Zhuk Vodoljub i Tarhany by Maik Yohansen
Zhuk Vodoljub i Tarhany (“The Diving Beetle and the Cockroaches”) is a Ukrainian children’s book published by ACCA, with stories by Ukranian poet, writer and linguist Maik Yohansen (Майк Йогансен, 1895–1937). The book features a lively and varied typographic approach that combines several contemporary Ukrainian typefaces, supporting the playful narrative while maintaining clarity for young readers.
The publication relies on a multi-font system rather than a single dominant typeface. Script and display fonts are used for titles, short phrases, and expressive accents, helping to convey mood, humor, and character. These more decorative styles appear alongside a neutral sans serif, which is used for longer passages to ensure readability throughout the book.
Among the typefaces used is Bairak Script Regular by Oleksandr Donchenko, which adds a handwritten, informal tone to selected elements. DR Agu Sans Medium by Dmytro Rastvortsev serves as the primary readable sans serif, while DR Galushki Hole Regular, also by Rastvortsev, introduces a playful display character well suited to children’s publishing.
Additional display fonts include Kolyada Regular by Kyrylo Tkachov of Inner Space, which brings a folkloric feel, and Pomidorko 2 Regular by Antonina Chikhiro, used for bold and expressive typographic moments. Decorative accents are further enriched by Spaghetti Script by Iryna Dviliuk, contributing to the informal and friendly atmosphere of the layouts. The Espuma Pro font by Andrii Konstantynov from Mint Type is also used.
Typography and illustration are closely integrated throughout the book. The rounded, soft letterforms echo the shapes and rhythms of the illustrations, creating a cohesive visual language across spreads without overwhelming the page.
The illustrations were created by Veronika Bondur, Tetiana Zuiko, Anastasiia Makovetska, Elvira Mishchenko, Daria Shevchenko, and Anastasiia Krapivina. The cover was designed by Larysa Chaika.
