Today, February 10, 2023, the most beautiful children’s books of 2022 were announced in the Black Ceiling Hall of the Writers’ House. The special prize from the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre was awarded to “Rongisõit” (Train Ride), illustrated and designed by Regina Lukk-Toompere and written by Ellen Niit.
The jury of the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre found that the reissue of “Rongisõit” is an excellent example of how fresh illustrations can give new life to a classic text. The adventurous train ride features a soft color palette but is rich in detail. The unique animal characters add a lively touch.
A total of 43 works were submitted for the 2022 competition of the five most beautiful Estonian children’s books, from which the following were recognized:
- “Rongisõit” – illustrated and designed by Regina Lukk-Toompere, written by Ellen Niit (also the special prize from the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre);
- “Kuldse sõnnikumardika saladus” (The Secret of the Golden Dung Beetle) – illustrated by Sirly Oder, designed by Inga Joala, written by Helen Käit;
- “Pisike puu” (Little Tree) – illustrated by Anu Kalm, designed by Katrin Kaev, compiled by Ülle Väljataga and Jaanika Palm from the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre;
- “Emil, Sass ja kivimutukad” (Emil, Sass, and the Rock Bugs) – illustrated and written by Tiiu Kitsik, designed by Endla Toots;
- “Kullakallis kass” (Precious Cat) – illustrated and designed by Catherine Zarip, written by Ilmar Tomusk.
The jury’s special prize for the five most beautiful children’s books went to “Sohvi tähed” (Sohvi’s Stars), illustrated by Marju Tammik and designed by Tuuli Aule, written by Sohvi Jürgen and Madis Jürgen. The special prize for a newcomer went to “Kes seal on?” (Who’s There?), illustrated by Pamela Samel, designed by Endla Toots, and written by Tiiu Kitsik. The special prize from the Estonian Graphic Designers’ Association was awarded to “Hea tunne” (Good Feeling), illustrated and written by Kristi Kangilaski and designed by Endla Toots.
The jury for the competition of the five most beautiful Estonian children’s books included Anneliis Sepp from the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre, Triinu Lepp from the Estonian Publishers’ Association, Regina Lukk-Toompere, Piret Niinepuu, Anne Pikkov, Priit Rea, Tiina Mariam Reinsalu, and Ulla Saar from the Estonian Graphic Designers’ Association, and Rene Mäe from the National Library of Estonia.
The winning works can be seen until the end of February at an exhibition on the second floor of the Solaris Centre, in front of the National Library’s Solaris Embassy. Visitors can vote for their favorite book. Bookstore gift cards will be raffled off among those who vote. You can express your opinion in the larger Rahva Raamat and Apollo stores.
The competition for the most beautiful children’s books has been held since 1998. Its aim is to value illustrated children’s books as a phenomenon of cultural significance. The competition is held simultaneously with the competition for the 25 most beautiful Estonian books. The competitions for the five most beautiful Estonian children’s books and the 25 most beautiful Estonian books are organized by the National Library of Estonia, the Estonian Publishers’ Association, the Estonian Graphic Designers’ Association, the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre, and the Estonian Printing and Packaging Industry Association.
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