Piret Raud

I have a soft spot in my heart for well-translated books. Not only is it a treat to be able to dive into stories although they were written in a different language, but these types of books give a better view into a different culture than a book written about a different culture (in my opinion.)

With interesting and unique illustrations, this is a tale about jealousy, fitting in, and finding a way to accept ones self in even unexpected ways.

Ellie is a bird, who can't peep. Everything else show more around her has its own voice; even rain pitter-patters. She's very sad and doesn't know what to do until she runs across a very strange object. One blow and a noise comes out. Finally, she has her own voice and everyone wants to listen to her...but it may not be as wonderful as she thinks.

It's easy to sympathize with Ellie as she watches the world around her express itself through noise, while she has none. Her discovery of a fitting 'voice' is a bit different than what one might expect, but it works. Young listeners will not only identify with her problem, but be drawn in by the originality and imagination. This is also a story that pulls at the heart-strings, switching from sadness to happiness to excitement to disappointment and ending with a twist, which is filled with warmth and thought. The idea in this one drives deep (especially after the ending), which opens up to discussions and draws warm emotions. It's one of those tales, which ends on just the right note, making it a book not to be ignored.

The illustrations in this book are lovely. Done in black and white, the tiny details are exquisite and really shine with their whimsical, imaginative flair. And all of that while still drawing the reader in with clear understanding of what is happening. It's a treat to flip through again and again, and earns a special spot on the bookshelf.

I received an ARC and am planning on adding this one to my shelf. show less

Cut from her head, an Ear finds herself alone in the world and without purpose. At the point of despair, she is approached by a frog who wants someone to listen to his song, even though he isn't a great singer. The kindhearted Ear agrees, and soon she is known far and wide as a sympathetic listener, one whose willingness to hear everyone out provides comfort and relief. But when an evil spider comes along and begins saying spiteful things, the Ear finds herself slowly bound by his malice. Is show more it the end, or will the many creatures she has helped come to her aid...?

Originally published in Estonia as Kõrv, this delightfully idiosyncratic picture-book is only the second children's book I have read from that country. Ironically, the first, The Adventures of Sipsik, which is considered a 20th-century classic, was created by Eno Raud, the father of Piret Raud. Interestingly, Piret Raud's mother, Aino Pervik, is also a children's book author. When I saw this one come into work, I noticed only the last name, and thought at first that it was another of Eno Raud's books being translated. Although that turned out not to be the case, I enjoyed this one immensely. The story is a bit odd - apparently the ear is meant to be Vincent van Gogh's missing appendage, although that is not specified in the text - but it is also engaging. The artwork, in the meantime, is charming, with appealingly stylized figures and a lovely color palette. I would recommend this one to anyone who enjoyed somewhat surreal stories, or who is looking for picture-books about finding oneself and one's sense of purpose. show less

Lovely Story with Intricate Illustrations
Review of the Restless Books hardcover edition (August 2020) translated from the Estonian original "Trööömmmpffff ehk Eli hääl" (November 2016)

Piret Raud's Ellie's Voice... is a lovely children's picture book translated from its original Estonian by the versatile Adam Cullen. Cullen now has over 20 translations from Estonian to his credit, making him the world's most published Estonian translator*.

Ellie's Voice... is a parable that touches on show more themes of loneliness, wishing to belong, communication, sharing, generosity, giving, friendship, the love of music and more. It is simply and effectively told in very exotic, intricate drawings by the author/writer Piret Raud.

Bonus points for the title word sound Trööömmmpffff, which adults reading aloud to their kids will surely have a lot of fun pronouncing ;)

Trivia and Link
From the copyright page, I discovered that the French language edition "Trööömmmpffff ou la voix d'Elie" (April 2016) was published before the original Estonian one.

* The world's 2nd most published Estonian translator is probably Ilmar Lehtpere with at least 15 translations of Estonian poetry. show less

"Lood selles raamatus on natuke napakad. Ka lugude tegelased on tiba tobedavõitu, kuid see-eest väga armsad ja head.

Siit leiab näiteks muna, kellele meeldib seista pea peal, ja õunapuu, kes kasvatab oma okste küljes ordeneid, ning porgandi, kes ei tea isegi õieti, kes ta selline on. Veel räägitakse siin onu Vello nööbikogumiskirest ja kampsuni kallistamiskirest ja kalade kirest juua maitsvat teed.
Pildid raamatule on teinud autor ise, sest kes teine võikski teada, kuidas too show more kummaline seltskond täpselt välja näeb." show less