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Prominent Russian children’s author Valery Voskoboynikov, known for his contributions to literature with more than sixty children’s books, died on September 6 in St. Petersburg at the age of 85. Fontanka reported that Voskoboynikov’s passing was due to multiple heart attacks, as confirmed by his widow, who rushed back to St. Petersburg upon receiving the news.
Born on April 1, 1939, in Leningrad into a family of teachers, Voskoboynikov’s early life was marked by hardship. In 1951, his father was arrested under the political Article 58, labeling the family as enemies of the state. Despite these challenges, Voskoboynikov pursued a career in chemistry and served in the military before making his literary debut. His first story was published in the youth magazine “Smena” in 1962, followed by his first book four years later.
Throughout the 1970s, Voskoboynikov served as the head of the prose and poetry department at the children’s magazine “Koster.” From the late 1990s onward, he was actively involved in the Russian Children’s Book Council, and some of his works were published internationally. The Union of Writers of St. Petersburg acknowledged his death with profound sorrow, highlighting his lasting impact on Russian literature.
Valery Voskoboynikov’s literary achievements span various genres, including historical fiction, detective stories, and children’s books. Among his most acclaimed works are “Everything Will Be Alright,” “The Life of Remarkable Children,” “Weapons for Victory,” “Girl, Boy, Dog,” “Morning Walks,” “Cyril and Methodius,” and “Stories of Young Heroes.” His writing garnered several prestigious accolades, including the Russian Federation Government Prize for his series “The Lives of Remarkable Children” and an honorary diploma from the International Board on Books for Young People.