Kertu Sillaste (1973) is an illustrator, art teacher, and picture book author. She graduated from the Estonian Academy of Arts in textile design, studied tapestry at the Ćcole SupĆ©rieure des Arts AppliquĆ©s DuperrĆ© in Paris, and received a masterās degree in art education at Tallinn University. Sillaste has worked as a graphic designer at the Tallinn Central Library, and currently teaches art at the Estonian Childrenās Literature Centre. She has written five books, illustrated 16 works, and is a long-time collaborator with the childrenās magazine
TƤheke. Sillaste was listed in the 2016 White Ravens catalogue and was a candidate for the 2017 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. Her signature style includes thick, vibrant India-ink brush strokes combined with acrylics or collage.
I've authored texts for picture books. The writing in my books is very concise ā what matters is that it always fits with the pictures. I usually write a story and illustrate it simultaneously, and therefore I might not tell everything in the story itself: the pictures tell part of the tale, too. When I write, I keep in mind that a book meant for small children should have short words and sentences, but also a little bit of excitement and great characters.Profile photo: Piia Ruber
Awards
2023
UKLA Book Award Longlist 2023 in the information book category I am an Artist
2022
IBBY Honour List (
The Prettiest Skirt)
Good Childrenās Book (
In a Tiny House)
20215 Best Designed Estonian Children's Books ("Help!)
2020International Illustration and Book Design Competition āImage of the Bookā, Moscow, laureate
201925 Best-Designed Estonian Books, Certificate of Merit (
The Prettiest Skirt)
2018
5 Best-Designed Estonian Childrenās Books, Special Prize of the Estonian Childrenās Literature Centre
Good Childrenās Book (
I Am an Artist)
2017Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award candidate
2016The White Raven (
No, It Isn't So!)
Good Childrenās Book (
Everyone Makes Art Their Own Way)
2015Raisin of the Year Award (
No, It Isn't So!)
Nominee of the Annual Childrenās Literature Award of the Cultural Endowment of Estonia (
No, It Isn't So!)
Good Childrenās Book (
No, It Isn't So!)
The Knee-High Book Competition, winner (
Astrid and Ott)
201425 Best-Designed Estonian Books, Certificate of Merit (Liis Sillaste-Toots. āKokatarkusi must valgelā)
Good Childrenās Book (KƤtlin Vainola.
Where is Love?)
2013The Knee-High Book Competition, 1st place (KƤtlin Vainola.
Where is Love?)
The Knee-High Book Competition, honorary mention (Kertu Sillaste.
No, It Isn't So!)
2011The Knee-High Book Competition, 3rd place (
Itās Pancake Time!)
