Aleksandr Mykhailovich Batrov was a sailor, war veteran, writer, and member of the Union of Soviet Writers of Ukraine.

Early Years and Maritime Career
He was born on 21 December 1906 in Odesa to a sailor’s family. After his father’s death, he began working at a young age: first as an apprentice locksmith, then as a blacksmith, ship’s boy on sailing vessels, dockworker, and mechanic in repair workshops at the port and at the Odesa Food Trust plant.

In 1926, he left for Arkhangelsk to take part in transferring ships from the White Sea to the Black Sea and joined the steamship Kalyaev as a sailor. His maritime work took him to many countries, journeys that later inspired his literary creations.

Literary Activity
After returning to Odesa, he worked for some time as a literary contributor to the newspaper Izvestia. In 1933 he became a candidate member of the Union of Soviet Writers of Ukraine, and in 1935 he was officially admitted.

His debut novella “Ships” was published in the magazine Moloda Hvardiia in 1936. In 1938, he released a cycle of stories about Spanish sailors and tales portraying the youth of Odesa.

During the Second World War, in May 1944, he was delegated to work under the direction of Rear Admiral I.D. Papanin, participated in the development of the Arctic territories, and served as a correspondent for the newspaper Polar Star on Dikson Island. In August 1945, he returned to Odesa to continue his literary work.

Creative Output
From December 1945 onward, Batrov dedicated himself fully to literature. He authored more than 30 books and published extensively in periodicals.

His novellas “Tomorrow — the Ocean” and “Good Job, Anita!” were adapted for film. In 1951, his book of short stories “Our Friend Jose” won third prize at the All-Union competition “For the Best Children's Book,” and in 1964 he received second prize from the USSR Ministry of Education “For the Best Children’s Book.”

Death and Commemoration
Aleksandr Mykhailovich Batrov died on 11 July 1990. In Odesa, a memorial plaque in his honor is installed on the facade of the building at 48 Marazliivska Street.