Piret Raud – författare

The Sea loves her fish children very much and reads to them every day. One day, when the fish are being especially loud, the Sea disappears in hope of some peace and quiet. At first the fish children enjoy the chance to misbehave, but become distraught when they realise they have no one to read them a bedtime story. An opportunistic cat promises to read them a story on the condition that they let it eat the fish afterwards. The fish are so desperate, they agree. It is only after their story has finished that the implications of their decision sinks in. They cry so profusely that their salty tears bring the Sea back, much to the disappointment of the cat. The Sea promises to teach her fish how to read so that if she ever needs a break again, the fish will be safe from harm. Piret Raud is Estonia's leading children's book creator, and has been nominated for the Hans Christian Andersen Award twice, in 2020 and 2022. Her surreal story about the importance of reading and bedtime stories blends a highly imaginative narrative and illustrations with an empathetic understanding of the challenges of solo-parenting.

A surreal story inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s ear, by the award-winning children’s book creator, Piret Raud. When the artist Vincent van Gogh cuts off his ear, the ear is suddenly left alone and headless. What will become of her? Where should she go? What should she do? Acutely aware of how small and insignificant she is in the big, wide world, the ear experiences something of an identity crisis. She simply doesn’t know who she is anymore. But thanks to a downcast frog with a heavy heart who simply needs listening to, she realizes what she can offer to the world: a sympathetic ear. Through helping her friends, she discovers a fresh perspective on life. Piret Raud is Estonia’s leading children’s book creator, and has twice been nominated for the Hans Christian Andersen Award, in 2020 and 2022. Her hand-drawn artwork is breathtaking for its exquisite detail, remarkably vibrant colours and bold compositions. This bedtime story will amuse, beguile and teach empathy in equal measure.

A touching and profound tale of friendship, differences, and acceptance from renowned Estonian children’s author and illustrator Piret Raud.On the sandy shore of a big sea lived a bird named Ellie who had no voice.“Everything else has a voice,” Ellie thought sadly. “The trees rustle. The waves crash. Even the rain sings when it falls.”“I’m the only one who can’t make a sound.”Ellie felt tears well up in her eyes—that’s how sad she was to be voiceless.Ellie’s life is turned upside down when she finds a curious instrument on the shore that makes the most amazing sound when she blows into it: Trööömmmpffff! Creatures come from near and far to hear Ellie’s magnificent new voice. But when Ellie learns that the horn actually belongs to Duke Junior who is desperately unhappy without it, she goes on an adventure to return the horn to its rightful owner. After days and nights of searching, she finds Duke Junior on an island in the middle of the water. To her surprise and delight, Duke Junior doesn’t just toot Tröömmmpfff on the horn… he plays the most beautiful music! Ellie is so happy that Duke Junior has his horn back and can produce such lovely sounds that she’s content listening to his tunes and being herself.