Estonia reveals shortlist for annual award honoring translated children’s books

Ten books from a range of international authors have been nominated for Estonia’s 2026 Paabeli Torn award, which recognizes outstanding children’s literature translated into Estonian. The selection includes works originally written in Ukrainian, Spanish, Danish, Lithuanian, Italian, Finnish, German, and Swedish, with the winners to be announced in Tallinn on Nov. 19.

The shortlist features five picture books and five works of fiction for children and young adults. The nominated books were published in Estonia between October 2025 and September 2026.

The award is presented by the Estonian section of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), which is recognizing translated children’s literature for the 23rd time.

In the picture-book category, the nominees include “Taevatähed ja mooniseemned” (“Stars and Poppy Seeds”) by Ukrainian artists Romana Romanyshyn and Andriy Lesiv, translated from Ukrainian by Ilona Martson and published by Päike ja Pilv.

The other picture-book nominees are “Aga kui vaal mu alla neelab?” by Spanish author Susanna Isern and illustrator Rocio Bonilla, translated by Eva-Stina Randoja and published by Koolibri; “Fantastiline buss” by Danish author and illustrator Jakob Martin Strid, translated by Kai-Mai Aja and published by Varrak; “Tulge juba! Läki kooli!” by Marta Cabrol, with verses translated by Leelo Tungal and published by Tammerraamat; and “Kus on Sammeli?” by Ilon Wikland, translated from Swedish by Maarja Aaloe and published by Sinisukk.

The fiction category features “Tüdruk püssiga” by Lithuanian author Marius Marcinkevičius, illustrated by Lina Itagaki, translated by Tiina Kattel and published by Draakon & Kuu; and “Seal kuskil, kus on mustmiljon konna ja liblikat: kuhu saavad kõik kadunud asjad” by Italian author Concita De Gregorio, illustrated by Beatrice Alemagna, translated by Eva Kolli and published by Draakon & Kuu.

Also nominated are “Loe mõttes kümneni” by Finnish author Laura Lähteenmäki, translated by Triin Tael and published by Hea Lugu; “Hunt” by Saša Stanišić, translated from German by Eve Sooneste and published by Tänapäev; and “Tihnik” by Finnish author Päivi Lukkarila, translated by Triin Tael and published by Ühinenud Ajakirjad.

This year’s jury consists of Jaanika Palm, Annika Mägimets, Liisi Laineste, Dea Oidekivi, and Mare Müürsepp. The winners will be announced at the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre during the Estonian IBBY section’s autumn gathering.

According to the award’s official regulations, Paabeli Torn aims to promote high-quality translated children’s literature. Established in 2004, the award recognizes the author, Estonian translator, and publisher of the winning book, with the translator also receiving a monetary prize.

As reported earlier, IBBY unveiled its largest-ever Honour List in July 2026, recognizing 191 children’s books in 52 languages from 59 countries. The selection included Ukrainian author Dara Kornii, illustrator Oleksandr Shatokhin, and translator Bozhena Antoniak.

The 2026 Bologna Illustrators Exhibition shortlist included eight Ukrainian artists, among them Romana Romanyshyn, one of the creators nominated for this year’s Estonian award.

Images: Päike ja Pilv, Koolibri, Varrak, Tammerraamat, Sinisukk, Draakon & Kuu, Hea Lugu, Tänapäev, Ühinenud Ajakirjad