title: Bohumil Říha
text: # Bohumil Říha
  
  Bohumil Říha (22 February 1907 – 15 December 1987) was a Czechoslovak writer best known for children's books. For his lasting contribution to children's literature he received the Hans Christian Andersen Medal in 1980.
  
  ## Career
  
  One of his most noted works is Children's Encyclopaedia (1959) that has since its publication enjoyed almost a cult following – its structure offers, besides information for beginning readers, more detailed information for children who wish to learn more about any of the subjects.
  
  Other works include The River (1962, co-authored by Karel Friedrich), The Great Picture Book for Children (1976), The Great Animal Picture Book (1981; both together with Milena Lukešová), and Merry Tales – And What Else? (1964).
  
  He died in Prague.
  
  The biennial Hans Christian Andersen Award conferred by the International Board on Books for Young People is the highest recognition available to a writer or illustrator of children's books. Jansson received the writing award in 1966.
  
  