Triinu Laan: Luukere Juhani
Illustrated by Marja-Liisa Plats
The skeleton, once a helpful aid during anatomy lessons for students, is now retiring. Grandpa believes that every diligent worker deserves relaxation after years of service, so he brings Skeleton John to his farm. Here, John is always in the company of grandma, hens and a rooster, a catand a dog, and occasionally grandchildren. Whether pruning apple trees, soaking in the tub, relishing the sauna, or listening to the lake’s melodic tunes, John joins in. There’s even talk of a shared final resting place for both friends, Janko and grandpa, in a single coffin. However, tragedy strikes when grandma passes away first, and Janko must find a way to console grandpa…
Through the unique and humorous escapades of Skeleton John, grandpa and grandma, young readers get a glimpse into the world of elderly people, their sources of joy and the challenges they face. The book vividly depicts village life, family dynamics, and friendship, all while sensitively portraying the inevitable confrontation with death and the subsequent process of acceptance.
TRIINU LAAN has written four books so far and achieved immediate critical acclaim. Her first book was listed in the White Ravens catalogue. Luukere Juhani is a quite an outstanding title with many awards: the 2021 Image of the book laureate diploma in the category “Best illustrations for children”, 5 Best Designed Estonian Children’s Books 2020, special prize of the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre.
MARJA-LIISA PLATS is an Estonian illustrator, graphic designer, photographer, and singer. She graduated from Tartu Art College. Plats has illustrated more than 40 children’s books and regularly contributes to the children’s magazine Täheke. Her work was twice listed in the White Ravens catalogue.