A-BA-BA-HA-LA-MA-HA, the publishing house founded by Ivan Malkovych, serves as a cornerstone for high-quality illustrated Ukrainian literature. Since entering the industry, the Ukrainian poet and writer has focused on elevating the standards of domestic book production, securing a prominent position within the nation's contemporary cultural and literary landscape through his editorial work and personal verse.
Early Development and Education
Born in 1961 in Nyzhnii Bereziv, Malkovych initially pursued music before shifting his focus toward literature. He completed his secondary education at a music college in Ivano-Frankivsk, where he trained as a violinist. In 1978, he enrolled at the State University of Kyiv, specifically attending the Faculty of Philology to study Ukrainian language and literature. During his university years, he gained the professional mentorship of the established poet Dmytro Pavlychko, who facilitated his early integration into literary circles.
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Malkovych moved beyond academic pursuits to participate in significant cultural infrastructure projects. He maintained a close professional association with Kobza, a pioneering Canadian-Ukrainian joint venture. Furthermore, his efforts contributed to the 1989 realization of the Chervona Ruta, a festival focused on contemporary music held in the city of Chernivtsi. This period marked his transition into the roles of publisher and literary advocate.
Literary Bibliography
As an author, Malkovych has produced six distinct collections of verse throughout his career. His debut publication, White Stone, appeared in 1984, followed by The Key in 1988. He continued this output with Poems in 1992 and An Angel on my Shoulder in 1997. His later works include Winter Poems, released in 2006, and the 2010 collection titled All that's near. His poetry often explores themes of personal introspection and natural imagery.
Recognition and Awards
The scope of Malkovych's influence is reflected in his receipt of national and international distinctions. In 2004, he was awarded the Order of the Smile, an international honor originating in Poland. He holds the Order of Merit, 3rd class, and has received an Honorary Diploma from the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. In 2017, he received the Shevchenko National Prize, the highest state award in Ukraine for the arts, specifically for his poetry compilation Podorozhnyk with New Poems.
Fast facts
- Born: 10 May 1961, Nyzhnii Bereziv
- Citizenship: Ukraine
- Education: State University of Kyiv, Faculty of Philology
- Professional roles: Publisher, poet, children's writer
- Membership: National Writers' Union of Ukraine
- Shevchenko National Prize: 2017
- Order of the Smile: 2004
- Order of Merit (Ukraine): 3rd class
Questions readers ask
What is the primary focus of A-BA-BA-HA-LA-MA-HA?
The publishing house focuses on high-quality and illustrated editions of Ukrainian literature and poetry.
What academic training did Ivan Malkovych receive?
He trained as a violinist at the Music college in Ivano-Frankivsk and earned a degree in Ukrainian philology from the State University of Kyiv.
Achievements
- Order of the Smile — 2004
- Shevchenko National Prize — 2017
- Order of Merit (Ukraine), 3rd class
- Educated at Faculty of Philology of the State University of Kyiv
