The Ear

The premise is inspired by the story of Vincent van Gogh’s ear, who suddenly finds herself inexplicably all alone in the world. We don’t know why Ear is feminine nor are we given the artist’s back story. Ear doesn’t know who she is without Head. She is lonely and frightened but soon realises that she is a very good listener and that many of the strange animal creatures she meets are longing to be heard. Ear makes new friendships, faces some challenges and ultimately finds new purpose. Finally, Ear learns to live happily among her new friends, untroubled by memories of her past, feeling useful and wanted in her own right. Piret Raud is a leading children’s writer and illustrator in Estonia. Her remarkable colour drawings are eccentric and elegant, and every hand-drawn creature is wonderfully expressive. One child described Ear as ‘looking like a pickle’ (in a good way!) and talked enthusiastically about different ways of ‘seeing’ – especially liking the hare, who had visibly swallowed a carrot and felt guilty about eating a snowman’s nose. The Ear is a gentle fable that re-affirms the importance of listening and of looking beyond the familiar. Young children will enjoy having it read to them, but it is easily accessible to readers from eight years old.