Mikhail Mishustin presented the Government Awards for 2026 in the field of children’s and adolescent literature

Published on: 2026-06-01

Source: Government of the Russian Federation –

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M. Mishustin: “I would like to thank all the laureates. You sincerely care about the younger generation, you invest your soul into your unique projects. This is only accessible to people with a generous and kind heart. I want to wish you creative success and inspiration.”

The Government Award in the field of children’s and adolescent literature was established by the resolution of November 28, 2024, No. 1659.

The award is given in seven categories, each with a prize of 1.5 million rubles.

Awards are given to the authors of the best prose works for children and teenagers, as well as poets who wrote the best children’s and teenage poems. In addition, prizes are awarded for the best illustrated book for children and teenagers and for the best publishing project for the children’s and teenage audience. One of the awards is given for contribution to the development of children’s literature.

The nomination of candidates for the award is carried out by federal executive authorities, state authorities of the Federation’s subjects, publishing houses, literary agencies, mass media, cultural and educational institutions, creative unions, previous award laureates, laureates of the Government award in the field of culture, laureates of the President’s award in the field of literature and art for works for children and youth.

Opening remarks by Mikhail Mishustin:

Good afternoon, dear laureates! Dear colleagues!

We have gathered here today to honor the Government Award laureates who have done much for the development of children’s and adolescent literature. These are bright, kind, and the most important books for personality formation. They lay down key life guidelines, providing answers to many questions. It is precisely such works, familiar even at a very early age, that can open up a whole world of knowledge, adventures, and wonders to a young reader. Subsequently, they become faithful friends and support in decision-making. And of course, reading acquaints the child with Russian culture, its rich spiritual heritage.

Symbolically, the awarding of the prizes takes place on June 1 – International Children’s Day. A special date when adults not only celebrate it and surround children with care, but also do everything necessary for the development of skills and talents, understanding the high responsibility for the well-being of our youth. I want to congratulate everyone on this significant date.

The President emphasized that in our country, issues of raising children and strengthening family values receive priority attention from the state and society. And the government award, which will be presented to the laureates today, is part of a large systematic effort being carried out in this direction.

Now I will talk about the award recipients. First and foremost – about artists. Their creativity is of immense importance for the development of imagination, memory, and figurative thinking in a child. And here a special place is occupied by the works of the creator of amazing book graphics – Aleksandr Georgievich Traugot from Saint Petersburg. He illustrated Andersen, Perrault, Hoffmann, Pushkin, Dostoevsky, Homer, and Ovid. His drawings build dynamic and very emotional images in works of art. Today we celebrate his achievements in the category for contribution to the development of children’s literature.

His colleague, Nadezhda Vladimirovna Bugoslavskaya, is also among the most famous Russian artists. In her work there is kindness, wit, and optimism. And they open up a whole world to the little reader. In the book she illustrated, this is essentially a graphic commentary, no less important than the text itself.

The work of prose writer Yulia Stanislavovna Simbirskaya from the Yaroslavl region will undoubtedly attract adventure enthusiasts. After all, the captivating plot in this detective story for younger school-aged children will leave no one indifferent. The tale helps develop critical thinking, the ability to concentrate, and to navigate through unusual situations.

How and the book of the writer Elena Evgenievna Panyushina. It presents for teenagers a panorama of events related to Vitus Bering’s expedition in the 18th century. The novel continues the best traditions of historical literature for youth.

Among the awardees are also authors of poetic works. Getting acquainted with them helps children improve their speech skills and broaden their horizons. Honored with a government prize for the merits of Grigory Mikhailovich Kruzhkov from the Moscow region – a poet and translator. He masterfully wields words and in his poems involves young readers in a fun game of meanings and paradoxes.

Galina Sergeevna Grichenko from Nizhny Novgorod captivates with her Onegin stanza and book. This is a wonderful example of how the classical tradition can be ironically integrated into the context of modern school life for teenagers.

And another laureate is a publishing project for the release of books dedicated to the fairy tales of the peoples of Russia. In the Year of National Unity of Russia, such collections are especially important, as they introduce children to the culture and history of the country. Legends from various regions have been gathered here, including Kamchatka, Yakutia, Chukotka, Amur, and the Volga region. Many of them have been translated into Russian for the first time, and some are provided with parallel text in the original language. There is also the possibility of interactive listening. Based on this book series, board games were released, which help children and teenagers to more easily acquire new knowledge.

Dear colleagues!

Before moving on to the award, the hotel would like to thank all the laureates. You sincerely care about the younger generation, putting your soul into your unique projects. This is only accessible to people with a generous and kind heart. I want to wish you creative success and inspiration.

Thank you very much for your kindness and care.

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