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“This richly layered biography frames cultural preservation to honor one’s heritage and develop identity…A visually resplendent, culturally grounded portrait that affirms artistic heritage as enduring identity, resilience, and communal stewardship.”

—School Library Journal, Starred Review

“This heartfelt biographical picture book exemplifies art as a form of resistance. The life of Marie Procai—a Ukrainian immigrant, renowned folk artist, mother, and cornerstone of Ukrainian cultural heritage—is detailed in intricate illustrations reminiscent of the patterns and techniques of pysanky, the traditional Ukrainian art of decorating eggs that Marie preserved and revitalized. Brilliant yellows and blues nod to the Ukrainian flag, and sunflowers symbolize hope and resistance. The mesmerizing illustrations will reveal a new surprise with every read.”

—Foreword Reviews, Starred Review

Marie’s Magic Eggs: How Marie Procai Kept the Ukrainian Art of Pysanky Alive

Written by Sandra Neil Wallace
Illustrated by Evan Turk
Published by Calkins Creek

As a new immigrant to America living in Minneapolis, Marie Procai felt homesick and alone; she missed her homeland, Ukraine. She took comfort in the ancient Ukrainian art of making pysanky, intricately decorated eggs for Easter, an art she learned from her grandmother and brought with her to America. Cradling the pysanka in her hands felt like holding a piece of her homeland and giving her Baba a hug.

Making pysanky made Marie feel a little more hopeful when the Russia’s Red Army invaded Ukraine and forbade anyone from speaking Ukrainian or practicing their traditions, pysanky included. It sustained her spirit when her son was off fighting in World War II, and again when she welcomed Ukrainian refugees into her home after the war. A hardworking entrepreneur, Marie founded the Ukrainian Gift Shop in Minneapolis to keep Ukrainian culture alive in America and share it with everyone.

The legend goes that as long as pysanky are decorated, there will be good in the world. Ukrainian-heritage author Sandra Neil Wallace and award-winning illustrator Evan Turk share this hopeful story of the woman who fought to preserve an essential part of Ukrainian culture.

Primary ISBN: 9781662680694
Publication Date: February 2026
Available As: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook
Picture Book, Age 07 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: Ukraine, United States (Minneapolis MN)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Immigrant

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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