Ellie's Voice

"An intriguing story about acceptance, knowing when it's best to listen, and knowing when it's wise to give over one's voice to someone else. As an American reader, I can't 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 book's bizarre creatures are intricately drawn in copious white space.... it's 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.... Ellie's Voice is a sweet parable about self-acceptance and selflessness, two important themes. But what makes this book so very special? Piret Raud's marvelously intricate, witty black-and-white illustrations.... Adam Cullen's poetic translation doesn't hurt the appeal of this wonderful story either."

-Nanette McGuinness, Global Literature in Libraries Initiative