself in each of them. I hope that this book will someday fall into your hands, and you will remember a blooming grove, fallen leaves, the first snow or your gray cat… Thank you for being there. Thank you for being and will be – in my unique vision of the world. Your author. 

“The White Wolf on the Black Path” by Nadiya Humenyuk (“NK-Bohdan” publishing house)

The hero of this book did not think, did not imagine what an interesting journey he, an ordinary schoolboy Markiyan Kozachenko, would have. But somehow, the Cossack Mamai jumped out of the old portrait that hung in his room. And it spun around. First, Markiyan got into the parallel time corridor of Ukraine, then – to Zaporizhzhia Sich, and from there – all the way to Berestechka. During this journey, so many adventures fell on his clever head that he only had time: to be surprised, to dodge bullets and sabers, to get out of the dungeon of the ancient castle, and to discover the secret of the book of the monk Luka, and even to free Hetman Khmelnytsky himself. But when faithful friends are nearby, everything can be overcome. And at the same time – to change for the better. Now Markian understands well what the words mean: “A Cossack is not afraid of a cloud or a quarrel.”

“Meeting on the Barefoot Bridge” by Nadiya Humenyuk (“NK-Bohdan” publishing house)

If it weren’t for Radik Buslyk and red-haired Boniface, then, quite likely, this mysterious dungeon in the suburbs would still be hiding from people the treasure hidden in it many years ago. But the cat, the boy and his friends are so restless, smart and inquisitive! And do not lend them courage. Because, let’s face it, not everyone dares to go down into the dungeon, where it is not only interesting, but also very dangerous. A fun adventure story written by Nadia Gumenyuk will not leave indifferent little dreamers and adventure seekers.

“Marusy’s Important Matters” by Sasha Voytsehivska (“Nash Format” publishing house)

This book is about the little girl Marusya, who still lives in her mother’s tummy. She gets to know the world from her mother’s words and movements, from her father’s voice and touches, from the various surrounding sounds, which are sometimes strange, but very, very interesting… And then the miracle of birth and the miracle of discovering the world happens! This is a book about the awe-inspiring anticipation, the first communication with the baby, when he or she is still in the mother’s tummy. But even there, the child already has a lot of important things to do: get to know dad, light, warmth, touches, play in the first hide and seek, show character. And later comes the moment of such a long-awaited first meeting and hundreds of different firsts: meeting relatives, first new dishes, first protests, first touches of the environment and the first “wow!”

“Me and the monster George. How to be healthy” A. Yu. Varnavska (Osnova Publishing Group)

George is the hero of this book, a cheerful and sociable monster. It tells in clear language about important things: why it is important to make friends, to help mom, how to take care of health and safety. Instructive stories, useful advice from the monster and colorful illustrations will interest your child and help him acquire useful skills, in particular, to play together and communicate. For adult children 3-6 years old to read.

“Me and the monster George. How to communicate” A. Yu. Varnavska (Osnova Publishing Group)

George is the hero of this book, a cheerful and sociable monster. It tells in clear language about important things: why it is important to make friends, to help mom, how to take care of health and safety. Instructive stories, useful advice from the monster and colorful illustrations will interest your child and help him acquire useful skills, in particular, to play and communicate in a friendly manner.

For reading to adult children 3-6 years old.

“Dino mom. A book of important thoughts before sleep” Mila Yarosevich (Osnova Publishing Group)

Dino-mom is a fairy-tale story that teaches a child to learn about the world in the form of a game, trying on roles and models, recognizing himself in the characters and answering questions. This fairy tale helps to accept and love your world, and that is why this book is about authenticity, not ideality. Dino-mom is not only for children. This is the story of a mother and her large and small family, in which it is easy to recognize your own. Being a mother is a great gift and a great responsibility. Every mother should know why it is so important to unite the family, to do something together, to accept everyone as they are, to make mistakes, but not to give up and to appreciate every little moment. Dino-mom is an invitation to the world of childhood, which is especially beautiful because everything is possible here.

“Think for yourself! 10 cool ways to teach a child to think critically. 4 — 5 years” Victoria V’yunnyk, Hanna Novyk (“Osnova” Publishing Group)

You want your child to:

She had her own opinion and could argue it.

Recognized real facts and false statements.

Did you independently make choices, make decisions and take responsibility for your actions and words?

Or maybe you are worried about the fact that the child can become a victim of manipulation and planting someone else’s position and reasoning? Our book is the answer to your expectations! With the help of the simple techniques offered, step by step, you will form the first solid foundation of 4K skills — critical thinking, creativity, communication, and the ability to work in a team. They are extremely important, included in the TOP-10 skills of a modern successful person of the XXI century.

The purpose of the book is to help parents gradually and unobtrusively introduce the child to the modern information world, to prepare it with simple exercises, to create a basis for development and learning.

