Vitaly Valentinovich Bianki (11 February 1894, St. Petersburg — 10 June 1959, Leningrad) — was an outstanding children’s writer, a prolific author of absorbing books on nature.

A graduate of the Natural Science Department of Physical and Mathematical Faculty of Petrograd University, he started his literary activity in 1923. Captivating books by Bianki unfold the realm of nature before us and teach us to discern its mysteries. His “Forest Newspaper for Every Year” (1st edition 1928) is a peculiar encyclopedia of forest life and forest inhabitants. The light and colourful language of Bianki’s books is addressed directly to kids’ imagination.

Vitaly Bianki was discovering his native nature when living in his country cottage in Lebiazhi Settlement, his house becoming the cultural centre of the area in summers of early 20th century. Men of letter and science from Petersburg gathered here.

Bianki’s first published short story for children was titled “Whose nose is better?” (1923).

The body of his work consists of over three hundred short stories, fairy tales, stories and articles, which made up 120 books. One of his students and followers is Nikolai Sladkov, a well-known author of numerous books about nature.