Ukrainian book makes it in The New York Times’ best children’s literature list

Ukrainian writers Mariana and Taras Prokhasko's book, "Who Will Make the Snow," made it to The New York Times' list of the best books for children and teenagers in 2023. 

The selection of 18 children's books was published on the publication's website, Rubryka reports.

"Originally published in Ukraine, this sweet, strange, lightly philosophical book, illustrated with soft, scribbly drawings, features newborn twin moles who live in a whimsically imagined woodland community. The title comes from the moles' belief that when they die, they will rise to the clouds and make the snow for those left behind," said the compilers of the selection.

"Who Will Make the Snow?" is the first children's book authored by Mariana and Taras Prokhasko. For Mariana Prokhasko, it was also her first experience as an illustrator.

The English-language version of the book "Who Will Make the Snow," translated by Boris Dralyuk and Jennifer Croft, from Elsewhere Editions, made it to The New York Times ranking. The original book was released by Old Lion Publishing, which has already congratulated the authors.

"Congratulations to Mariana Prokhasko and Taras Prokhasko, and we are extremely pleased with this joyful news!" the publishing house wrote.

"Who Will Make the Snow" received several awards in Ukraine. Specifically, the book won the "Book of the Year BBC – 2013" competition in the "Children's Book of the Year BBC – 2013" category, received the "LitAktsent of the Year 2013" award in the "Poetry and Prose for Children" category, and took the first place in the "Book of the Year'2013" ranking in the "Children's Holiday" category.

Among its international achievements, "Who Will Make the Snow" entered the world catalog "The White Ravens" of the International Youth Library in 2014.

Background

The New York Times is an American daily newspaper published in New York that has been published since September 18, 1851. It is the third-largest newspaper in the country after USA Today and The Wall Street Journal and the 40th in the world.

The New York Times website is considered one of the most popular news sites, with 30 million monthly visitors. The newspaper's slogan is "All the news that's fit to print."