This unique guide was created by mothers of two to six children. Both mothers have been working with preschool children for more than 20 years, continuously studying themselves and teaching thousands of teachers of Ukraine methods and techniques for working with modern preschoolers. They liked the methods of teaching children through games and love to share their creative discoveries with parents and teachers.

The book in your hands is the first swallow of these authors on the development of “4K”. Stay tuned for the next tutorials. They will also be interesting, meaningful, and most importantly, practical. FREE additional exercise pages are available via QR code. 

“Lyakazochki” by Irene Rozdobudko (publishing house “Nash Format”)

There was a girl named Sofiyka. She was three years old. One day, my mother took Sofiyka to admire the Christmas tree. But the girl did not want it – she became capricious and only repeated: “I want a bun! I want a bun!” And then Big Bulla came to her… Every child sometimes likes to mess around, poke around, poke around, is naughty, afraid of the dark, doesn’t want to clean up toys after themselves – and many other things… Do you know how to overcome this? It’s very simple: read to your child the fun, funny, very unexpected scarecrows of the popular writer Irene Rozdobudko. And you will see that your child very easily recognizes himself in various “scary” situations that he himself experienced. And make sure that in reality everything is not scary at all, but on the contrary – fun!

“Kuzya, Zyuzya and company” Vsevolod Nestaiko (publishing house “Nash Format”)

Mosquito Zyuzya was very restless. He believed that he himself knew everything and that obedient children did not achieve anything in life, and only disobedient ones did. And so the mosquito kindergarten went for a walk – and Zyuzya fought off the group and went to look for adventure. And, of course, stuck in the first and best web… The publication is a unique combination of universally recognized classics and modern creative art. More than one generation of Ukrainian children grew up on the amazing fairy tales of the ever-popular Vsevolod Nestaik – and they are still as important and relevant as if they had just been written! Spectacular, modern artistic design by Nadiya Kushnir gives a truly “new breath” to classic fairy tales.

“Lost in the camp” by Nastya Muzychenko (publishing house “Nash Format”)

Matvii and Mia are going to rest in a mountain camp. Fresh air, discos, quests and other entertainment – everything is as usual in such camps. But only until Matvii accidentally learns about a mystical, even creepy story that happened here a few years ago. And such stories, as you know, have a habit of repeating themselves – and here our heroes find themselves at the epicenter of events…

“Princess-blogger” Oleg Chaklun (publishing house “Nash Format”)

Valeria is the truest princess. She is the daughter of a king and queen, lives in a castle and leads a social life. But at the same time, Valeria is the most genuine blogger who not only thinks up various pranks and pranks, not only implements what she has planned, but also tells everyone about it on her blog. How to eat pies from the royal kitchen while they are still hot, and therefore the tastiest? How to outwit the lackey, get the castle guard around your finger, and even make friends with the terrible troll and turn him into an assistant in mischief? All this and many other various life hacks are in Oleg Chaklun’s incredibly funny book “Blogger Princess”.

“The Third Snow” by Ivan Andrusiak (“Nash Format” publishing house)

This book is a new fairy tale about a forest school (not even one) and its clever, mischievous and interesting students. And at the same time, this book is a skillfully “twisted” children’s detective story with a real crime (even more than one) and a real investigation led by an incredibly smart and predatory teacher. But that’s not enough – because “The Third Snow” is also about how modern children react to acute, urgent, painful problems in the life of today’s Ukraine… In fact, it’s a story about good and evil, compassion and cruelty, joy and sorrow, laughter and tears – that is, about all the most important things that are always close to you in life and that you definitely need to talk about with a child. But not just talking, but responsibly, accessible, with kindness and love.

“Lanterns” by Oleksandr Dorozhovets (publishing house “Nash Format”)

Keith Martin lives on the outskirts of the city in an old wooden house. He really likes to watch what is happening outside his window, and to fall asleep to the measured dance of colored traffic lights. Thus, while watching, one day he learns a big secret about who oversees that the lights are on and that there is order in the city… But when huge snow falls and a blizzard “blinds the eyes” of traffic lights and lanterns – the world stops, because no one regulates the movement of people and cars, and at night the city is covered with lightless darkness. And then Martin the cat has to share his secret with a friend — because even secrets sometimes need help!

“The Guinea Pig Detective” by Ivan Andrusiak (“Vivat” publishing house)

When mysterious crimes happen, all the animals from the nearby houses, and even those who live on the street, without fail turn to the guinea pig – detective Gerard. However, he is a well-known sweet tooth, so he will take on business only on the condition of a tasty fee. Together with Gerard, you will find out who ate the cat’s breakfast, run away from hungry predators, find out everything about an unknown horror that scares good animals, explore dark crypts and fight fears, and most importantly – learn to catch intruders in an instant, using deduction and logic.

