Actors will read Estonian school stories in live broadcast
Monday 19th October 2026 on 16:01 in
Estonia
Estonian actors will read stories about school life in a live broadcast on Tuesday, October 20, as part of the 33rd Reading Day, ERR reports. The broadcast will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring tales of first days at school, teachers, classmates and school-time adventures.
The online event will present works of Estonian children’s literature in which school brings both joy and unexpected challenges. A new story and illustration will be introduced every 20 minutes.
Triin Soone, director of the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre, said reading aloud brings literature to children and families in an engaging way. “Reading aloud is a chance to slow down and share the joy of reading,” she said, adding that school life may evoke nostalgia, reflect everyday experience or stir excitement about starting school. Illustrations created during the event will bring another dimension to the stories, she said.
Fifteen actors will take part, reading both classic and contemporary children’s literature. They are Rasmus Kaljujärv, Silva Pijon, Tiina Tõnis, Helena Lotman, Merilin Kirbits, Britta Soll, Piret Krumm, Maiken Pius, Jane Meresmaa-Roos, Kristo Viiding, Taavi Tõnisson, Liina Tennosaar, Tanel Saar, Märten Metsaviir and Risto Vaidla.
Illustrations will be created by Kertu Sillaste, Reda Tomingas, Anu Kalm, Anni Mäger, Ulla Saar, Annika Tonts, Kirke Kangro, Olga Pärn, Laura Verte, Kadi Kurema, Elina Sildre, Takinada, Helena Pass, Kaia Rähn and Helen Kristi Loo.
The programme includes excerpts from works by 15 Estonian authors: “Suvevaheaeg koolis” by Kätlin Vainola, “Jaagupi esimene koolisügis” by Jaanus Vaiksoo, “Tirilinnas algab kool” by Aino Pervik, “Esimene õpetaja” by Ilmar Tomusk, “Tobias ja teine B” by Piret Raud, “Piia Präänik ja sõnasööbik” by Kairi Look, “Samueli võlupadi” by Kristiina Kass, “Et head haldjad sind hoiaksid” by Kadri Hinrikus, “Me kolime ära” by Tiiu Kitsik, “Kuidas minust ei saanud kirjanikku” by Anti Saar, “Koolipõlgurid” by Ester Urbala, “Luukere Atu” by Kalju Saaber, “Agu Sihvka annab aru” by Jaan Rannap, “Vanaisa” by Ülo Vooglaid and “Kevade” by Oskar Luts.
The Estonian Children’s Literature Centre began the Reading Day tradition in 1994.