{"id":4097,"date":"2012-10-13T18:22:48","date_gmt":"2012-10-13T15:22:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/elk.ee\/?page_id=4097"},"modified":"2023-06-05T09:23:05","modified_gmt":"2023-06-05T06:23:05","slug":"ajalugu","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/elk.1kdigital.com\/en\/childrens-literature\/ajalugu\/","title":{"rendered":"History"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Prolog<\/h2>
\n

The original source of children\u2019s literature is folklore in its most varied forms \u2013 folk songs, folk tales, riddles, counting rhymes, etc. Experience of centuries confirm that fairy-tales are irreplaceable for the mental growth of a child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first collections of fairy-tales were published in Europe in the 17th century (C. Perrault in 1697, etc.), and at the beginning of the 19th century the fairy-tales collected and reworked by the Grimm Brothers became well-known. Following their lead, F. R. Kreutzwald published Eestirahwa Ennemuistesed jutud<\/em> (Estonian Folk Tales) (1866) which inspired also our other authors of the 19th century (J. K\u00f5rv, J. Kunder) to publish their reworked fairy-tales. Literary fairy-tales (by H. C. Andersen, L. Carroll etc.) were born according to the model of folk tales, the tradition spread all over the world and has a honorary place among children\u2019s literature even in our times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alphabet books\/readers have had great merits in the history of development of children\u2019s literature. These and several other books in the national language enabled Estonians to achieve literacy rather early and to spread public education. Our first Alphabet Book was published already in 1641 as a result of the church reform of Martin Luther which required that the Word of God and studies at school should be in the local language. The oldest Alphabet Books that have survived until our times date from 1694 (in the North Estonian dialect) and 1698 (in the South Estonian dialect). Gradually, also texts with secular content began to appear in addition to religious reading. The first Alphabet Book with secular stories, ABD ehk Luggemise-Ramat Lastele<\/em> (ABC or Reader for Children) by O. W. Masing, was published about a hundred years later (1795). \u00dcks Kaunis Jutto- ja \u00d5ppetusse-Ramat<\/em> (A Beautiful Book of Stories and Learning) by F. G. Arvelius (1782) paved the way both for children\u2019s literature and science fiction. At the beginning of the 19th century only a little more than a half of the Estonian population could read but by the end of the century reading skills had become common.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
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Arvelius. \u00dcks Kaunis Jutto- ja \u00d5ppetusse-Ramat. 1782<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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O. W. Masing. ABD ehk Luggemise-Ramat Lastele. 1795<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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F. Andressohn. Essimenne Luggemisse-ramat Lastele. 1820<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Fr. R. Kreutzwald. Eestirahwa Ennemuistesed jutud. 1875<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Fr. R. Kreutzwald. Eestirahwa Ennemuistesed jutud. 1875, tiitelleht<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Birth of Estonian children’s literature in the middle of the 19th century<\/strong><\/h2>
\n

The II half of the 19th century, known as the national awakening period, brought fresh winds to Estonia. The increased level of education and interest in reading among the population needed mental stimulation that could be obtained from reading materials in the mother tongue. Activisation was noticeable also in the field of children\u2019s literature. Besides translations adapted to the Estonian reader also several original books with stories and poems were published.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The German pastors, brothers Carl and Martin K\u00f6rber made an appreciable contribution to the birth of Estonian children\u2019s literature. Karjalaste luggemisse ramat <\/em>(Reading Book for Shepherd Children) by C. K\u00f6rber (1849) is the first reader specifically for children which was soon followed by the more artistic P\u00e4hkle ramat <\/em>(Nut Book) (1851). The same author also wrote textbooks Koli-ramat<\/em> (School Book) 1-3 (1854) and Uus ABD-Ramat<\/em> (New ABC Book) (1872). Some of the numerous poems by M. K\u00f6rber were also intended for children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first book of rhymes for children Eesti Laste R\u00f5\u00f5m<\/em> (Joy of Estonian Children) (1865) was created with by Johann Voldemar Jannsen, father of Lydia Koidula. The peculiarity of this book consists in the numerous pictures suitable to the content. Popular instructive verses have survived until our time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A number of school readers rich in content were published, the best known of which is Kooli Lugemise raamat<\/em> (School Reader) I (1867) by Carl Robert Jakobson. Through readers also valuable literature began to spread among the people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
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C. K\u00f6rber. Karjalaste luggemisse ramat. 1849<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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C. K\u00f6rber. P\u00e4hkle ramat. 1851<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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C. K\u00f6rber. Koli-ramat. 1854<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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J. V. Jannsen. Eesti Laste R\u00f5\u00f5m. 1865<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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C. R. Jakobson. Kooli Lugemise raamat. 3. 1876<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Estonian children’s literature during the last quarter of the 19th century<\/strong><\/h2>
\n

