Biography
Paula's First Day at School. Paula and Patrick
Illustrator: Piret Raud
2021, 138 pp
ISBN: 9789949859986
fiction, storybook
Paula Finishes Kindergarten. Paula Moves to the City
Illustrator: Piret Raud
2020, 108 pp
ISBN: 9789949857623
fiction, storybook
Paula and Joseph. Paula and the Neighborhood Kids
Illustrator: Piret Raud
2020, 106 pp
ISBN: 9789949858194
fiction, storybook
Old Mother Kunks
Illustrator: Edgar Valter
2011, 103 pp
ISBN: 9789949449965
fiction, storybook, fairy-tale
Arabella, the Pirate’s Daughter
Illustrator: Edgar Valter
2008, 316 pp
ISBN: 9789985626788
fiction, storybook
Feathered, Blower and the Black Monk
Illustrator: Piret Raud
2007, 352 pp
ISBN: 9789985625194
fiction, storybook, fantasy
Bog Bogey and Lizard
Illustrator: Piret Raud
2004, 106 pp
ISBN: 998555180X
fiction, storybook, fairy-tale
The Dragons in a Foreign Land
Illustrator: Piret Raud
2002, 64 pp
ISBN: 9985551494
fiction, picturebook
The World with Feathered and Furry
Illustrator: Piret Raud
2000, 350 pp
ISBN: 9985303598
fiction, storybook
The Yellow Beetle Drives Around
Illustrator: Piret Mildeberg
1999, 40 pp
ISBN: 9985202031
fiction, storybook
Arabella die Piratentochter
Original title: Arabella, the Pirate’s Daughter
Language: German
Illustrator: Edgar Valter
Translator: Helga Viira
Perioodika
1985, 190 pp
fiction, storybook
Arabella, jūras laupītāja meita
Original title: Arabella, the Pirate’s Daughter
Language: Latvian
Sprīdītis
1994, 190 pp
ISBN: 5796001442
fiction, storybook
Arabella, merirosvon tytär
Original title: Arabella, the Pirate’s Daughter
Language: Finnish
Illustrator: Edgar Valter
Translator: Eva Lille
WSOY
1987, 218 pp
ISBN: 9510140643
fiction, storybook
Arabella, the Pirate's Daughter
Original title: Arabella, the Pirate’s Daughter
Language: English
Illustrator: Edgar Valter
Translator: Külli Jacobson
Tänapäev
2011, 320 pp
ISBN: 9789949270170
fiction, storybook
Arabenla con gái tên cướp biển
Original title: Arabella, the Pirate’s Daughter
Language: Vietnamese
Translator: Thu Hương Nguyễn
Mũi Cà Mau
1987, 213 pp
fiction, storybook
Aranella, dcera piráta
Original title: Arabella, the Pirate’s Daughter
Illustrator: Jindřich Kovařík
Translator: Naděžda Slabihoudová
Lidové nakladatelství
1988, 270 pp
fiction, storybook
Bog Bogey and Lizard
Original title: Bog Bogey and Lizard
Language: English
Illustrator: Piret Mildeberg
Translator: Ellen Sillamägi
Perioodika
1988, 79 pp
ISBN: 5797901226
fiction, storybook
Burmemme
Original title: Old Mother Kunks
Language: Latvian
Illustrator: Aleksandra Runde
Translator: Maima Grīnberga
Liels un mazs
2022, 160 pp
ISBN: 9789934574771
storybook, fiction
Die Kunksmuhme
Original title: Old Mother Kunks
Language: German
Illustrator: Edgar Valter
Translator: Aivo Kaidja
LeiV
2012, 111 pp
ISBN: 9783896034069
fiction, fairy-tale
Die Kunksmuhme
Original title: Old Mother Kunks
Language: German
Illustrator: Edgar Valter
Translator: Aivo Kaidja
Perioodika
1979, 120 pp
fiction, storybook, fairy-tale
Gaisa baloninš
Illustrator: Inta Celmiņa
Translator: Džuljeta Plakidis
Liesma
1972, 254 pp
fiction, storybook, young adult novel
Konkkamuori
Illustrator: Edgar Valter
Translator: Kirsi Kunnas
WSOY
1975, 60 pp
ISBN: 9510071331
fiction, storybook, fairy-tale
Konkkamuori ja kapteeni Trummi
Illustrator: Edgar Valter
Translator: Kirsi Kunnas
WSOY
1978, 66 pp
ISBN: 9510081809
fiction, storybook, fairy-tale
La gatta vagabonda
Original title: The Wandering Cat
Language: Italian
Illustrator: Catherine Zarip
