On Thursday, the winners of two prestigious competitions in Estonia, 'The 25 Most Beautiful Estonian Books of 2025' and 'The Five Most Beautiful Estonian Children's Books of 2025,' were unveiled. This year saw a record participation with 214 books submitted, marking the largest number in the last decade. The public is encouraged to vote for their favorite book until March 19, adding an element of community engagement to the selection process.

The competition's jury consisted of prominent figures in the Estonian literary and design scene, including representatives from notable institutions such as the Estonian National Library and the Estonian Association of Graphic Designers. The panel assessed both aesthetic and literary qualities, ensuring that the winners not only stood out in terms of visual appeal but also in content and artistic merit. Among the awarded titles was Aare Toikka's book "Lendan täna Rapa Nuile. Lavastaja päevaraamat," praised for its distinctive design and illustrative quality, seamlessly connecting the artwork to the text.

This announcement highlights the importance of book design in the Estonian literary community and the ongoing efforts to promote literature in various forms. The competition not only recognizes excellence in design but also fosters appreciation for books as cultural artifacts that deserve recognition and celebration within society. The public voting phase encourages wider participation, further integrating the community into the literary recognition process, which can ultimately enhance the visibility of Estonian literature both domestically and internationally.