Anti Saar: if the story captivates me enough, then I trust it
Anti Saar discusses his approach to children's literature, emphasizing that he doesn't exert extra effort to capture children's attention, but instead trusts the authenticity of his stories.
Anti Saar, a nominee for the Culture Capital literary award in the children's literature category for his work 'Kajakad', articulates his belief in the importance of storytelling that naturally engages children. He shares that he doesn't deliberately strive to hold children's attention, suggesting that if a story captivates him, it should be effective for readers as well. His confidence in his story's ability to resonate with young readers reflects a simple but profound trust in the power of narrative.
Saar expresses his desire for his writing to evoke emotions and stimulate thought among his readers, particularly in relation to 'Kajakad'. He believes the book is lengthy enough to allow for various possibilities in engagement, aiming to create diverse characters that resonate with a broad audience. By fostering relatability, he hopes to make his stories accessible to different kinds of readers, enhancing their experience and connection with the narrative.
In the current landscape of children's literature, where attention spans are often fleeting, Saar's approach is refreshingly organic. His philosophy centers around trusting the quality of his storytelling rather than adhering to trends or gimmicks to attract young readers. This approach not only honors the integrity of literature but also aligns with the author's hope for readers to engage deeply with the stories he tells.