Translator: Daniele Monticelli
Sinnos
2014, 28 pp
ISBN: 9788876092619
fiction, picturebook
Old Mother Kunks
Original title: Old Mother Kunks
Language: English
Illustrator: Edgar Valter
Translator: Ellen Sillamägi
Perioodika
1986, 111 pp
fiction, storybook, fairy-tale
Paula baigia vaikų darželį
Illustrator: Piret Raud
Translator: Viltarė Mickevičienė (Urbaitė)
Nieko rimto
2008, 47 pp
ISBN: 9789955683575
fiction, storybook
Paula ir Patrikas
Illustrator: Piret Raud
Translator: Viltarė Mickevičienė (Urbaitė)
Nieko rimto
2008, 64 pp
ISBN: 9789955683582
fiction, storybook
Prezidents
Original title: Stories of a President
Language: Latvian
Illustrator: Piret Raud
Translator: Maima Grīnberga
Liels un mazs
2015, 76 pp
ISBN: 9789934533259
fiction, storybook
Арабелла - дочь пирата
Original title: Arabella, the Pirate’s Daughter
Language: Russian
Illustrator: Edgar Valter
Translator: Olga Nael
Tänapäev
2011, 342 pp
ISBN: 9789949270163
fiction, storybook
Баба-Мора
Original title: Old Mother Kunks
Language: Russian
Illustrator: Edgar Valter
Translator: Tatjana Teppe
Tammerraamat
2014, 112 pp
ISBN: 9789949526277
fiction, storybook, fairy-tale
Баба-Мора
Illustrator: Edgar Valter
Translator: Tatjana Teppe
Eesti Raamat
1977, 53 pp
fiction, storybook, fairy-tale
Баба-Мора и капитан Трумм
Illustrator: Edgar Valter
Translator: Tatjana Teppe
Eesti Raamat
1983, 56 pp
fiction, storybook, fairy-tale
Каари помогает маме
Original title: Kaari is a Helper
Language: Russian
Illustrator: Lilian Härm
Translator: Roza Põder
Eesti Raamat
1975, 24 pp
fiction, storybook
Как работать президентом
Original title: Stories of a President
Language: Russian
Illustrator: Olga Moskovka
Translator: Lena Blum
KPD Kirjastus
2013, 71 pp
ISBN: 9789985899953
fiction, storybook
Мир с Пернатой и Мохнатым
Original title: The World with Feathered and Furry
Language: Russian
Illustrator: Piret Raud
Translator: Olga Nael
Eesti Kultuurikeskus Vene Entsüklopeedia
2004, 262 pp
ISBN: 9949105110
fiction, storybook, fairy-tale
Морские приключения и заботы корабельного гнома Клабаутермана
Original title: Klabautermann's Problem
Language: Russian
Illustrator: Olga Bolovintseva
Translator: Lena Blum
KPD Kirjastus
2014, 104 pp
ISBN: 9789949545063
fiction, storybook
Паула
Illustrator: Piret Raud
Translator: Sofia Petrosjan
Aleksandra
2011, 200 pp
ISBN: 9789985996096
fiction, storybook
Паула : выпускной в детскoм садy
Illustrator: Piret Raud
Translator: Sofia Petrosjan
Aleksandra
2007, 47 pp
ISBN: 9789985827833
fiction, storybook
Паула : продолжение
Illustrator: Piret Raud
Translator: Maia Melts
Aleksandra
2013, 246 pp
ISBN: 9789949933464
fiction, storybook
Приключенията на президента
Original title: Stories of a President
Illustrator: Sonja Tšurova
Translator: Dora Janeva-Mednikarova
Gaiana
2009, 50 pp
ISBN: 9549246599
fiction, storybook
Чаромора
Original title: Old Mother Kunks
Language: Russian
Illustrator: Georgi Judin
Translator: Vera Ruber
Detskaja Literatura
1988, 111 pp
ISBN: 5080012447
fiction, storybook, fairy-tale
Together with her husband Eno Raud (1928–1996), Aino Pervik (1932) can be named one of Estonia’s most important foundation-layers for the dynasty of children’s literature. Since the 1960’s, Pervik has written so many significant children’s books that already nearly three generations of readers have grown up on them. Although the “grand old lady” of Estonian children’s literature just celebrated her 80th birthday, she still continues to pen sharp and pertinent texts.
