The International Youth Library in Munich has published the catalogue “The White Ravens 2024”, which showcases some of the best children’s books from around the world. This year’s selection includes two works by Estonian authors – Lille Roomets’ youth novel Mina ja August (Hea Lugu 2023) and Mari Teede’s Ingmar and the Sea (illustrated by Marja-Liisa Plats, Tänapäev 2023).
The current catalogue features 200 outstanding new children’s and youth books from 50 countries and over 40 languages. The books are selected by children’s literature experts at the International Youth Library, who receive a large number of books from around the world throughout the year. The selection is based on literary and visual quality, as well as the themes that may be of interest to an international readership.
Lille Roomets’ Mina ja August is the first verse novel for young readers in Estonia. The story is set in 1933–1934, a time when Estonia was independent but struggling with political and economic tensions. The narrative later shifts to 1964, summarizing the tragic events in the lives of the three main characters during the Soviet occupation. The book was recognized in Estonia as one of the Best Youth Books of 2023.
Mari Teede’s Ingmar and the Sea portrays the challenges of making new friends and coping with parents’ divorce. When the main character Ingmar’s parents separate, he moves with his mother from Tallinn to his grandfather’s house by the sea. Being far from his friends and attending a new school makes setteling in difficult for Ingmar. However, he gradually finds a way to adjust, with the sea as his constant companion. The book has received several awards and recognitions in Estonia, including nominations for the Cultural Endowment of Estonia’s Literary Award and the Tartu Children’s Literature Prize in 2023. It was also listed among the Best Children’s Books of 2023.
“The White Ravens 2024” will be presented at international book fairs in Frankfurt and Bologna. The catalogue serves as a valuable resource for both publishers as well as librarians seeking new literature. It helps to introduce and distribute books internationally and sell translation rights.
