Instead, consider providing them with books to practice their Estonian language skills. Check out the book recommendations of the Estonian Children's Literature Centre (Eesti Lastekirjanduse Keskus), which serves as a rich database for finding Estonian-language books suitable for all ages and reading levels.
Based in Tallinn, “The Centre collects, preserves, and offers the opportunity to engage with childrens' and youth literature for all enthusiasts as part of Estonia's cultural heritage.” In its mission to promote Estonian-language and Estonian-published children's literature, the Centre “engages in various initiatives, including research, education, and entertainment.” Perhaps the most notable is its collection and preservation of Estonian children's literature. Together, these efforts have made it “one of the country's best and most complete collections of Estonian children's literature.”
Better yet, anyone can access this collection. Visit ELK's website to find a number of recommended Estonian children's books organized by various topics, including “book of the month,” genre type, and age ranges. There's something fun and engaging for every level of reader.
This catalogue features book recommendations for readers aged 3 to 11 and young adults. Each page features relevant information on each book, short synopses, illustrations, and blurbs about each author.
To keep up with the latest releases in Estonian children's literature, take a glimpse at ELK's annually released catalogue, “Children's Books from Estonia.” This catalogue features book recommendations for readers aged 3 to 11 and young adults. Each page features relevant information on each book, short synopses, illustrations, and blurbs about each author.
Here are some of this year's recommended books listed in the catalogue. Texts are written by Ulla Saar, Jaanika Palm, Helena Kostenok, and Ülle Väljataga. English translations are created by Adam Cullen, Susan Wilson, Nikky Smedley, and Chris Reintal.
The Lake's Letter, written and illustrated by Piret Raud. This book is recommended for readers age five and up. “What happens when you long for something? When you long for something so much that you overflow with feelings? You write a letter, of course. You put all your feelings on paper, roll the paper up, put it in an empty bottle and let it go, hoping that it will reach the address. And when it does, it's the best feeling in the world. A book about longing, overcoming obstacles and a love for the sea. A book where the text and the pictures flow like a river itself. There is a bit of river in all of us as we all long for something. The question is, do we dare go for it?” The Lake’s Letter was a Nominee for the Annual Children's Literature Award of the Cultural Endowment of Estonia in 2023.
How to Sit, How to Stand, written by Anti Saar and illustrated by Alvar Jaakson. This book is recommended for readers age nine and up. “Have you ever felt awkward because you don't know how to sit or stand? Maybe you'd like to know the best way to tell a joke or tie your shoes? Do you long to discover how to survive without a phone or successfully raise your parents? Do you want to know how to be happy? Anti Saar's strictly scientific short stories, which are based on real-life experiences and yet extremely funny, provide instructions for every imaginable situation that can come up in life, and perhaps even some that may never happen.” How to Sit, How to Stand was a Nominee for the Annual Children's Literature Award of the Cultural Endowment of Estonia in 2023.
The Door, written by Ilmar Tomusk and illustrated by Priit Rea. This book is recommended for readers age 11 and up. “Mäks has no problem with going to school. Learning doesn't pose a challenge because he instantly memorizes everything he reads. If only it weren't for the terrible seventh graders Mairold and Baldy, who use every chance they get to make the boy's life unbearable. They hide his things, push and shove, and taunt him as much as they can. One day, when Mäks is fleeing from his tormentors, he dives into a thicket where he comes across a strange house he's never seen before, even though he walks that path home from school every day. The Door is standing wide open and appears to beckon him, so Maks gives into curiosity and enters.”
Check out these resources amongst many others, at ELK's website: elk.ee.
This article was written by Natalie Jenkins as part of the Local Journalism Initiative.
