Writer Spiridon Vangheli celebrates his 90th birthday today. He is the “father of Guguță”, the character whose hat is unique and who educated whole generations. By his mischiefs, exploits and attitude to what can happen to a child, by models of behavior, Guguță conquered the hearts of millions of readers. On the occasion of the anniversary, Minister of Culture Sergiu Prodan transmitted a message, saying that Spiridon Vangheli is a value of the people of Moldova, IPN reports.

“Besides being a prose writer, poet, translator and editor, Spiridon Vangheli teaches how a character is created and developed and this character can take an honorable place in universal literature and in parenting guidebooks,” said the minister.

He noted it is dexterity to be able to write comprehensibly, to conquer the heart of the child in your language and to also make yourself understood and appreciated in over 40 languages and looked for on the shelves of libraries in over 70 countries. “Spiridon Vangheli managed to include Guguță in the international gallery of characters that inspire childhood, alongside Pinocchio, Mickey Mouse, Spiderman, Thumbelina and other characters,” stated Sergiu Prodan.

Spiridon Vangheli was born in Grinăuţi village of Bălţi County on June 14, 1932. He is one of the most famous writers in the Republic of Moldova. The series of children’s books about the adventures of a little boy called Guguţă are his distinguishing works. The books about Guguţă became widely popular and the character became a national symbol.

The writer was conferred the International Hans Christian Andersen Award, the medal “Mihai Eminescu”, the Order of the Republic, the Romanian Academy’s award “Ion Creangă”, the titles “Master of Arts” and “People’s Artist”.