The Ear

A surreal story inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s ear, by the award-winning children’s book creator, Piret Raud.

When the artist Vincent van Gogh cuts off his ear, the ear is suddenly left alone and headless. What will become of her? Where should she go? What should she do? Acutely aware of how small and insignificant she is in the big, wide world, the ear experiences something of an identity crisis. She simply doesn’t know who she is anymore. But thanks to a downcast frog with a heavy heart who simply needs listening to, she realizes what she can offer to the world: a sympathetic ear. Through helping her friends, she discovers a fresh perspective on life.

Piret Raud is Estonia’s leading children’s book creator, and has twice been nominated for the Hans Christian Andersen Award, in 2020 and 2022. Her hand-drawn artwork is breathtaking for its exquisite detail, remarkably vibrant colours and bold compositions. This bedtime story will amuse, beguile and teach empathy in equal measure.