Irina Tokmakova (March 3, 1929–April 5, 2018)

It was with great sorrow that we learned of the passing of Irina Petrovna Tokmakova at the age of ninety. An incredible woman, she was a talented Soviet and Russian writer of children's books; an author of educational stories, poems, and plays for children; a translator of British and Swedish folk poetry; a bright public figure; and an active member of the Executive Board of IBBY Russia.

Since the very foundation of the Russian Section of IBBY, formerly the USSR Section, Irina Tokmakova had taken part in all its meetings, projects, and contests. She was always highly professional when representing the rich heritage of Russian children's books at numerous international congresses, meetings, and seminars.

Her connection to international IBBY has been strong over the years. In 1982, she was awarded an IBBY Honour List Diploma for her translation of the Armenian book Nstish ev agangd ara (Sit down and listen) by Silva Kapustikjan (Detskaya Literatura, 1980). She was a member of the Hans Christian Andersen Award Jury for the 1980, 1982, and 1990 awards and served on the IBBY Executive Committee from 1990 to 1992.

IBBY Russia especially enjoyed the opportunity to work and to be friends with such an acclaimed author of classic Russian children's literature. Irina Petrovna Tokmakova's devotion to her readers will stay with us always.