On the Estonian Native Language Day, March 14, the winners of the Annual Literary Awards of the Cultural Endowment of Estonia were announced. In the children’s literature category, the award went to Triinu Laan for her book Poiss ja papa (The Boy and the Papa, Päike ja Pilv, 2024), beautifully illustrated by Anne Pikkov.
According to the jury, Laan’s book is a masterfully written work about the bond between generations, resonating with readers of all ages. They praised the book’s multi-layered storytelling and its excellent humor, which guides readers through difficult themes such as death, grief, and healing. The jury noted, “Triinu Laan has a unique ability to turn small things into something grand, adding color, depth, and meaning to life. Every story in this book is finely polished, yet playful and vividly written.” They also highlighted Anne Pikkov’s remarkable illustrations.
The nominees for the award included Liisu laseb jalga (Liisu Runs Away) by Tiina Laanem (illustrated by Sirly Oder, Pegasus), Natuke suur (A Little Bit Big) by Kairi Look (illustrated by Anne Pikkov, Koolibri), Leierkastilugu (The Barrel Organ Story) by Juhani Püttsepp (illustrated by Katrin Ehrlich, Pegasus), Siin on kodu (Here Is Home) by Tiina Tammer (illustrated by Catherine Zarip, Tammerraamat), and Kukeleegu! by Ilmar Tomusk (illustrated by Anu Kalm, Tammerraamat).
The children’s literature jury consisted of children’s author Anti Saar (chairperson), literary scholar Mare Müürsepp, and children’s librarian Grete Nootre, who evaluated texts published in 2024.
The Cultural Endowment’s children’s literature award was established in 1970 and, from 1971, was named after Juhan Smuul. The tradition was discontinued in the early 1990s but was reinstated in 1995 as part of the Cultural Endowment’s Annual Literary Awards. The awards are presented annually for the best works first published in the previous calendar year in various literary categories, including prose, poetry, essays, free category, drama, literary translation into and from Estonian, non-fiction translation, children’s literature, Russian-language literature, and article writing.
