Edward Militonyan: Author–Armenia

Edward Militonyan was born on May 12, 1953 in Yerevan. In 1976, he graduated from the Yerevan State University, the faculty of Philology. In 1974, he worked for the magazine Pioneer and then from 1975 to 1976 at the editorial office of the magazine Garun as a head of the section on poetry. From 1978, he worked at the Young Communist League Central Committee, first as an instructor then as deputy head of the department. From 1982, he was the chief editor of the magazine Tsitsernak (simultaneously in 1992–1999). Since the1990s, he has held numerous positions within the state administration and in publishing.

Militonyan's books have won many prizes and have been translated into many foreign languages. The author of more than forty books, Militonyan writes both for children and adults. He is also a well-known painter, and some of his books have been published with his own illustrations. He has made an enduring mark on Armenian children's and YA literature. The numerous collections of his poems, epics, and stories are composed with a true sense of the psychology and mentality of children. They have colorful pictures, stylistically hilarious elements, and fascinating mixtures of real and imaginary elements. His works have become cherished companions of generations of children and young people.

The works that he creates for children speak to them; such an approach makes young readers believe in what they are reading and think over their bad or good behavior, of what is ugly and beautiful, of cowardice and courage—things that are very important for the social and personal development of children. Children are very impressionable during the formative years, and Militonyan's works can help them develop into intelligent, caring, considerate, and friendly people. Militonyan's works help the readers come to their own conclusions. His stories do not tell the readers everything they need to know; this allows for some difference in opinion, which strengthens the development of the child.