Whether you’re just starting to learn Ukrainian or looking to deepen your skills, reading fiction is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the language and culture. 

From children’s books to accessible classics and modern fiction, this list offers a range of books in Ukrainian for language learners.

For your convenience, we’ve included links to purchase these books on Amazon (affiliate links) and from Ukrainian stores that ship internationally

At the end, you’ll also find a complete guide on where to buy even more books in Ukrainian abroad!

Books in Ukrainian for Beginners

1. Yuliia Pozniak – 100 Easy Ukrainian Texts

Have you learned some basic Ukrainian vocabulary and grammar and want to challenge yourself with easy reading practice?

This beginner-friendly collection of 100 Ukrainian texts in easy Ukrainian will be a perfect choice! Designed for A1-A2 Ukrainian language learners, it lets you practice vocabulary in context with topics like family, hobbies, food, and more. 

The book also includes stress marks and audio for each text for effective learning!

Where to get it:

  • Paperback and Kindle versions are available on Amazon.

To master basic Ukrainian vocabulary with ease, consider our 1000 Most Useful Ukrainian Words book and flashcards set, complete with stress marks, translations, example sentences, and audio!

2. Who Lives in the Wood?: An Illustrated Ukrainian-English Bilingual Story for Kids

Though this book is for kids, adult learners will also find it highly beneficial (and enjoyable)! 

It’s a great way to master vocabulary on common animals and adjectives through short, simple sentences, with beautiful illustrations and English translations to support your learning.

Additionally, the book includes extensive examples of the locative case — one of the trickiest cases for learners! 

It comes with great bonuses: a vocabulary chart and a board game on woodland animals!

Where to get it:

  • Paperback and Kindle versions are available on Amazon.

3. A New Home for Leo/Новий дім для Лео: Α bilingual children’s book in Ukrainian and English

This bilingual book is perfect for beginners, offering a heartfelt look at a topic that resonates deeply with many Ukrainians — moving to a new home

Through the captivating story of Leo the Mouse and beautiful illustrations, you’ll explore how to adjust to a new place and make friends, all in simple Ukrainian.

Where to get it:

  • Paperback and Kindle versions are available on Amazon.

Listen to a phone conversation about books in Ukrainian, discover the forms of the accusative case of people, and learn some facts about Ukrainian literature in Episode 33 of the Ukrainian Lessons Podcast!

Books in Ukrainian for Intermediate Level

4. Easy Ukrainian Book: Як іноземці козака рятували

Unlike many other books on our list, this unique book was specifically crafted for adult learners of Ukrainian, providing easy and convenient learning without the need for additional dictionaries!

Dive into a captivating world filled with the adventures, friendships, and love stories of Beatrice and Brian in the Ukrainian countryside! 

The story is organized into mini-chapters that offer rich vocabulary. After each chapter, you’ll find a word list with stress marks, English translations, and engaging exercises for extra vocabulary and grammar practice. 

Plus, you can improve your pronunciation with the accompanying audiobook!

Where to get it:

Explore the Best Resources for Learning Ukrainian: Top Courses, Books, Podcasts, and Tools!

5. Маленький принц by Антуан де Сент-Екзюпері

Enjoy the all-time favorite masterpiece in easy Ukrainian translation.

This beloved fairy-tale novel, a masterpiece by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, beautifully delves into themes of loneliness (САМОТНІСТЬ), friendship (ДРУЖБА), love (ЛЮБОВ), and loss (ВТРАТА).

An engaging read in Ukrainian for both kids and adults, it captivates not only with its timeless story but also with its rich vocabulary — perfect for everyday use!

Where to get it:

6. Дивовижні пригоди в лісовій школі by Всеволод Нестайко

This lighthearted, cheerful story follows the fun adventures of a little rabbit, a hedgehog, and their classmates at a unique forest music school, where lessons are taught in “bear language.” 

With vivid characters, exciting adventures, signature humor, and gentle cautionary tales, it’s perfect for intermediate Ukrainian readers.

Where to get it:

7. Як заробити на канікулах by Олена Скуловатова

Check out one of the most popular books among Ukrainian teenagers, packed with practical tips on earning money to achieve dreams!

Using simple, modern vocabulary and featuring beautiful illustrations and engaging fonts, this book guides readers through topics like finance (ФІНАНСИ), profit (ПРИБУТОК), investment (ІНВЕСТИЦІЇ), and more. 

Where to get it:

To read different Ukrainian fonts (and handwriting) with ease, be sure to check out our Ukrainian alphabet workbook with beautiful illustrations and audio!

8. Гаррі Поттер by Джоан Роулінг

Recreate your childhood excitement from reading Harry Potter, now in Ukrainian!

This series, an all-time favorite for millions of readers worldwide, is among the most skillfully translated books in Ukrainian that many Ukrainians grew up with.

It’s perfect for reading practice in Ukrainian, especially if you’ve read the series before in your language.

Discover the complete collection of illustrated and non-illustrated editions, published by Ukraine’s leading publishing house, А-БА-БА-ГА-ЛА-МА-ГА.

Books in Ukrainian for Advanced Level

9. Абрикоси зацвітають уночі by Оля Русіна

Dive into a heartbreaking story about a strange friendship of a child living near occupied territories.