At the end of the century the Estonian readers could already become familiar with a larger choice of world literature which was partly also suitable for children (translations of the works of F. Cooper, A. Dumas, J. R. Kipling and others). Also the Estonian children\u2019s literature took its first steps together with national literature. The first signs of criticism and theory of children\u2019s literature could be found in the press.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The amount of reading for children extended with the growth of book production. The period was characterised by different collections where original and translation texts of very varying standards could be found. Matthias Johann Eisen became well known by writing also several collections of folk tales in addition to the collection Laste varandus<\/em> (Children\u2019s Treasure) (1881). Jakob P\u00e4rn, the most productive story-writer at the end of the 19th century, was also an author of children\u2019s books whose works are characterised by the black-and-white depiction method.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The literary heritage of Juhan Kunder to children is not so voluminous but all the more weighty. The author who is known also nowadays with his adaptions of fairy-tales was also the first one to adapt the epic Kalevipoeg <\/em>to children (1885). His speech at the Estonian Society of Authors on the reading materials for Estonian children (on 3 January 1883) laid the theoretical basis for Estonian children\u2019s literature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A considerable part of the secular songs of Estonian children at that time was related to Friedrich Kuhlbars. His Laulik kodus ja koolis<\/em> (Songbook for Home and School) (1868) contained poems created to well-known melodies, some of which (\u201cTeele, teele, kurekesed\u201d, etc.) are sung even now. Ado Grenzstein\u2019s (Piirikivi) \u201cViisk, p\u00f5is ja \u00f5lek\u00f5rs\u201d (1888) is equally well known. During the last quarter of the 19th century our national children\u2019s literature for the first time gave a signal to the general public about its right to be close to the child, staying next to the child both in school and in everyday life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a>
Engelbrecht. Hoolsa lastele meele lahutuseks. 1883<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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W. Busch. Naljapildid. 1. anne: Po\u2019llad Lo\u2019llad. 1885<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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M. J. Eisen. Wanapagana jutud. 1893<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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P. Gr\u00fcnfeldt. Korwi t\u00e4is marju. 1899<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Fr. Kuhlbars. Laste laulik. 1899<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Estonian children’s literature at the beginning of the 20th century<\/strong><\/h2>
\n

