The Legend of the Dipper
Katrusya and her mother love each other dearly. One day, the mother becomes ill, and since there is no running water in the house, Katrusya takes a tin dipper with a long handle and sets out for the river to fetch water for her mother. She hopes to return home before it gets dark, but though Katrusya hurries as fast as she can, nighttime does come.
By the time she reaches the river, Katrusya is very tired. Filling the dipper with cool water, she starts her journey back home. Along the way, Katrusya meets a thirsty dog and then a lovely lady. She must decide whether to share the water with them. Then, she remembers how her mother always told her to be kind to others.
Magical things begin to happen. Each time Katrusya shares the water, the old tin dipper changes to silver and then to gold.
But the most wonderful thing is that Katrusya’s mother gets well after drinking the water.
Katrusya and her mother watch in awe as the dipper rises into the sky and glitters like diamonds amongst the million stars.
View larger samples of the illustrations with accompanying text by clicking on a thumbnail below.
Hardcover pp 32
12″ x 8 1/2″
15 full color illustrations
Printed in the U.S.A.
ISBN #9779444-3-3
Purchase your copy of Legend of the Dipper and Dzvinka will even inscribe it for you personally.
Reviews
“The magical and magnificent retelling of an old legend sends a powerful message of love, bravery,
and kindness as a little girl undertakes a difficult journey to bring help to her ailing mother.
Dzvinka Hayda’s vibrant illustrations and heartfelt storytelling will charm readers of all ages.”
Ksenia Rychtycka, Author and Poet
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“Dzvinka Hayda’s tender illustrations in the style of Ukranian folk art evoke a global teaching tale about the mysterious Big Dipper, and the profoundly stellar need of children for healthy parents.”
Nancy Mellon, Author, Counselor, and Storyteller
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“An Eastern European spin on a classic tale...a Ukrainian take on Carolyn Sherwin Bailey’s 1906
tale...with an introduction of Ukrainian names and acrylic paintings that evoke images...of floral fabrics, while the whiteness of some flowers foreshadow the significance of stars at the story’s conclusion.”
Kirkus Review