Edgar Valter (1929–2006) was a graphic artist, illustrator, caricaturist, and children’s writer. He illustrated more than 250 children’s books, including masterpieces of Estonian literature authored by Eno Raud, Ellen Niit, and Aino Pervik. He himself wrote 15 works, the most popular of which are The Poku Book and its sequels. Valter’s writing stands out for its sincerity, warmth, and unusual sense of humour. He crafted stories and characters that have since become household names throughout Estonia. Nestled in the southeast of the country is even a nature-inspired Poku theme park – Pokuland. The Estonian Children’s Literature Centre in Tallinn also has a gallery dedicated to Valter’s illustrations.
Profile photo: Estonian Children's Literature Centre
2020 Latvian Children's, Young Adults' and Parents' Jury (Bērnu, jauniešu un vecāku žūrija), 2nd place (age 9+) (The Poku Book)
2006 Nukits Competition, 2nd place (Poku Stories)
2002 The Eerik Kumari Nature Conservation Award
2001 Order of the White Star, III Class The Estonian National Culture Foundation’s award for lifetime achievement
2000 Nukits Competition, 2nd place (The Brushtails)
1996 Albu Parish’s A. T. Tammsaare Award for Literature, special prize (The Poku Book) Nukits Competition, 1st place for writing and illustrations (The Poku Book)
1995 Annual Children’s Literature Award of the Cultural Endowment of Estonia (The Poku Book)