Despite the turn of the century, the children\u2019s literature stepped along its way according to its actual possibilities. On the one hand, written texts intended for children were under the influence of the education theories and Christian morals of that time, but on the other hand, children\u2019s literature was seen as an effective source of income. Thus a large number of publications appeared from which dual benefit was expected. More than 300 children\u2019s books were published in 1900\u20131917 although only a few of them have remained in the history of children\u2019s literature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Periodicals have an important role in the development of Estonian children\u2019s literature. In 1900 the first children\u2019s magazine in Estonian, Lasteleht<\/em> was born and during the following 40 years it published the works of almost all well-known Estonian authors. For instance, the first written work Siil<\/em> by 15-year-old Friedebert Tuglas was published in the magazine in 1901. In 1900\u20131917 approximately 300 poems and 500 works of prose were published in Lasteleht<\/em>, also numerous translations besides original works. There were several well-known artists among the illustrators of the magazine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Estonian Literary Society started to publish the series of books Nooresoo kirjavara<\/em> (Literature for the Youth). In 1909\u20131916, 50 books rich in content were published \u2013 both translations and original classics. More sources of reading for children were published also in addition to the book series.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In retrospect,\u00a0Kevade\u00a0<\/em>(Spring) I\u2013II (1912-1913) by O. Luts which had not been originally intended for children took the most important place among storybooks of the beginning of the century. Also the collection of stories\u00a0Meie noored<\/em>\u00a0(Our Youth) by Jaan Lattik (1907) was a success. Other authors of that time who wrote for children and are known also nowadays were Ernst Peterson-S\u00e4rgava (Ennemuistsed jutud Reinuvader Rebasest<\/em>\u00a0(Old Tales about Reynard the Fox), 1911), Pe\u00e4ro August Pitka alias Ansomardi (Jalgsemaa Kitse-eide muinasjutud<\/em>\u00a0(Fairy-Tales of the Jalgsemaa Old Goat-Woman), 1901) and several others. Jaan Bergmann, Reinhold Kamsen, Karl Eduard S\u00f6\u00f6t and Ernst Enno wrote children\u2019s rhymes. Funny and instructive illustrated stories in verses by Karl August Hindrey (Piripilli-Liisu<\/em>\u00a0(Crybaby) 1906, etc.) were very popular. Besides publishing children\u2019s stories, August Kitzberg also took care of providing schoolchildren with a repertoire of plays appropriate for their age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lasteleht. J\u00f5uluks 1900<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Ansomardi. Jalgsemaa Kitse-eide muinasjutud. 1901<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a>
E. Peterson-S\u00e4rgava. Ennemuistsed jutud Reinuwaderist Rebasest. 1911<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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O. Luts. Kevade. 1912<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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M. Sillaots. Lapsed. 1914<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Children’s literature in the Republic of Estonia in 1918\u20131940<\/strong><\/h2>
\n

The independent Republic of Estonia opened up opportunities for national and cultural self-actualisation that had been oppressed by the Russification policy of the Czarist state. The children\u2019s and youth literature considerably developed in the course of 1920\u20131930s both with respect to the volume and content. The number of children\u2019s books increased almost 4-fold in comparison with the two first decades of the century. The best works of the children\u2019s literature of the world became available to an Estonian child in his or her mother tongue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In children\u2019s prose the tales and stories were most common, followed by drama. Little of children\u2019s poetry was published in books, the best poems were published in periodicals. Leading authors of children poetry were Ernst Enno and J. Oro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prose was characterised by varied subject matter, pursuit of suitable genres and demanding artistic attitude. Two main attitudes could be observed proceeding from the literary\/educational views of the authors. One of them tried to create an ideal world where kindness always wins without fail. According to the other attitude, children\u2019s literature was to proceed from real life and avoid making it more beautiful. Children\u2019s literature also varied by gender and age of the readers. Publishing of literature for small children and youth, books for boys and girls began.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Children\u2019s literature of the 1920\u20131930s mainly treats three subject areas \u2013 nature, history, and children\u2019s life \u2013 with the special favourites being depiction of nature, particularly the animal kingdom in the form of realistic stories, fairy-tales and science fiction. Juhan Jaik, Karl August Hindrey, Richard Roht, Irma Truup\u00f5ld, Marta Sillaots, Karl Ristikivi, Leida Tigane, E. Ramla (Elar Kuus) and many others became well known as children\u2019s authors. J\u00fcri Parij\u00f5gi, one of the initiators of the literature for boys, was outstandingly productive and his children\u2019s stories are characterised by heartfelt depiction of a child\u2019s daily life and skilful rendering of the inner monologues of a child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Loodus Publishing House became the main publisher of children\u2019s literature in the 1930s and started to publish the very popular book series Looduse kuldraamat <\/em>(Golden Book of Loodus), Kuldne Kodu<\/em> (Golden Home) and R\u00f5\u00f5mus Raamat <\/em>(Joyful Book). Since 1935 the publishing house began to organise children\u2019s literature contests where positive treatment of domestic matters was the main requirement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Publishing of children\u2019s periodicals (magazines Laste R\u00f5\u00f5m<\/em> (Children\u2019s Joy), Lasteleht<\/em> (Children\u2019s Paper), Vikerkaar<\/em> (Rainbow), Laste Maailm<\/em> (Children\u2019s World), Laste S\u00f5ber<\/em> (Children\u2019s Friend), V\u00e4ikeste S\u00f5ber <\/em>(Friend of Little Ones), \u00d5pilasleht <\/em>(Student\u2019s Paper) and many others) became more active.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While in the 1920s the children\u2019s literature only acquired its definite place in national culture, in the 1930s the choice of subject matter already became extensive and it obtained a theoretical attitude and the attitude of art criticism. Numerous writings and reviews were published concerning children\u2019s literature (by Jaan Roos, J\u00fcri Parij\u00f5gi, Marta Sillaots and many others) and research into the history of children\u2019s literature began. In 1933 the Youth Library (predecessor of the current Estonian Children\u2019s Literature Centre) was opened at the Tallinn Central Library and was the first of its kind in Estonia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
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Laste R\u00f5\u00f5m. J\u00f5ulualbum 1921<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Kiisu-Miisu. 1927, ill. R. Kivit<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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K. Ristikivi. Lendav maailm. 1935<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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J. Parij\u00f5gi. Teraspoiss. 1939<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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J. Oro. Muna. 1938<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