In Pervik’s own words, children’s literature should offer young persons a sense of security. Truly – the majority of her books end with arriving back in the warmth of home, and comfortably sitting down around a richly set table. Nevertheless, the writer does not keep her reader in a pink fuzz, or refrain from offering him or her blood-curdling experiences as well. Characters belonging to the dark side of the world she creates include the dreadful pirate captain Taaniel Tina, and a ghost monk with the head he chopped off himself under his arm.
Pervik describes the events taking place on a pirate ship and the lives and minds of contemporary preschoolers just as convincingly as the other. Her texts express deep life-truths, yet do so in a simple and understandable form. She never breaks into over-explicating or nannying, and is understanding and tolerant; however, an ethical dimension is always steadfastly in place in her works. She loves to use folklore motifs and mythical topics, and her texts are brimming with allusions and metaphors.
Kunksmoor (Old Mother Kunks, 1973) is a classic of Estonian children’s literature that speaks about taking care of nature, and uses a colorful old witch-woman as its main character. The witch lives on a lone island away from civilization, and is skilled in the ancient arts of healing; however, human weaknesses such as vanity and selfishness are no stranger to her.
Arabella, the Pirate’s Daughter (1982) makes an observation of good and evil, the lust for money, and the complicated relations of human warmth. Arabella, the only daughter of a pirate captain, sails along with the hardened band of thieves on the world’s seas – however, she wishes to step out of the circle of horror, greed, and fear, and become happy.
The “Paula’s Life” series, which comprises 17 books written in a realistic style for preschoolers and early grades, speaks of a seven-year-old girl finishing kindergarten and going to primary school. The brief texts are written convincingly, offering a young reader the opportunity to identify with the characters and cope with situations that might be new or scary for children. Most key topics affecting the lives of a modern-day child are dealt with in the books. For example: Paula moves with her family to live in a large city, ends up in the hospital to have her appendix removed, and encounters teasing at school.
The fairy tale Draakonid võõrsil (The Dragons in a Foreign Land, 2002) brings dragons that are refugees of a war into the world of people, thus amplifying the unique and unfamiliar subject matter. With the dragon family striving to adapt in strange human society, Pervik outlines how difficult it is to understand someone different from you, although the difference might merely be in appearance and form (the dragons’ body structure, breathing fire, writing in hieroglyphics, etc.). The book shows how easy it is to develop hatred and distrust of a strange culture, as well as how simple it is at the same time to get over it if one only wishes to do so.
In Presidendilood (Stories of a President, 2008), the author brings out the human side of an elderly head of state, talking about the president’s humorous affairs and secret weaknesses; showing the person himself that stands behind a dignified facade. For the president, it is tiring to go on official trips, to be polite and decorous all of the time, and to do what etiquette stipulates. The president would much rather be playing with his grandchildren instead.
The two-part fantasy story Maailm Sulelise ja Karvasega (The World with Feathered and Furry, 2000) and Suleline, Puhuja ja must munk (Feathered, Blower, and the Black Monk, 2008) is undoubtedly among the top achievements in newer Estonian children’s literature. The main characters of the dilogy are four fantasy creatures originating from old children’s songs. Although the plot unfolds rapidly and dynamically, the general topic is the power of song, word, and thought. Fantasies are able to form our surrounding reality much more than we believe. The fight between Good and Evil also takes place here on the level of imagination – a bad thought can give rise to actual evil.
Pervik’s second series of children’s books, “Tirilinn Tales”, is similar in some respects to the Paula stories: they are also meant for a beginning reader. The main characters in this case are five good friends. The author likewise deals here with uncomfortable topics such as superstition, witchcraft and racism, bringing them into a context to which children are accustomed.
Klabautermanni mure (Klabautermann’s Problem) contains a serious modern issue furrowed away into fairy-tale form. Ship-nixes (fairies) rescue 16 Chinese children kidnapped from their parents by a gang of criminals, who planned to smuggle them into the US and give them away for adoption in exchange for large amounts of money.
The picture book Rändav kassiemme (The Wandering Cat, 2012) brings readers the story of a stray cat that has to find a nest for bringing her kittens into the world. The text, which is meant for small children, is short and moving.
