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Eugene Yelchin
Yelchin in 2018
Yelchin in 2018
Native name
Евгений Аркадьевич Ельчин
Born Yevgeny Arkadievich Yelchin
(1956-10-18) October 18, 1956 (age 68)
Leningrad, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union
Occupation Illustrator, writer
designer (USSR)
Nationality Russian-American
Education Design, Leningrad Institute of Theater Arts, 1979
Film, University of Southern California
Genre Books For Young Readers (as author/illustrator); Theater and Film (as designer)
Relatives Anton Yelchin (nephew)

Eugene Yelchin (born October 18, 1956) is a Russian-American artist. He is famous for writing and illustrating books for children.

His book Breaking Stalin's Nose won a Newbery Honor award in 2012. Another book, The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge, was a finalist for the National Book Award in 2018. He wrote this book with M. T. Anderson.

Eugene Yelchin's nephew was the actor Anton Yelchin.

Early Life and Education

Eugene Yelchin was born in Leningrad, Russia. He grew up in a Jewish family. In 1979, he finished his studies at the Leningrad State Theater Academy.

From 1979 to 1983, he designed sets and costumes for big theater companies in Russia. These included the Alexandrinsky (Pushkin's) Theater. He also helped start the Tomsk Children's Theater in Siberia in 1979.

In 1983, Yelchin moved to the United States. He then studied film at the Southern California Film School in Los Angeles. After graduating in 1988, he started directing TV commercials. He also created illustrations for advertising.

Creating Books for Young Readers

In 2006, Eugene Yelchin won an award at a conference for children's book writers. This inspired him to start writing and illustrating books for kids.

His books have been published by many well-known companies. These include Scholastic Press and HarperCollins. His stories have been translated into many languages. You can find his books in French, Spanish, Chinese, and more.

Recognized Works and Awards

Eugene Yelchin has received many awards for his books. These awards show how much people appreciate his stories and art.

In 2012, his novel Breaking Stalin's Nose received the Newbery Honor. This book is for middle school readers. He both wrote and illustrated it.

In 2018, The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge was a finalist for the National Book Award. He wrote this book with Matthew Tobin Anderson.

His illustrations for The Rooster Prince of Breslov won a National Jewish Book Award in 2010.

In 2017, his novel The Haunting of Falcon House received the Golden Kite Award. This award is from the Society of Children's Books Writers and Illustrators.

His illustrations for Won Ton: A Cat Tale Told in Haiku also won a Golden Kite Award in 2011.

Art and Other Projects

Besides books, Eugene Yelchin is also a painter. His paintings have been shown in art exhibitions. These shows often feature art from former Soviet non-conformist artists.

His art has been displayed in places like the Mizel Center for Arts and Culture. It has also been shown at Boston University.

Yelchin is part of the Jewish Artists Initiative of Southern California. His art is represented by the Sloane Gallery.

Eugene Yelchin also worked on animated films. He created storyboards for the famous Coca-Cola Polar Bears ads. He also designed characters for movies like Rango. Rango won an Oscar for Best Animated Feature in 2012.

Awards and Honors

Eugene Yelchin has received many awards and honors for his work. Here are some of them:

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