Csukás, the author of ?Süsü the Dragon?, among other popular titles, came from humble beginnings. Born the son of a blacksmith in a small town in the east of Hungary, he broke with family tradition when he decided to attend a music school. He later studied psychology and law at Budapest?s Eötvös Loránd University, but did not complete his degree. He became a writer for children only after being encouraged by the poet István Kormos.
In addition to writing, he worked for Hungarian Public Television from 1968 to 1971, and from 1978 to 1985 he was editor-in-chief at Móra Publishing House for Children?s Books. He founded the children?s monthly ?Kincskereső? and edited ?Kölyökmagazin? and ?Piros Pont?, two other children?s publications. Among his collaborative efforts are lyrics to Zoltán Kodály?s singing etudes, which he wrote with the great Hungarian poet Sándor Weöres.
Many of Csukás?s stories, perhaps most famously ?Süsü the Dragon?, were made into films for television. They are still a staple of Hungarian broadcasters? children?s programming.
Csukás received the Kossuth Prize, Hungary?s highest award for artists, ?for his high-quality poetry, genial works that teach the love of man and nature, and for the renewal of contemporary children literature? in 1999.
To read a selection of Csukás?s poems in English, please visit http://www.hungarianquarterly.com/no152/020.html#ics
