Alexei Nikolaevich Tolstoy (1883-1945) - a major Russian and Soviet writer, author of historical ("Walking Through Torments", "Peter I"), science fiction ("Aelita", "The Hyperboloid of Engineer Garin"), satirical ("The Adventures of Nevzorov, or Ibiсus", "Emigrants") novels and stories, plays, as well as works for children ("Childhood of Nikita", "The Golden Key, or The Adventures of Buratino"). Many of his works enjoyed and continue to enjoy deserved popularity and have been adapted into films.
"Childhood of Nikita" - is one of the most perfect creations of A. N. Tolstoy. The novella about a year in the life of a boy named Nikita is woven from everyday sketches, vivid descriptions of nature, small adventures, dreams, and memories. In this measured, unhurried world, where the boundary between man and nature is thin and almost conditional, there is space for innocent village amusements, first childhood love, heroism, strong boyish friendship, and solidarity of people in the face of common misfortunes. According to K. I. Chukovsky, in this remarkable book "the sky is bluer, the grass is greener, and the holidays are more festive; it has the calf-like delight of being. It will make everyone a carefree boy with a live sparrow in his pocket. This is the Book of Happiness - it seems to be the only Russian book in which the author does not preach happiness, does not promise it in the future, but immediately radiates it from himself." For younger school age. The text of the work is presented unabridged.