One summer, when both his parents are away for work, Oskar is sent to the countryside to live with his grandma. A dreary prospect turns into disaster when Oskar realises he left his mobile phone back at home. What will he do all summer now? Lonely and bored, Oskar crafts a phone out of a block of wood he finds in the shed and uses it to pretend to call things. To his surprise, the things reply! He speaks to a tough-talking iron, a poetising bin, a bloodthirsty wardrobe, a red balloon that gets tangled in the crown of a birch tree, and many more. Oskar finds himself in high demand, helping the things solve their problems and achieve their dreams. Oskar and the Things is a charming book about the power of the imagination and friendship, by Estonia's leading children's writer, Andrus Kivirähk. With a lively translation by Adam Cullen, and the original illustrations by Anne Pikkov, it is the perfect gift for an introverted child with a rich inner life.
Andrus Kivirähk Book order
August 17, 1970
Andrus Kivirähk is an Estonian journalist, playwright, and novelist whose writing is characterized by self-mockery, sarcasm, and dark humor. His works often delve into history, resonating deeply with contemporary Estonian society through their unique cultural and social commentary. Kivirähk's narratives are known for their profound irony and ability to address reality with wit and perspective. Beyond his adult fiction, he has also authored beloved children's books and screenplays.







- 2022
- 2015
The Man Who Spoke Snakish
- 400 pages
- 14 hours of reading
The story of a boy who is tasked with preserving ancient traditions in the face of modernity.