Ellen Niit

Ellen Niit (1928–2016) was a legendary children’s author, poet, and translator. Over her lifetime, she penned more than 40 books of both prose and poetry for children. The author’s works are a joy to read for all ages, and have been cherished by multiple generations of Estonian readers. Niit received many literary awards and recognitions, including the Cultural Endowment of Estonia’s Award for Children’s Literature on three occasions and the 1996 IBBY Honour List. Her works, which are written in an inventive style and with depth of meaning, have been translated into 18 languages. Niit focused on goodness and beauty, and created a bright, protective world for children.

Profile photo: Ülo Josing/ ERR

 

Bibliography

Wonderland

1974

Translations

Nippet

1982

Pille Riin

1982

Awards

2018
The White Ravens (Mr. Nightingale from Nightjar Street)

2004–2009
Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award candidate

2010

Tallinn Coat of Arms Badge

2009
Estonian State Cultural Award
A bust of Ellen Niit was unveiled at a park in the Hungarian town of Kiskőrös

2005
Lifetime achievement award from the E. W. Ponkala Fund for furthering cultural relations between Finland, Estonia, and Hungary

1999
Order of the White Star, III Class
Annual Children’s Literature Award of the Cultural Endowment of Estonia (At a Rainbow-Light Moment)

1996
IBBY Honour List (Krõll Makes Pancakes)

1994
Karl Eduard Sööt Children’s Poetry Award (Hello There, Little Lamb!, How Krõll Tried to Mop the Floor)

1978
Juhan Smuul Annual Prize of Literature (Triinu ja Taavi uued ja vanad lood)

1977
Honored Writer of the Estonian SSR

1971
Juhan Smuul Annual Prize of Literature (Open Door Day)

About the author

2016
Estonian Children’s Author Ellen Niit Dies at 87

2013
The Great Painter - trailer

Wikipedia (German)
Ellen Niit (estlit.ee)