By chance, he visited Dr Ján Mucka, who had translated the book from Vietnamese into Slovakian. He has also visited many old bookshops to find other copies of the book. The 60-year-old hasn’t met Đoàn yet, but has enthusiastically helped him find a version of Cricket published in 1982 in Slovakian. There can be no doubt that Tô Hoài inspired readers and other writers and artists to live and work with meaning.Ĭollecting different versions of Diary of a Cricket has become a hobby of many book lovers, finding the story in different languages or in Vietnamese versions illustrated by different artists.īook collector Đoàn found a Vietnamese man living in Slovakia in a Vietnamese community forum, with whom he shared the hobby of reading and collecting books. The artist uses watercolours for the characters and, for the first time by anyone, depicts them in a modern style. I read the story when I was young, and loved it very much.”

“This is the first time I have drawn animals. “Over the course of seven years, I completed more than a hundred illustrations, which I think give a new look to an old story. “I drew the illustrations for my university dissertation,” she explained. Vinh was the first female artist to illustrate Diary of a Cricket. Don’t teach, don’t judge, don’t ask them to do something just let them know you understand them and want to play with them.” Just write about your own children or grandchildren, with heart and honesty. “In any period of 10 years, you should spend a third or a quarter writing something for children.

“I want to call upon writers and poets to write for little readers,” he said. Nguyễn Quang Thiều, chairman of the judging panel, expects the awards will inspire other authors to write for children. REACHING MORE READERS: An English version of Diary of A Cricket. He wrote anytime, anywhere, on a business trip, during a break in a meeting, or even in a hospital bed.” “For him, writing was like morning exercise or breathing. He wrote tirelessly, professionally, and carefully.” “I believe that writing and writing again gave Tô Hoài stature.

“His words are rich in imagery, his sentences lively,” Điệp said. Perhaps this is why many extracts from his books are cited at primary and secondary schools to enrich students’ vocabulary and language skills. He added that Tô Hoài’s language is diverse, rich, and profound. “He told stories of ordinary lives, Hà Nội stories, his own tales, and of changes in society, all with a tolerant and honest heart.” “He’s an author for children, adults, and people from all walks of life,” he said. Nguyễn Đăng Điệp, deputy director of the Literature Institute, said Tô Hoài’s works contain both humane and social values. POSES: Different portraits of Tô Hoài taken by Nguyễn Đình Toán, on display at the Kim Đồng Publishing House.

Dế Mèn Phiêu Lưu Ký by Tô Hoài