"ESTONIA IN THE HOUSE!!! A voiceless creature (Ellie) finds an instrument that brings attention for its incredible sound, but when Ellie realizes it belongs to someone else, she sets out to return the horn to its rightful owner. Quirky black and white illustrations set a contemplative tone not often seen in picture books." -- Travis Jonker * 100 Scope Notes, The Most Astonishingly Unconventional Children's Books of 2020 * It's easy to sympathize with Ellie as she watches the world around her express itself through noise, while she has none. Her discovery of a fitting 'voice' is a bit different than what one might expect, but it works. Young listeners will not only identify with her problem, but be drawn in by the originality and imagination. This is also a story that pulls at the heartstrings, switching from sadness to happiness to excitement to disappointment and ending with a twist, which is filled with warmth and thought. The idea in this one drives deep (especially after the ending), which opens up to discussions and draws warm emotions. The illustrations in this book are lovely. Done in black and white, the tiny details are exquisite and really shine with their whimsical, imaginative flair. And all of that while still drawing the reader in with a clear understanding of what is happening. It's a treat to flip through again and again, and earns a special spot on the bookshelf. * Bookworm for Kids * An intriguing story about acceptance, knowing when its best to listen, and knowing when its wise to give over ones voice to someone else. As an American reader, I cant help but think of the notion of #ownvoices; this could almost be a literal translation of the idea. And Raud has a distinctive style. The books bizarre creatures are intricately drawn in copious white space. its a surreal landscape Raud creates, much different from what we tend to see in American picture books. -- Julie Danielson * Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast * If illustrations could make noise, then Piret Raud's art would sing. Ellie's Voice will likely give readers, too, the feels and something to think about. Estonian author/illustrator Raud's parable of self-acceptance, which features intricate black-and-white images of egg-shaped and otherwise oblong animals built with careful lines and pointillistic dots, harbors some applause-worthy sight gags. The black-and-white line-and-dot art in this animal-centric parable about a lost horn is music to the eyes. -- Nell Beram * Shelf Awareness * A stunning and emotive picture book with text and images that truly sing. * Outside in World * An adorably whimsical Estonian picture book. Ellies Voice is a sweet parable about self-acceptance and selflessness, two important themes. But what makes this book so very special? Piret Rauds marvelously intricate, witty black-and-white illustrations. Adam Cullens poetic translation doesnt hurt the appeal of this wonderful story either.
Nanette McGuinness, Global Literature in Libraries Initiative
