Ludwik Jerzy Kern
, 1920 - 2010
Writer, poet, journalist, satirist, one of the best-known children’s writers in Polish literature, author of song lyrics and translator of such authors as Roald Dahl, Uri Orlev, Claude Aveline and Isaac Bashevis Singer. Served in the Polish Army during the September Campaign of 1939. A few years after WW2 settled permanently and until the end of his life in Cracow. For over half a century (1948–2002) he wrote for the popular Polish weekly “Przekrój” (his satirical poems and articles published there were widely read), at the same time publishing in other periodicals, including children’s magazines such as “Płomyk” and “Płomyczek.” Kern was awarded the Order of the Smile, an international award given by children for pro-children activities, and became the Vice-Chancellor of the International Chapter of the Order. He received also several other decorations and prizes, including Polonia Restituta, 4th class, one of the highest Polish orders, awarded for outstanding achieve- ments in one of a number of fields, from literature and culture to economy and diplomacy; the medal of the Polish Section of IBBY and the literary award of the Minister of Culture and National Heritage. His most important book for children was Ferdynand Wspaniały [Ferdinand the Magnificent], 1963, the story of a dog that wanted to be human, translated into many languages including Armenian, Bulgarian, Czech, Estonian, French, Hebrew, Hungarian, Japanese, Slovakian, Spanish, Russian. His other important children’s books include Proszę słonia [Dear Mr. Elephant], 1964 (later adapted into a cartoon series), and many collections of poems.
Sources:
Janusz R. Kowalczyk, "Ludwik Jerzy Kern", culture.pl/ (accessed: June 11, 2021)
Bio prepared by Tomasz Królak, University of Warsaw, tomasz.krolak@student.uw.edu.pl
Records in database:
