Seen on World Poetry Day, 21. märts, at the Tallinna Kesk/raamatu/kogu (Central Library). One of the computers in the children’s section stated: “I’m broken. Play board games instead!” Hanging by the ekraan or kuvar (screen) are kõrva/klapid or “kuularid” (headphones), below is the klaviatuur (keyboard).
My first grader was very excited about receiving her first-ever autograph from famous Estonian luuletaja (poet), humorist, rist/sõnade koostaja (compiler of crosswords) and illustraator Ilmar Trull.
What is known as March break in Canada and spring break in the U.S. is simply called kooli/vahe/aeg (school break) in Estonia, one of many.
With the biggie, suve/vahe/aeg (summer vacation), beginning in early juuni and always ending 1. septembril.
It’s hard to get kids away from the arvuti (computer), nuti/telefon (smartphone), tahvel (tablet) and telekas (tv) here, just like everywhere else. Luckily, raamatud (books) and laua/mängud (“table”, i.e. board games) still captivate.
As well as laste/kirjanikud (children’s book authors) such as poet and humourist Ilmar Trull, who was one of many authors meeting fans at the library that day.
His quirky, funny poetry books for kids include “Jänese valitud palitud” (The Rabbit’s Chosen Overcoats), “Rähni ravi” (The Woodpecker’s Treatment / Cure) and “Väike viisakas kärbes” (The Small Polite Fly).
Photos and text:
Riina Kindlam, Tallinn