Cheburashka, the Soviet Mickey Mouse, turns 60

Cheburashka, the endearing, big-eared, furry creature from Soviet children's literature, marks its 60th birthday on August 20, 2026. The character's journey began on this date in 1966 when the 'Children's Literature' publishing house released Eduard Uspensky's book, 'Crocodile Gena and His Friends.' In the story, Cheburashka is discovered as a mysterious, orange-box-traveling plush toy.

Three years after its literary debut, Cheburashka's visual form was brought to life by Russian illustrator and animator Leonid Shvartsman. This iconic image propelled the character to become a symbol of the Soviet Union and, subsequently, Russia. The character's appeal transcended borders and time, establishing it as an idol for multiple generations across various nations, especially within the post-Soviet sphere.

Today, the plush toy of the large-eared character is a common sight in Russian homes, cherished by both children and adults. Beyond its traditional audience, Cheburashka has garnered a significant following internationally, notably in Japan, where an animated feature film based on the character's adventures was released some years ago.