Piret Raud

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 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.… (meer)

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 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.… (meer)