Katrin Tõnisson and Ulla Saar’s picture book “Snarlie” (“Salalaegas”/ published by Päike ja Pilv) has been selected among the 100 Outstanding Picturebooks of 2026 by the international platform dPICTUS.
This award-winning comic-style picture book, also recognised in Estonia, takes the reader into the world of a sensitive young boy who is learning to cope with overwhelming emotions and to understand and regulate his inner feelings. The book’s empathetic text, combined with playful illustrations that enrich and expand the narrative, conveys the message that all emotions are valid and need not be feared.
The dPICTUS selection is curated in collaboration with international guest curators—experts in picture books and illustration—who choose their favourite titles from the books presented on the platform. The final list consists of those works most frequently highlighted by the curators, resulting in a diverse annual overview of the best picture books worldwide.
The “100 Outstanding Picturebooks” selection was also exhibited at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, where visitors could view the books in person. The titles are also accessible on the dPICTUS online platform: members can browse the full books, while other visitors can view two sample spreads from each title.
This recognition confirms the high artistic quality and international relevance of “Snarlie” and highlights the strength of Estonian picture books on the global stage.
Photo: publisher Katrin Reinmaa and the book’s authors Katrin Tõnisson and Ulla Saar. Photo by Dmitri Kotjuh.
