On Monday, 17 November, the winners of the Knee-high Book competition were announced at the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre. A total of 68 book project submissions were entered into the creative competition organised by the publisher Päike ja Pilv, the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre, and the Ministry of Culture. The competition lookes for book projects aimed at readers up to 7 years old.
The competition was won by author and illustrator Kristi Kangilaski with her book project “Mia’s Muffins”. The jury highlighted the winning work for its simple and fluent story that supports children’s initiative. Second place went to Johanna-Iisebel Järvelill for her lively text and Epp Link for her delightfully detailed illustrations in the project “The Pink T-shirt”.
Third place was awarded to Triinu Laan for her humorous manuscript “Dad’s Cast Story”, illustrated with inventive speech-bubble drawings by Tuulike Kivestu. The winning authors will receive a cash prize, and their books will be published by Päike ja Pilv.
In addition, the jury awarded three special prizes. Illustration awards went to Helen Kristi Loo for the illustrations for “The Stick” and Helena Pass for her illustrations for the book project “The Giraffe”.
The idea award was given to Tiia Sell and illustrator Kersti Sell for the project “The Long Line”.
According to Katrin Reinmaa, head of Päike ja Pilv and a member of the jury, many entries portrayed everyday situations this year. “Of the 68 submitted projects, 21 stood out and reached the final. In general, the age group was well considered. This time, many works reflected familiar day-to-day relationships and situations from home or kindergarten. The winning projects succeeded in elevating these themes both textually and artistically to a coherent professional level. This gives them strong potential to be realised as high-quality children’s books.”
The jury, composed of children’s literature experts, evaluated the works based on their coherence, age-appropriateness, and professional quality. Members of the jury were Asta Trummel (Ministry of Culture), Katrin Reinmaa (Päike ja Pilv), Ulla Saar (Estonian Children’s Literature Centre), Anneli Kengsepp (Viljandi City Library), and Kadri Hinrikus (children’s magazine Täheke).
The Knee-high Book competition began in 2006 and is taking place for the tenth time. Its aim is to enrich reading materials for children up to 7 years old with high-quality, professionally created original picture books. The competition is organised every two years by the Ministry of Culture, the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre, and Päike ja Pilv.
Previous competition entries that have been published include “A Big Secret” by Piret Jaaks and Marju Tammik, “Our Road” by Tiiu Kitsik, “Piglets Great Big Wish” by Katrin Tõnisson and Reda Tomingas, “Endel and Kati” by Kadri Kiho and Stella Salumaa, “My City” by Liis Sein and Gerda Märtens, “The Big Knight” by Kristi Kangilaski, “Morning Concert in Matsalu” by Kaja Lotman and Marju Tammik, “Where Is Love?” by Kätlin Vainola and Kertu Sillaste, and many others. Information about previous competitions can be found on the websites of the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre and Päike ja Pilv.
Photo: this year’s Knee-high Book competition winners and special award recipients
Contact:
Katrin Reinmaa
Päike ja Pilv
+372 513 1005
paikejapilv@paikejapilv.ee
