Estonian Union for Child Welfare and the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre announced the lists of best children’s and young adult books published in 2021. Experts of children’s literature made their selection from 850 books (233 originals and 610 translations). The lists include 17 books for children and 9 for young adults.
The young representatives of the Estonian Union for Child Welfare also selected their favourite book which was a young adult novel I Got My Period by Marilyn Jurman.
The Estonian Union for Child Welfare has selected the best new children’s books every year since 2009, and the best young-adult books since 2018. Representatives of the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre, the Estonian Reading Association, and children’s sections of rural and urban central libraries take part in the selection process.
A Good Children’s Book:
- is well-designed
- develops imagination
- inspires
- arouses curiosity
- depicts the world in its diversity
- is interesting and inspires to read
- is not restricted by age
- is interesting for children and parents alike
A Good Young Adult Book:
- provides a reading adventure
- depicts the world in its diversity
- instils courage and the joy of life
- develops empathy
- invites you to think and discuss
The Good Children’s Books of 2021
For the Younger Reader:
• Marco Viale Blue Wolves Town. Published by Päike ja Pilv. Translated by Eda Ahi, illustrated by Marco Viale.
• Evelina Daciūté The Fox On The Swing. Published by Päike ja Pilv. Translated by Tiina Kattel, illustrated by Aušra Kiudulaité.
• Bettina Obrecht Then I’ll Go Now, Time Said. Published by Päike ja Pilv. Translated by Piret Pääsuke, illustrated by Julie Völk.
• Helena Koch Potatoe Kingdom. Published by Koolibri. Illustrated by Anne Pikkov.
• Liis Sein Timid Little Fox. Published by Tammerraamat. Illustrated by Catherine Zarip.
• Mo Willems We Are In A Book. Published by Draakon & Kuu. Translated by Leelo Märjamaa, illustrated by Mo Willems.
• Kate Read One Fox. Published by Julius Press. Translated by Marge Kask, illustrated by Kate Read.
For the Older Reader:
• A Shirt Of A Happy Person. Published by Varrak. Composed by Piret Päär, illustrated by Katrin Ehrlich.
• Adam Kay Kay’s Anatomy. Published by Tänapäev. Translated by Krista Kallis, illustrated by Henry Paker.
• Anna Gavalda 35 Kilos Of Hope. Published by Koolibri. Translated by Indrek Koff, illustrated by Ander Avila.
• Katie Kirby The Extremely Embarrassing Life of Lottie Brooks. Published by Eesti Raamat. Translated by Hels Kure, illustrated by Katie Kirby.
• Sally Harris Double Felix. Published by Vesta. Translated by Jüri Kolk, illustrated by Maria Serrano.
• Anja Portin Radio Popov. Published by Vesta. Translated by Triin Tael, illustrated by Miila Westin
• Kadri Hinrikus Elephant. Published by Tammerraamat. Illustrated by Kadi Kurema.
• Anti Saar How I Didn’t Become A Writer. Published by Kolm Elu. Illustrated by Hillar Mets.
• Kätlin Kaldmaa Lydia. Published by Hunt. Illustrated by Jaan Rõõmus.
• Indrek Koff Where’d The Kids Go?. Published by Härra Tee & Proua Kohvi. Illustrated by Elina Sildre.
The Good Young Adult Books of 2021
• Kimberly Bradley Fighting Words. Published by Hea Lugu. Translated by Katrin Kern.
• Rob Harrell Wink. Published by Hea Lugu. Translated by Piret Orav.
• Stephen King The Eyes of The Dragon. Published by Fantaasia. Translated by Eva Luts.
• Merilin Paas-Loeza What The Eyes Cannot See. Published by Tänapäev.
• Kaia Raudsepp Just Don’t Be Left Alone. Published by Tänapäev.
• Sarah Crossan Toffee. Published by Varrak. Translated by Kristina Uluots.
• Bill Konigsberg The Bridge. Published by Eesti Raamat. Translated by Ülle Okas.
• Lauren McLaughlin Send Pics. Published by Postimees Published by. Translated by Helen Kalpus.
• Marilyn Jurman I Got My Period. Published by M. Jurman – The favourite book of the young representatives of the Estonian Union for Child Welfare
