The International Youth Library (Internationale Jugendbibliothek) in Munich has published The White Ravens 2025 catalogue, which features 215 outstanding children’s and young adult books from 63 countries and in 49 languages. Among the selected works are two titles by Estonian authors – Tiiu Kitsik’s storybook We’re Moving Away (Me kolime ära, Tänapäev, 2024) and Kairi Loog and Anne Pikkov’s picture book Little Bit Big (Natuke suur, Koolibri, 2024).
Tiiu Kitsik’s We’re Moving Away, which she both wrote and illustrated, is a sharp-eyed and humorous story about a family relocating abroad for work. The main character, Luise, must adapt to a new school, language, and friends, finding her way through challenging situations and funny mishaps. According to the experts of the International Youth Library, the author skillfully softens a complex topic with intelligent humour while maintaining the emotional depth of the experience of moving abroad.
Written by Kairi Loog and illustrated by Anne Pikkov, Little Bit Big is a poetic and heartwarming story about growing up, facing fears, and keeping one’s sense of childlike wonder. A little tiger discovers that becoming an adult can seem daunting, but his mother helps him understand that even grown-up tigers can remain playful and joyful. The catalogue praises the book’s masterful text and vivid, warm-toned illustrations that together create a touching and humorous whole.
The White Ravens is an annual selection catalogue published by the International Youth Library, highlighting the best of contemporary children’s literature from around the world. The chosen books are selected by children’s literature experts based on their literary and artistic quality, as well as their international appeal.
The catalogue is presented at major international book fairs in Frankfurt and Bologna and serves as an important reference tool for publishers, translators, and libraries worldwide. The inclusion of Estonian authors in this selection enhances the visibility of Estonian children’s literature and supports the reach of translations to new readers.