War and occupations in 1940\u20131945<\/strong><\/h2>
\n

Unsettled times did not favour the development of children\u2019s literature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the summer of 1940 a communist coup was performed and Estonia was incorporated into the Soviet Union. Active sovetisation and politisation began. Children\u2019s literature was subjected to state control. The former children\u2019s magazines were closed and two new magazines \u2013 Pioneer<\/em> and M\u00e4ng ja t\u00f6\u00f6 <\/em>(Play and Work) \u2013were born to present the aims of the Soviet power. The state publishing houses recently created were able to publish a few children\u2019s books, including Meelis<\/em> by Enn Kippel (1941) which had been published earlier as a serial story Lembitu poeg<\/em> (Son of Lembitu) in the magazine Lasteleht <\/em>(Children\u2019s Paper). The motif of the great historical friendship of the Estonian and Russian people was added to the text of the book.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The brief Soviet period was followed by German occupation. Living classics of the Estonian children\u2019s literature J\u00fcri Parij\u00f5gi and J. Oro lost their lives at the hands of communists in the turmoil of the change of power. In 1942\u20131944 only a few dozens of children\u2019s books were published with Juhan Jaik, Kersti Merilaas, Marta Sillaots and many others as the authors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Continuation of the Soviet occupation had a particularly grave effect on the destiny of children\u2019s literature. A large number of creative people fled abroad in the autumn of 1944. An epoch of particularly intense red propaganda followed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
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Pioneer. 1941, nr 6<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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M\u00e4ng ja T\u00f6\u00f6. 1941, nr 6<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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J. Jaik. Hunt. 1942<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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M. Sillaots. Salme ootab kevadp\u00fchi. 1942<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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K. Merilaas. Kallis kodu. 1944<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Estonian children’s literature under foreign power in 1945\u20131990<\/strong><\/h2>
\n

