Marie's Magic Eggs by Sandra Neil Wallace and Evan Turk - ESSENTIAL

Marie's Magic Eggs - How Marie Procai Kept the Ukrainian Art of Pysanky Alive written by Sandra Neil Wallace, illustrated by Evan Turk. PICTURE BOOK. Astra Publishing House, 2026. $20. 9781662680694

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

The title may be slightly misleading as there is no literal magic involved, just lots of talent and heart, but Marie’s Magic Eggs details the true story of how one Ukrainian immigrant woman preserved the art of pysanky, intricately decorated eggs using beeswax and dye, for the whole world to appreciate.

I loved this informative, well-researched biography of Marie Procai’s life and artistry. I vaguely remember seeing a PBS feature on pysanky as a child, so it was a real treat to read the story of the history behind this art form. I also loved the illustrations because they felt like pysanky art on each page telling the story. I could see this being used in a history class unit on immigration, or in an art class as an example of folk art.

Kiera, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes