A touching and profound tale of friendship, differences, and acceptance from renowned Estonian children’s author and illustrator Piret Raud. On the sandy shore of a big sea lived a bird named Ellie who had no voice. “Everything else has a voice,” Ellie thought sadly. “The trees rustle. The waves crash. Even the rain sings when it falls.” “I’m the only one who can’t make a sound.” Ellie felt tears well up in her eyes―that’s how sad she was to be voiceless. Ellie’s life is turned upside down when she finds a curious instrument on the shore that makes the most amazing sound when she blows into it: Trööömmmpffff! Creatures come from near and far to hear Ellie’s magnificent new voice. But when Ellie learns that the horn actually belongs to Duke Junior who is desperately unhappy without it, she goes on an adventure to return the horn to its rightful owner. After days and nights of searching, she finds Duke Junior on an island in the middle of the water. To her surprise and delight, Duke Junior doesn’t just toot Tröömmmpfff on the horn… he plays the most beautiful music! Ellie is so happy that Duke Junior has his horn back and can produce such lovely sounds that she’s content listening to his tunes and being herself. "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 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 “These whimsical, charming prints caught my eye, as well as the title... With great empathy and kindness, this special book stole my heart.” ―Robin, Books on the Square (Providence, RI) Piret Raud was born in 1971 in Tallinn, Estonia. She has studied printmaking at the Estonian Academy of Arts. Since graduating in 1995 she has been living and working in Tallinn as a graphic artist, book illustrator and author. She has illustrated approximately 50 books, written 18 books for children and one novel for adults. Adam Cullen is a freelance translator of Estonian prose, poetry, and drama. His translations include novels by Mihkel Mutt ( The Cavemen Chronicle , nominated for the 2015 Cultural Endowment of Es