Children\u2019s literature was under a lot of pressure during the Soviet occupation. The Communist Party regarded ideological education of the young generation as very important. Children\u2019s and youth literature was to provide new role models and ideals and to depict enemies of socialism in as dark colours as possible. Apparent political obedience was mainly achieved with translated books which expressed outright ideology (e.g. Pavlik Morozov<\/em> by V. Gubarev). The whole earlier children\u2019s literature was harshly criticised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Strict limits were imposed on children\u2019s literature also from literary aspects. Realistic treatment of life remained almost the only possibility, with true life \u2013 or, rather, the idea of the communist ideology about true life \u2013 set as the main yardstick. Nature was the preferred subject matter (Richard Roht, Juhan Kallak) along with more recent and older history (Aadu Hint, T\u00f5nis Braks). Leida and Aino Tigane, Kersti Merilaas, Elar Kuus and many other authors of the earlier period continued their work. Several new authors, such as Felix Kotta, Manivald Kesamaa and Ralf Parve, who was also the editor of the Pioneer<\/em> magazine and of the S\u00e4de<\/em> newspaper, became adjusted to the new situation. Children\u2019s press helped very much to revive original children\u2019s literature. Most of our children\u2019s authors have come to literature through Pioneer<\/em> (1940\u20131989) and T\u00e4heke<\/em> (since 1960).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the \u201cthaw\u201d after Stalin\u2019s death also children\u2019s literature was gradually released from rigid political pressure. A number of new authors started to write children\u2019s literature during the second half of the 1950s and in the 1960s: Ellen Niit, Eno Raud, Heljo M\u00e4nd, Silvia Rannamaa, Aino Pervik, Holger Pukk, Silvia Truu, Villem Gross, Jaan Rannap, Heino V\u00e4li, Dagmar Normet, Aim\u00e9e Beekman, Vladimir Beekman, Iko Maran, Venda S\u00f5elsepp, Helju Rammo, Adolf Rammo, Kalju Kangur, Harri J\u00f5gisalu, Boris Kabur, Uno Leies, Olivia Saar, Ira Lember and others. Leelo Tungal, Viivi Luik, Hando Runnel, Lehte Hainsalu, Tiia Toomet, Jaan Kaplinski, Asta P\u00f5ldm\u00e4e started to write in the 1970s and Ott Arder, Astrid Reinla, Henno K\u00e4o in the 1980s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Children\u2019s poetry is characterised by increased mastering of the literary form and experiments with free verse and nonsense verses. The works of E. Niit became popular in the 1960s and in the following decades H. Runnel, V. Luik, O. Arder and others brought fresh breezes to children\u2019s poetry Keywords of realistic children\u2019s prose are a broader choice of subjects and honest treatment of phenomena in life (J. Rannap, H. V\u00e4li, S. Rannamaa, etc.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Existence of literary phantasy was permitted again in the 1960s\u20131970s when there was more freedom in the political atmosphere. Possibilities of a literary fairy-tale were used also for the communication of hidden messages and social criticism (M\u00e4gra maja <\/em>(Badger\u2019s House) by Helvi J\u00fcrisson, Ajaprintsess<\/em> (Time Princess) by Arvo Vallikivi and several others). Literary fairy-tales were written by Vladimir and Aim\u00e9e Beekman, Robert Vaidlo, Aino Pervik, Dagmar Normet, Iko Maran, Henno K\u00e4o and many other authors. The Naksitrallid<\/em> (The Three Jolly Fellows) series consisting of four books by Eno Raud (1972-1982) became popular also in other countries. Children\u2019s playwrights were represented by Boris Kabur, U. Leies, H. Rammo, H. M\u00e4nd and others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nonfiction developed fast, with Heino Kiik, Rein Saluri, Viktor Masing, Jaak Sarapuu, Mall Johanson and others as the authors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Print runs of children\u2019s books were high (up to 100 thousand copies) and the prices low but also the number of titles was low. There were quite a few full time children\u2019s authors in Estonia in the 1960s\u20131980s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
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R. Parve. L\u00f5busad v\u00e4rsid. 1952<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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E. Niit. Pille-Riini lood. 1963<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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E. Raud. Naksitrallid I. 1972<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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A. Pervik. Kunksmoor. 1973<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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H. Runnel. Miks ja miks. 1973<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Estonian children’s literature in exile<\/strong><\/h2>
\n

In autumn 1944 the Soviet army occupied Estonia again. Experience from the earlier occupation made approximately 70 thousand Estonians leave their homeland, with also children\u2019s authors among them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The expatriate community very soon realised that the children\u2019s book has an important role in maintaining the feeling of home and keeping up the language in the Estonian families. Reading materials in the mother tongue were published for children and schools already in the refugee camps. First aid in literature was at first organised through reprints. So the children could read Kalevipoeg<\/em> (1946, 1949) and Eesti rahva ennemuistsed jutud<\/em> (Estonian Folk Tales) (1949) by F. R. Kreutzwald. Also certain original works of great value were published, such as Raekooli \u00f5pilane<\/em> (Student of Rae School) by Gert Helbem\u00e4e (1948). Contests of children\u2019s and youth literature and several awards were initiated, and also expatriate press took care of providing children and youth with reading materials. The number of children\u2019s books published in exile is not very high. Since 1960s also more neutral children\u2019s literature from the Estonian homeland reached expatriate Estonian children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A few dozens of authors wrote for children in exile, some of whom had done it already before the war in Estonia (Helmi M\u00e4elo, Pedro Krusten, Valev Uibopuu, etc) but some of them had started writing abroad (Helga N\u00f5u, Salme Raatma, Magda Pihla, etc.). Prose became the predominant genre. The preferred subject matter was one way or another related to the far-away homeland but there are also some more recent works which treat the problems of children and young people today (Pea suu!<\/em> (Shup Up) by H. N\u00f5u).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nowadays, children\u2019s literature of expatriate Estonia has ceased to exist as an independent phenomenon. Reprints of a few children\u2019s authors of the expatriate Estonian community (S. Raatma, H. N\u00f5u) have been published in the homeland during the last two decades. More recent popular youth books by H. N\u00f5u have already been published in Estonia after regaining of independence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a>
K. Reemets. Kuidas Kamba laagri poisid said kuulsaks. 1948<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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G. Helbem\u00e4e. Raekooli \u00f5pilane. 1948<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a>
S. Raatma. Minu karu. 1956<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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H. N\u00f5u. Ruuduline r\u00f6\u00f6vel. 1965<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a>
H. N\u00f5u. Pea suu! 1983<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Children’s literature in Estonia after regaining of independence in 1991<\/strong><\/h2>
\n

