Literary Work

Here are some books that I've written. For now, they've been translated into nine languages too. More is still to come, but in the meantime, take a look!

Originally published in Finland: "Untu ja sydäntalven salaisuus" is a storybook about a little elfin who travels up north to find out what Christmas is all about.
I wrote the story (around 100pages) and Pirkko-Liisa Surojegin illustrated it.
It's about friendship, finding your way. Filled with nature, traditions, original creatures and people, some influenced by Finland's folklore and mythology, but with a definite, original outlook. This book has been translated to several languages.

'This lovely picture book is a very clever reflection on what we mean by the light of Christmas. [...] A really beautiful, mystical way to appreciate what we can all gain from the festive season.'
--Juno

'Otto has been looking for Christmas -- but has he found it? I’m sure I know what we have found -- a magical Christmas story to share with children of all ages. Otto and the secret light of Christmas is a story about the real meaning of Christmas, outside of any religious context and a tale that can be enjoyed by children and adults of every culture and background. It would make the perfect story to read aloud for a preschool or elementary school! Reading Otto and the secret light of Christmas aloud is absolutely charming; the authors use wonderful, poetic language. Hearing the story of Otto and his new friends you can almost feel the snow crunching under your shoes and hear the wind howling in the tree tops.'
-- The Reading Castle

'The text uses complex sentence structures, rich vocabulary, and excellent dramatic pacing, with a different imaginative encounter in each chapter... Full-color illustrations in a soft-focus, mysterious style are interspersed throughout the story, with lots of full-page illustrations as well as smaller ones. Every spread has some sort of illustration to help keep readers engaged. An intriguing read-aloud for younger children and an entertaining choice for independent readers who like fantasy.'
-- Kirkus Reviews

'... a beautiful Christmas tale that is rich in references to Finnish folklore and culture, and the soft, intricate, glowing illustrations added so much to my appreciation of the story. I enjoyed the richness of the language. The descriptions of the forest, scenery, and characters are absolutely magical, and new vocabulary is used. I can imagine parents and children cuddled up, drinking hot chocolate and reading this book together over the Christmas holidays. The kindness and generosity that Otto encounters throughout the story are a nice reminder of how people should behave. The format of the book is pleasing too- it's a large size with a sturdy cover. Every spread has an illustration, and the text is divided into short chapters that will help young readers keep pace with the story, and will make the book a good bed time story to read over the course of several nights... VERDICT: I think this book will become a holiday favorite at my library in the years to come.'
-- Oregon Coast Youth Book Review

First book I ever wrote, originally published in Japan by Fukuinkan Shoten Publishers. A little story about how you don't need to be anything else, you are good just the way you are. Gorgeous illustrations by Pirkko-Liisa Surojegin. Also published in Finnish, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese and English.

"Uneton Jänö", or "Sleepless Rabbit" is the first book I've written and illustrated. Published by Minerva Publishing, 2018, this is a book about a little rabbit who can't find sleep, and travels to the moon to look for it. Check out the images from my gallery on the portfolio front page, Book illustrations: picture books!

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