On February 9th, 2024, the most beautiful children’s books of 2023 were announced in the black-ceilinged hall of the Writers’ House. The special prize of the Children’s Literature Centre was awarded to the book “Pookie-Boo,” illustrated and written by Margit Saluste, and designed by Endla Toots.
The jury of the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre found that “Bookie-Boo” is a warm and adorable book, successfully capturing attention from format to content paper selection. The illustrations of “Bookie-Boo” appear fresh with imaginative and witty solutions, harmonizing very well with the text.
A total of 37 works were submitted to the competition for the five most beautiful Estonian children’s books of 2023, from which the following books were recognized:
“Bookie-Boo” – illustrated and written by Margit Saluste, designed by Endla Toots (also received the special prize of the Estonian Children’s Literature Center);
“Daddy!” – illustrated by Elina Sildre, designed by Dan Mikkin, written by Indrek Koff;
“Herring Disco” – illustrated by Ulla Saar, designed by Einike Soosaar, written by Kairi Look;
“Trouble With Tantrum” – illustrated by Kadri Ilves, designed by Villu Tammer, written by Tarmo Vaarmets;
“Children’s Taste” – illustrated by Jüri Mildeberg, designed by Villu Tammer, written by Leelo Tungal.
The jury’s special prize for the five most beautiful children’s books was awarded to “Ghost Way. The Riddle of the Key”, illustrated and designed by Urmas Viik, written by Jana Maasik. The newcomer’s special prize went to the book “The Wolf Mother’s Secret Recipe”, illustrated by Tuulike Kivestu-Rotella, designed by Endla Toots, and written by Margus Haava. The special prize of the Estonian Graphic Designers’Unionwent to the book “Legs”, illustrated and written by Tiiu Kitsik, and designed by Endla Toots.
The jury for the five most beautiful Estonian children’s books competition included Kristi Kangilaski (Chairperson), Kadi Kurema, Jüri Mildeberg, Piret Niinepuu-Kiik, Viive Noor, and Priit Rea from the Estonian Graphic Designers’Union, Virge Loo from the National Library of Estonia, Triin Soone from the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre, and Krista Vilippus from the Estonian Publishers’ Association.
The winning works can be viewed until the end of February at an exhibition in Solaris Centre, on the 2nd floor in front of the National Library of Estonia Solaris Embassy. Visitors have the opportunity to vote for their favorite book. Opinions can also be expressed in major Rahva Raamat and Apollo bookstores. Among all voters, bookstores’ gift cards will be raffled.
The Most Beautiful Children’s Book competition has been held since 1998 with the aim of highlighting illustrated children’s books as a phenomenon of cultural significance. The competition runs concurrently with the 25 Most Beautiful Estonian Book competition. The competitions for the five most beautiful Estonian children’s books and the 25 most beautiful Estonian books are organized by the National Library of Estonia, the Estonian Publishers’ Association, the Estonian Graphic Designers’ Union, the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre, and the Estonian Printing and Packaging Industry Association.
For more information, please visit the National Library’s website.