Mari Niitra
27.11.2012
In Pervik’s own words, children’s literature should offer young persons a sense of security. Truly – the majority of her books end with arriving back in the warmth of home, and comfortably sitting down around a richly set table. Nevertheless, the writer does not keep her reader in a pink fuzz, or refrain from offering him or her blood-curdling experiences as well. Characters belonging to the dark side of the world she creates include the dreadful pirate captain Taaniel Tina, and a ghost monk with the head he chopped off himself under his arm.
Pervik describes the events taking place on a pirate ship and the lives and minds of contemporary preschoolers just as convincingly as the other. Her texts express deep life-truths, yet do so in a simple and understandable form. She never breaks into over-explicating or nannying, and is understanding and tolerant; however, an ethical dimension is always steadfastly in place in her works. She loves to use folklore motifs and mythical topics, and her texts are brimming with allusions and metaphors.
Kunksmoor (Old Mother Kunks, 1973) is a classic of Estonian children’s literature that speaks about taking care of nature, and uses a colorful old witch-woman as its main character. The witch lives on a lone island away from civilization, and is skilled in the ancient arts of healing; however, human weaknesses such as vanity and selfishness are no stranger to her.
Arabella, the Pirate’s Daughter (1982) makes an observation of good and evil, the lust for money, and the complicated relations of human warmth. Arabella, the only daughter of a pirate captain, sails along with the hardened band of thieves on the world’s seas – however, she wishes to step out of the circle of horror, greed, and fear, and become happy.
The “Paula’s Life” series, which comprises 17 books written in a realistic style for preschoolers and early grades, speaks of a seven-year-old girl finishing kindergarten and going to primary school. The brief texts are written convincingly, offering a young reader the opportunity to identify with the characters and cope with situations that might be new or scary for children. Most key topics affecting the lives of a modern-day child are dealt with in the books. For example: Paula moves with her family to live in a large city, ends up in the hospital to have her appendix removed, and encounters teasing at school.
The fairy tale Draakonid võõrsil (The Dragons in a Foreign Land, 2002) brings dragons that are refugees of a war into the world of people, thus amplifying the unique and unfamiliar subject matter. With the dragon family striving to adapt in strange human society, Pervik outlines how difficult it is to understand someone different from you, although the difference might merely be in appearance and form (the dragons’ body structure, breathing fire, writing in hieroglyphics, etc.). The book shows how easy it is to develop hatred and distrust of a strange culture, as well as how simple it is at the same time to get over it if one only wishes to do so.
In Presidendilood (Stories of a President, 2008), the author brings out the human side of an elderly head of state, talking about the president’s humorous affairs and secret weaknesses; showing the person himself that stands behind a dignified facade. For the president, it is tiring to go on official trips, to be polite and decorous all of the time, and to do what etiquette stipulates. The president would much rather be playing with his grandchildren instead.
The two-part fantasy story Maailm Sulelise ja Karvasega (The World with Feathered and Furry, 2000) and Suleline, Puhuja ja must munk (Feathered, Blower, and the Black Monk, 2008) is undoubtedly among the top achievements in newer Estonian children’s literature. The main characters of the dilogy are four fantasy creatures originating from old children’s songs. Although the plot unfolds rapidly and dynamically, the general topic is the power of song, word, and thought. Fantasies are able to form our surrounding reality much more than we believe. The fight between Good and Evil also takes place here on the level of imagination – a bad thought can give rise to actual evil.
Pervik’s second series of children’s books, “Tirilinn Tales”, is similar in some respects to the Paula stories: they are also meant for a beginning reader. The main characters in this case are five good friends. The author likewise deals here with uncomfortable topics such as superstition, witchcraft and racism, bringing them into a context to which children are accustomed.
Klabautermanni mure (Klabautermann’s Problem) contains a serious modern issue furrowed away into fairy-tale form. Ship-nixes (fairies) rescue 16 Chinese children kidnapped from their parents by a gang of criminals, who planned to smuggle them into the US and give them away for adoption in exchange for large amounts of money.
The picture book Rändav kassiemme (The Wandering Cat, 2012) brings readers the story of a stray cat that has to find a nest for bringing her kittens into the world. The text, which is meant for small children, is short and moving.
Mari Niitra
27.11.2012