“Royal Robbery” Serhiy Svyridenko (publishing house “Nash Format”)

Princess Nikusiak, while walking in the royal garden, accidentally stepped on the foot of a centipede. The angry centipede demands “one hundred thousand million” compensation for this. But money is scarce in the kingdom, and the frivolous king fashions a paper airplane from a debt note and launches it into the palace window. And then the centipedes capture the prince and two princesses — and the merry catavasia begins! The funny, even laugh-out-loud tale of Serhii Svyridenko “The Royal Robbery” will appeal to both girls and boys. And parents will find a lot of adult wisdom in seemingly casual children’s jokes.

“Adventures on Klavaren Island” by Irene Rozdobudko (“Nash Format” publishing house)

When traveling on a small river, you should be especially careful if there is an old dam on it. Because there may be a cave in the dam… And in the cave there is a real time hole… What awaits the inquisitive fifth-graders, young adventurers Klava and Reno? An uninhabited island that you can call by your own name, a night in a treetop, and a turtle scrambled eggs with coconut sauce for breakfast… But that’s not all. After all, uninhabited islands are often visited by pirates – and then it becomes really dangerous.

“Three fairy tales” by Sashko Dermanskyi (“Nash Format” publishing house)

This book includes three fairy tales by one of the most popular contemporary Ukrainian children’s authors Sashak Dermanskyi: “King of Beech, or the Secret of the Emerald Book”, “Kingdom of Apple Farming” and “Dance of Chugaistra”. They are distinguished by heart-breaking plots and mysterious adventures, amazing characters and brave saviors of Good (Gavryk the beech, Juliet the dragoness, Shmygun the leprechaun and the people of the apple growers, the touching Chugaister, the wise Molfar and the charming meowers, Nathan and Joe, Ivanko, Lilka and Vasko) and the author’s signature humor. And the leitmotif of all these works is the wise call “Take care of the seed of your souls!”

“Delphi” and magicians” Valery Puzik (“ASSA” publishing house)

Modern Odesa. The tanker “Delphi” was attacked by three dragons. They breathe fire and mist and are ready to destroy everything in their path. Eight-year-old Orest can resist them. He just found out that he was chosen as a wizard. Now a lot of tests await the boy. Will the book and medallion that the seagull gave him help Orestes? But will the young wizard have the courage to challenge the Black Dragon and save the city from destruction and oblivion?

“The Secret Life of Rudyk” by Tais Zolotkovska (“Ranok” publishing house)

There lived a cat. Her name was not Marquisa, not Princess – just Rudyk. The screeching cat caused a lot of trouble for the whole family. But was there really no benefit from it? It seems that Rudyk’s favorite thing is to take a nap on the grass under the cherry tree. But as soon as something happens, the cat rushes to help. A real superhero with a fluffy face and sharp claws! In Tais Zolotkovska’s warm and witty story, kindness and care are finally rewarded, and friendship becomes the most valuable gift. Warm illustrations by Maria Rudyk complement the book.

“The owl that was looking for its business” by Yulita Ran (“Ranok” publishing house)

What should a squirrel do who is fed up with the family business of hiding nuts? It’s very simple: choose another! For this, the determined Turri will need to work as a postman, a builder, a counselor and many others. Only after that, the squirrel will find a job that he likes.

“The owl that took the echo for walks” by Eva Solska (Ranok publishing house)

How to stop being afraid of the dark and become brave if you are a little timid owl? Everything is simple. You should find someone who is more afraid than you and take him for walks. A touching fairy tale will help the child gain self-confidence and show that any fear can be overcome. 

“About three brave knights” Anna Tretyak (“Ranok” publishing house)

Once three brave knights — or knights? – went in search of adventure… Do you think it was a long time ago? Not at all. Maybe it’s happening right now! Anna Tretyak’s story is about imagination and play, thanks to which children – and adults! — they can instantly become anyone: astronauts, dinosaur tamers, explorers of new lands, knights and knights. And it is not necessary to go in search of adventures around the world, because imagination can turn even ordinary events into an exciting adventure.

In the second stage, each expert of the “Literature for Children” nomination will choose five candidate books from this list, which they will place in order of ranking.

Accordingly:

1st place (5 points) — winner and further 

II place (4 points),

III place (3 points),

IV place (2 points),

V place (1 point).

The organizing committee, by counting points, will determine 3 books that will go to the third stage of voting. These finalist works will be presented at the discretion of readers in libraries throughout Ukraine. During this voting, the final winner will be determined.

Book prize “Espreso. “Readers’ Choice” was founded by the “Espreso” TV channel and is supported by the NGO “Demforum”. Its presentation took place on May 18, 2017 as part of the “Book Arsenal” in Kyiv.

The award is designed to celebrate the best Ukrainian modern literary novelties of the year, to support the interest of Ukrainians in reading books by domestic authors. To help readers choose interesting books, and publishers to find a way to readers. The winners of the Prize will be announced at the beginning of December 2021 on the air of the “Espreso” TV channel, on the “Espreso.TV” and “Demforum” websites.