Kirsti Mäkinen (1939-2016) worked at the National Board of Education of Finland and was a lecturer in Finnish language and literature at the Helsinki Suomalainen Yhteiskoulu High School. Her adaptation of The Kalevala for children was awarded a 2009 Aesop Prize from the American Folklore Society. Pirkko-Liisa Surojegin is a well-known Finnish illustrator, renowned for her delicate, detailed portrayals of Finland's wildlife and folklore. She graduated in 1977 from Helsinki University of Art and Design and has since illustrated many books loved by children and adults. She is the illustrator of Otto and the Secret Light of Christmas, also published by Floris Books. Kaarina Brooks was born in Finland and emigrated to Canada as a child. She is a translator and illustrator of three books of Finnish folktales for children.

Praise for Pirkko-Liisa Surojegin's illustrations:

'The illustrations are beyond marvelous.'
- Youth Services Book Review on Otto and the Secret Light of Christmas

'The soft, intricate, glowing illustrations added so much to my appreciation of the story...'
- Oregon Coast Youth Book Review on Otto and the Secret Light of Christmas

'A little over a hundred pages of story packed with text and lovely drawings makes for beautiful read-aloud recommendation promising many hours of delight...'
- Midwest Book Review on Otto and the Secret Light of Christmas

Publisher: Floris Books

Pub date: 2020-08-25

Length: 120 pages