Inese Zandere (1958) is a Latvian poet, editor, as well as an author and publisher of children’s books celebrated by the young readers all across the country. She has graduated from the University of Latvia with a degree in philosophy. Zandere has written more than 20 books for children and is actively involved in projects connected to children’s literature and cultural education. Besides creative writing, she frequently reviews works of others, and is present in the culture sphere with well balanced opinions. Her conceptual book of poems for children Medicine Maddy and Other Hospital Nursery Rhymes has been awarded the Annual Latvian Literature Award for the best original children’s book, as well as recognised with the “Zelta ābele” prize as one of the most beautiful books of the category. Zandere’s collections of poems for adult readers are equally successful. Her writing, considered honest, informed, warm-hearted and well-rounded, is often awarded important literary prizes. Her poems have been translated into many languages including Russian, English, Swedish, German, Lithuanian, Hungarian, Czech, Ukrainian, Polish, Bulgarian and Moldavian. Her works have inspired the creation of several animations, theatre plays and operas for children. Inese Zandere’s short stories about the curious characters called Shammies – Sockie, Hankie, Mitten and Pillow – have earned wide recognition and love, and have been turned into 6 colourful, witty and musical animation films.
Image © Gints Ivuškāns