The story of a boy named Ustym and his dog Zhmen’ka, who live in a town near the occupied territories, serves as a poignant reminder of the hardships Ukrainian families face due to Russia’s war against Ukraine.

In her book, Olha Rusina paints a vivid picture of life near the occupied territories, touching on elements like drones (БЕЗПІЛОТНИКИ) and how Ustym forms an unexpected friendship with a fallen drone

Despite the heavy subject, the writing is accessible, with plenty of basic vocabulary, making it an excellent choice for reading practice.

Where to get it:

10. Ми повертаємось додому by Дзвінка Матіяш

A story about returning to a home that is patiently waiting, no matter what.

This book is about the ability to see miracles in everyday trifles, meeting and making friends (with aliens!), following your dreams, and returning home.

Once again, the story touches on a painful topic for Ukrainians — relocation and living far from home. The protagonists, Feia and ten-year-old Agata, navigate their new circumstances, searching for ways to find joy, stay positive, and feel at home in their new environment.

Where to get it:

11. Таке різне Різдво

Collection of short fiction by contemporary Ukrainian writers with vivid language and poignant stories.

This book is about miracles (ДИВА): both the grand and the everyday, the obvious and the unnoticed.

In this collection of short stories by talented modern Ukrainian authors, you’ll find tales of reconciliation between brothers, reunions of fellow countrymen, a French holiday dessert, and other unique Christmas miracles

With stories of varying difficulty levels, this book is recommended for advanced learners.

Where to get it:

Learn everything about Christmas and New Year in Ukraine in this collection of the Ukrainian Lessons Podcast and 5 Minute Ukrainian episodes!

12. Спитайте Мієчку by Євгенія Кузнєцова

Shortlisted for the BBC Book of the Year 2021 Literary Award, nominated for the European Union Prize for Literature — 2022.

Fascinating yet easy to read, this cozy and heartwarming story follows a family — two sisters and their grandmother — told in modern Ukrainian. 

Set in the midst of summer (ЛІТО), the family’s home becomes the backdrop for encounters with people from the protagonists’ past, present, and future lives. The dialogues are like a form of therapy, and the endings of each character’s story evoke tears and deeply emotional moments. 

Where to get it:

13. Малий український роман by Андрій Любка

A colorful, erotic and somewhat hooligan Small Ukrainian Novel (МУР) full of adventure, humor, and irony.

If you’re ready to dive into modern Ukrainian slang and colloquialisms, this book is exactly what you need!

Follow the adventures, brilliant (or not-so-brilliant) ideas, and unexpected marriage plans of a young Ukrainian poet. Discover whether his search for a bride helps him write the Great Ukrainian Novel and find out the role his friends and “bloodthirsty Hutsuls” play in his life!

Where to get it:

14. Танець недоумка by Ілларіон Павлюк

Танець недоумка means The Dance of the Fool.

Are you a fan of science fiction (НАУКОВА ФАНТАСТИКА) and outer space (КОСМОС)? Curious about the possibilities of scientific expeditions to distant planets?

The story of space biologist Gil and his perilous journey to the mysterious planet will have you hooked from start to finish.

Where to get it:

15. Лісова пісня by Леся Українка

Get enchanted by this beautiful story in Lesia Ukrainka’s renowned poem!

Finally, if you’re ready to challenge yourself with Ukrainian classics, we highly recommend the beautiful poetic novels of Lesia Ukrainka, one of the most prominent figures in Ukrainian literature!

Her works are known for their intense psychological depth and profound philosophy, as seen in her most famous piece, “Forest Song” (ЛІСОВА ПІСНЯ). 

Join Anna in Season 6 of the Ukrainian Lessons Podcast to hear and learn ten famous Ukrainian poems with insightful commentary in slow, clear Ukrainian!

This poetic drama tells the story of the love between a forest spirit, Mavka, and a human, Lukash, exploring the tensions between nature and society. The poem captures Mavka’s ethereal beauty, the enchanting mystery of the forest, and the tragic conflict between spiritual freedom and human materialism.

  • The paperback, Kindle and audio versions are available on Amazon.

If you’re interested in exploring more of Lesia Ukrainka’s literary legacy, be sure to check out this collection of her works! It offers a deeper look into her powerful writing and profound impact on Ukrainian literature.

In the third episode of the Ukrainian Poetry series, explore the essence of Ukrainian resilience through one of the most celebrated Ukrainian poems — “Contra spem spero!” by Lesia Ukrainka.

Where to buy books in Ukrainian

The Ukrainian book market is constantly evolving, with a growing selection of high-quality publications to suit every taste. To stay up-to-date with the latest releases, we recommend these Ukrainian online bookstores that offer international shipping:

  • Yakaboo: One of the largest Ukrainian platforms, offering ebooks and paperbacks from a variety of Ukrainian and foreign publishers.
  • Nash Format: A Ukrainian publishing house with an excellent selection of Ukrainian fiction and non-fiction books.
  • Ababahalamaha: Famous for its beautifully illustrated children’s books, as well as fiction and poetry.
  • Stary Lev: A Ukrainian publishing house with a vast collection of ebooks and paperbacks.

In addition, be sure to check out these online stores of Ukrainian books: 

Otherwise, check on your local Amazon or simply on Google to see if the book is available to order in your country.

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Приємного читання! – Enjoy your reading 🙂