On January 10th, at the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre, the Gem of the Year award (Aasta Rosin) was presented to the most distinctive children’s book of the past year. The award recognized the book “Mr. Harald’s Dream Garden” by Anti Saar and Marja-Liisa Plats, published by Kolm Elu.
The collective of the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre gave the award to an admirable, imaginative, and creative picture book that tells the story of how to sow, nurture, pamper, and, if necessary, trim dreams. The book stood out from others published during the year due to its multilayered text, as well as, its detailed and polished illustrations.
Jaanika Palm, the literary resercher at the centre stated that the book by Anti Saar and Marja-Liisa Plats stands out from the children’s books of the past year due to its special concept, carefully crafted and accessible language, thought-provoking content, and imaginative and witty visual language. “Saar and Plats invite us to reflect on where our dreams come from, why they are the way they are, and what we can do with them to ensure they bear fruit,” she added.
The Director of the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre, Triin Soone, mentioned that the centre has a long tradition of recognizing the most surprising children’s book with the Gem of the Year Award: “Since a great number of children’s books are published in Estonia, the competition is fierce. This year’s winner tells a story about dreams and dreaming in such a universal and timeless way that the book is suitable for reading/viewing by everyone. Anti Saar’s text is concise but rich in meaning, leaving plenty of space for the illustrator, and Marja-Liisa Plats has taken on this challenge and fully realized all the inspiration the text offers.”
The Gem of the Year Award has been given out since 2004 to a special and outstanding Estonian children’s book published in the previous year, evaluating either the entire book or the work of the writer or illustrator. The award winners are honored at the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre thank-you event with a kilogram of raisins, a monetary prize, and a certificate of appreciation. Last year, the Gem of the Year Award was given to the book “Be Who You Are. Read-Aloud Stories” written by Andry Ervald and illustrated by Kristel Maamägi, and the year before, to “Endel and Kati” by Kadri Kiho and Stella Salumaa.
