Boris Zhitkov facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Boris Zhitkov
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Boris Zhitkov
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| Born | September 11 [O.S. August 30] 1882 Novgorod, Russian Empire (present-day Russia) |
| Died | 19 October 1938 (aged 56) Moscow, USSR |
| Occupation | Novelist & Playwright |
Boris Stepanovich Zhitkov (Russian: Бори́с Степа́нович Житко́в) (September 11, 1882 — October 19, 1938) was a Russian author. He is best known for writing many wonderful books for children.
Contents
Who Was Boris Zhitkov?
Boris Zhitkov was born in Novgorod, a city in Russia. His father was a mathematics teacher, and his mother was a talented pianist. From a young age, Boris was very curious and loved to learn about the world.
A Life Full of Adventures
Zhitkov had a very exciting life before he became a writer. He worked in many different jobs, which gave him lots of ideas for his stories. For example, he was a sailor and even a ship's captain! He sailed the seas between 1916 and 1924.
More Than Just a Sailor
Besides being a sailor, Boris Zhitkov also worked as a navigator, helping ships find their way. He was an ichthyologist, which means he studied fish. He also worked with metal, designed ships as an engineer, and taught physics and drafting. He even led a technical college! All these experiences helped him write very realistic and interesting books.
Becoming a Famous Writer
In 1924, Boris Zhitkov started publishing his stories. He quickly became a professional writer. His books often described different jobs and adventures in a way that children could easily understand and enjoy.
His Most Famous Book
Zhitkov is most famous for his children's travel book called What I Saw (Russian: Что я видел). This book tells the story of a very curious little boy nicknamed Pochemuchka. Pochemuchka means 'Why-asker' in Russian, and the book follows his fun summer vacation adventures. It was a huge success and loved by many young readers.
Friends and Other Works
Boris Zhitkov was friends with other famous writers, like Korney Chukovsky and Samuil Marshak. He even appeared as a character in Samuil Marshak's children's poem "Post." This poem was later made into an animated film in 1964.
Zhitkov also wrote a historical novel for adults called Viktor Vavich (Russian: Виктор Вавич). It was about the 1905 Revolution in Russia. This book was published after he passed away and was almost lost, but it was saved and republished many years later.
His Legacy
Boris Zhitkov's books continue to be popular today. His stories teach children about different professions, travel, and the world around them. In 1939, a major newspaper called Pravda even praised his book What I Saw, showing how important his work was.
