Biography
Piret Raud (1971) is the most successful contemporary Estonian children’s writer and illustrator. She graduated from the Estonian Academy of Arts in graphic arts, and initially set off on the same path. After trying her hand at writing, Raud has since become the most renowned and widely-translated children’s author in Estonia. She has written 21 titles (eight of which were commissioned by Japanese, French, and British publishers), has been translated into 20 different languages, and has illustrated more than 50 titles. Her writing has received spectacular recognition both at home and abroad. She was included on the 2012 IBBY Honour List as writer and in 2018 as illustrator; in the 2010 and 2013 White Ravens catalogue; and was awarded the Estonian Order of the White Star, IV Class in 2016.
I illustrated other authors’ books for ten years, until one moment I decided to try my own hand at writing. I took part in a children’s manuscript competition and won. The manuscript became a book, which unexpectedly received very good reception. The path towards writing was opened. I truly enjoy my work. Room for goodness, for humour and happy endings can be found in children’s books. It is immensely revitalising and pleasant to spend a little bit of time every day in a friendly world of my own creation.
Profile photo: Piia Ruber
Au secours! Maman rétrécit
Das Meer
Das Ohr
Die Geschichte von Herrn Vogel
Ellie’s Voice, or Trööömmmpffff
Emily e un mare di cose
Emily et tout un tas de choses
Emma kocha różowy!
Historie trochę szalone
Istorija apie namelį, kuris norėjo būti namais
Ja, mama i nasi zwariowani przyjaciele
Kitokios princesių istorijos
Księżniczki nieco zakręcone
Kā izglābt mazītiņo mammu
La curiosa historia del señor Pájaro
La lettre du lac
La principessa e lo scheletro
Le thé des poissons et autres histoires
L’histoire de la petite maison qui recherchait des habitants
Mister Bird’s Story
Monsieur Oiseau veut changer de peau
More
Morje
Paula baigia vaikų darželį
Paula ir Patrikas
Pono Paukščio istorija
Prezidents
Princese Skella un Leta kungs
Princese pa pastu
Princeshat e Estonisë
Princesse Lulu et monsieur Nonosse
Prismuknjene zgodbe
Sa majesté Ver-de-Terre et autres folles princesses
The Story of Sander, Muri, the Eensy Mum, and the Invisible Aksel
The Story of Sander, Muri, the Eensy Mum, and the Invisible Aksel
The Ear
The Sea
Trööömmmpffff o la voce di Eli
Trööömmmpffff ou la voix d’Elie
Ucho
Uho
Uho
Un jardin merveilleux
Une drôle de famille
Urechea ascultatoare
Voglio tutto rosa
Voisins zinzins et autres histoires de mon immeuble
Šiek tiek paikos istorijos
История о Домике, который искал себе жильцов
Мир с Пернатой и Мохнатым
Паула
Паула : выпускной в детскoм садy
Паула : продолжение
Рыба ходит, колобродит
Трохи дивакуваті історії
Чудесный сад
Чудные истории
Эрнесто и его кролики
الأذن
うみ
みっつのねがい
ピンクだいすき!
귀
뿌리 깊은 나무들의 정원
엄마가 작아졌어요
Edgar Valter Illustration Award
2022
Hans Christian Andersen Award, nominee
2021
Edgar Valter Illustration Award, nominee
2020
Hans Christian Andersen Award, nominee
2019
5 Best Designed Estonian Children’s Books, Special prize from jury (Ear)
Nomination for Premio Strega Ragazze e Ragazzi
Good Children’s Book (Ear)
2018
IBBY Honour List, as an illustrator (Trööömmmpffff, or Eli’s Voice)
5 Best Designed Estonian Children’s Books, Special Prize from the Estonian Association of Graphic Designers (The Story of the Little House Who Wanted to Be a Home)
Good Children’s Book (The Story of the Little House Who Wanted to Be a Home)
2017
Good Children’s Book (All My Relatives)
2014–2017 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award candidate
2016
Order of the White Star, IV Class
Hans Christian Andersen Award nominee
5 Best Designed Estonian Children’s Books, Certificate of Merit(Trööömmmpffff, or Eli’s Voice)
2015
Good Children’s Book (The Story of Sander, Muri, Eensy Mum, and the Invisible Aksel)
2013
The White Ravens (Three Wishes)
5 Best Designed Estonian Children’s Books, Certificate of Merit (Princesses with a Twist)
2012
5 Best Designed Estonian Children’s Books, Certificate of Merit, Prize of the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre (Three Wishes)
Good Children’s Book (Slightly Silly Stories)
2010
The White Ravens (Mister Bird’s Story)
5 Best Designed Estonian Children’s Books, Certificate of Merit (Emma Loves Pink)
Good Children’s Book (Tobias, Second Grade)
2009
III Tallinn Illustration Triennial, Honorary diploma of Estonian Artist’s Association
"Golden Book", special prize of the Estonian National Library to the most beautiful children’s book of the year
25 Best-Designed Books", Certificate of Merit
5 Best-Designed Children’s Books", Certificate of Merit
2008
5 Best-Designed Children’s Books", Certificate of Merit
Raisin of the Year Award
2007
Bologna Children’s Book Fair, Award for Excellence
2006
25 Best-Designed Books", Certificate of Merit
2004
5 Best-Designed Children’s Books", Certificate of Merit
2003
Tallinn Illustration Triennial, diploma
2002
25 Best-Designed Books", Certificate of Merit
5 Best-Designed Children’s Books", Certificate of Merit
2001
5 Best-Designed Children’s Books", Certificate of Merit
2000
5 Best-Designed Children’s Books", Certificate of Merit
1999
25 Best-Designed Books", Certificate of Merit
5 Best-Designed Children’s Books", Certificate of Merit
1998
Tallinn XI Print Triennial, G-Gallery and Tempera OY prize
1997
Eduard Sööt Prize for illustrations of poetry for children
Important Exhibitions:
2021
Bratislava Illustration Biennale (BIB 2021), Slovakia
2018
International Illustration Exhibition "Sea Fairytales", Estonian Children's Literature Centre
2017
Bratislava Illustration Biennale (BIB), Slovakia
International Illustration Exhibition "Sea Fairytales", art ship M/S Bibiana in Danish port cities: Skælskør, Korsør, Nakskov, Svendborg, Middelfart, Frederica, Aarhus, Helsingør, Copenhagen, Aarhus; originals: Marstal Sea Museum
2016
International Children's Book Illustration Exhibition "Le immagini della fantasia 33", I Bastioni, Merate, Italy
International Illustration Exhibition "Sea Fairytales", art ship M/S Bibiana in Danish port cities: Aalborg, Thisted, Nykøbing Mors, Hirtshals, Skagen, Sæby, Hals, Løgstør, Hadsund, Hobro, Aalborg, Copenhagen; originals: Aalborg Music House, Marstal Sea Museum