Radical changes accompanied with the regaining of independence of Estonia brought about a crisis at first also in children\u2019s literature. Only about ten original works were published in 1991. Later the situation improved. Many private publishing houses appeared which published at first only reprints and comic books. Children\u2019s literature was gradually revived thanks to the activities of the Estonian Cultural Endowment and other supporting foundations. There are currently approximately 30 publishing houses and organisations which publish children\u2019s books. The number of original children\u2019s books is increasing fast \u2013 26 original works were published in 2000 but in 2006 already 80. Children\u2019s literature can be read also on the web.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The children\u2019s literature of the 21st century is characterised by variety and flexibility in the determination of target groups (books for the whole family). Prose has still the leading role. Post-modern ambiguity, and combination of phantasy, science fiction, mysticism and the detective stories and adventurous styles are evident both in poetry and prose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Authors of the older generation who continued their work were Aino Pervik, Heljo M\u00e4nd, Ira Lember, Henno K\u00e4o, Ott Arder, Leelo Tungal, Harri J\u00f5gisalu, Lehte Hainsalu and many others. Children\u2019s authors with dynamic debut were Edgar Valter (Pokuraamat<\/em> (Poku Book) 1994) and Andrus Kivir\u00e4hk (Kaelkirjak<\/em> (Giraff) 1995). Authors of the younger generation who are writing prose for younger readers are Kristiina Kass, Kristel Salu, Kerttu Soans, Piret Raud, Heiki Vilep, Jaanus Vaiksoo, and new names have appeared also in children\u2019s poetry (Ilmar Trull, Heiki Vilep, Wimberg, etc.). Development of the youth novel has been outstanding (Helga N\u00f5u, Aidi Vallik, Katrin Reimus, Sass Henno, Diana Leesalu, etc.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

T\u00e4heke<\/em> (since 1960) and Hea Laps<\/em> (Good Child) (since 1994) are leading children\u2019s magazines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Krista Kumberg, Mare M\u00fc\u00fcrsepp, Jaanika Palm, Ilona Martson, Jaak Urmet, etc. have discussed children\u2019s literature in the press. In 1995 the monograph Eesti lastekirjandus<\/em> (Estonian Children\u2019s Literature) by Reet Krusten was published as the first thorough and systematic treatment of the history of our children\u2019s literature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also the activities of the Estonian Children\u2019s Literature Centre have received a lot of public attention. The Nukits Contest was initiated by the Centre (in 1992), the Nukits Almanac is published (since 1995) and contests of children\u2019s and youth literature are organised in cooperation with the T\u00e4nap\u00e4ev Publishing House. A working group on research into children\u2019s literature is operating at the Centre and its main achievement until now has been Lastekirjanduse s\u00f5nastik<\/em> (Glossary of Children\u2019s Literature) (2006).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a>
L. Tungal. S\u00fcdasuvi. 2012<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a>
E. Valter. Pokuraamat. 1994<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a>
A. Kivir\u00e4hk. Sirli, Siim ja saladused. 1999<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a>
P. Raud. Printsess Luluu ja h\u00e4rra Kere. 2008<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a>
I. Tomusk. Kolmanda A kriminalistid. 2012<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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