From the Easel to Bologna Children’s Book Fair with Gerda Märtens

Listen to the Episode here or on your favourite streaming platform.

As Gerda Märtens describes the creation of a picture book, text is at the core; but for an illustrator, there’s both expressive freedom and a sense of responsibility, considering how much space there is to work with.

In this episode, she’s sharing more about what goes into the making of a book. Learn about:

the essential, foundational things we all gain from children’s literature

how Italy has influenced her work as an illustrator and author in a major way

Estonia’s role as a guest of honour at this year’s Bologna Children’s Book Fair

and much more!

Things mentioned in this episode include:

-the Year of the Estonian Book: https://raamatuaasta.ee/en

–Hädaoru kuningas (King of the Valley of Woes): https://www.apollo.ee/hadaoru-kuningas.html

–La Creazione (The Creation): https://www.amazon.ca/creazione-poster-Dino-Buzzati/dp/8896806046

–Minu Linn (My City): https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57756925-minu-linn

-the article in Eesti Elu about Virmalised (The Northern Lights): https://eestielu.ca/kids-corner-virmalised-the-northern-lights-by-gerda-martens/

-a video of Märtens making an illustration for the book: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1DstNExi98

-Bologna Children’s Book Fair: https://www.bolognachildrensbookfair.com/en/home/878.html

-More about climate anxiety: https://sustainability.yale.edu/explainers/yale-experts-explain-climate-anxiety

-Basel, Switzerland: https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-ca/destinations/basel/

-Gerda Märten’s Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/gerdam/?hl=en