Ivan Vasilenko facts for kids

Ivan Dmitrievich Vasilenko (born January 20, 1895 – died May 26, 1966) was a famous Russian writer. He is best known for his wonderful children's books. He wrote many stories that kids and even adults loved to read.

Ivan Vasilenko's Early Life

Ivan Vasilenko was born on January 20, 1895. His birthplace was a small village called Makiivka. This area was part of the Russian Empire back then. When he was seven years old, his family moved to the city of Taganrog.

In 1912, Ivan finished a four-year college. He then started working as a teacher in a village school. He later joined a teaching institute in Belgorod. However, he was asked to leave because he helped start a student group. This group discussed new ideas about society. After this, he could not teach anymore. So, he worked as an accountant at a bank in Taganrog.

After the October Revolution in Russia, things changed. Ivan Vasilenko then worked in trade and public education. He also continued to give lessons. During World War II, he wrote for Soviet military newspapers.

Ivan Vasilenko's Writing Career

Ivan Vasilenko's talent for writing was noticed in 1937. A famous Russian writer, Vikenty Veresaev, helped him. For 30 years, Ivan wrote many tales and stories. His books became very popular with both children and grown-ups.

Some of his well-known stories include Magic Box, Childhood of the Actor, and Golden Shoes. These books were printed by many different publishers. People all over the country enjoyed reading them.

Ivan Vasilenko's memorial house and museum in downtown Taganrog.

In 1949, Ivan Vasilenko received a special award. It was called the State Stalin Prize. He won it for his story "The Little Star." This story was about the lives of students in a trade school.

Many of his books were translated into 27 different languages. These included languages from the Soviet Union and other countries. His stories were read in Czech, German, Polish, French, and English. Some of his works were even made into movies. These films included The Little Star, Artyomka in the Circus, Magic Box, and Golden Shoes.

Ivan Dmitrievich Vasilenko passed away in Taganrog on May 26, 1966.

Remembering Ivan Vasilenko

People still remember Ivan Vasilenko today.

• A special museum was opened in Taganrog. It is in the house where Ivan Vasilenko and his family lived for many years.
• One of the public libraries in Taganrog is named after him. It is a branch of the Chekhov Library.
• In May 2010, a statue called "Artyomka" was put up. It stands in front of his museum on Chekhov Street. Artyomka is one of Vasilenko's most famous characters.

Notable Works by Ivan Vasilenko

Ivan Vasilenko wrote many books during his life. Here are some of them:

• Magic Box (published in 1938 and 1941)
• Life Plan or Little Star (1948)
• Amazing Stories (1946)
• My friends (novels and stories) (1946)
• Actor's Childhood - Artyomka in the Circus (1952)
• Captain's Order (1953)
• Selected Stories (1956)
• Golden Shoes (1958)
• Selected Stories of Children (1960)
• Novels (1966)

Images for kids

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  "Artyomka" – a monument to Vasilenko's most popular character in Taganrog.