Saippa : saimaannorppa = The Saimaa ringed seal

Sari Kanala 2015
English text: Erja Mononen
gouaches by Daga Ulv
photographs by Juha Taskinen


As the title reveals, the main character is Saippa, the Saimaa ringed seal. The book tells the how Saippa lives his/her first year at Saimaa.

The book is illustrated with gouaches as well as photographs and the texts are both in Finnish and in English.

Mama seal giving birth

The story starts when Mama Saimaa ringed seal gives birth to her cub in a pile of snow.  Obviously there are no photos of that, but the illustration is charming.

At the end of the book is more information about the other seals living in Finland. And the facts are checked by the ringed seal scientists.

Seals on Saimaa.

Maybe I am a bit  fixated with the ringed seals.  Earlier this year I blogged about another seal. But it is easy. They are so cute and adorable. It seams that the less attractive endangered species do not get such attention. It is a cruel world.

Gigglebug - laughbuttonbook

Anttu Harlin, Joonas Uitti 2015: Kikattava Kakkiainen

Gigglebug is playing with his/her friends. All it can hear is different laughter and when you turn the page, you can see, who made that sound.

Cute laughs, even though this book has thick pages, which in our house means its a baby book,  my five year old son likes this book.

We first met Giggle bug on an animation  at Pikku Kakkonen. I guess part of the charm is that "Kakkiainen" reminds us of  "kakka" which means poo. I like the delicate illustrations of the animation and this book.

Miss Hedgehog hiding in a mailbox. Mr. Moose in a bush.

 Gigglebug  also has a website.

Where does food come from? Frankfurter on a plate

Elina Lappalainen 2015: Nakki lautasella
Illustrated by Christel Rönns

How to tell kids about food? This book tells a story about ordinary Finnish farms.


The vet takes Akseli and Emilia to see cows, pigs and chicken. The kids learn how much manure one cow produces per day, where do eggs come from.  The book shows animals as valuable sources of food.

Finnish kids (and adults) do not know anymore where their food is coming from.  I expected this book to be more shocking, but it nicely told about the animals. No pictures about slaughter or decapitating chicken. The book is very informative and matter-of fact, but I feel something is still missing. The book doesn't explain why some farmers abuse their animals and animals actually suffer before they are made for food. Also the personalities of the animals are just explained as species trait.

Why is the boy always the prejudice in children's books? Are all afraid that the girls are being belittled by such remarks? Also the boy usually asks the stupid questions? Isn't it appropriate for the girl to be silly?

The final remark, that at Aleksi's and Emilia's home they only eat happy animals. Who eats the unhappy animals?

Peter Robin puts out a forestfire

Tapani Karinen 2008: Pekka Punarinta sammuttaa metsäpalon

Peter the Robin is a very lively little bird. While playing in the forest with his friend, he sees an open fire. All animals panic and try to figure out what to do.

Peter takes action and puts out the fire, before the whole forest is on fire.

The very high lighted message of this book is that stupid humans left the campfire smoldering and did not put it out properly. Kids remember to take care of the nature.





This book is published in this century, but it reminded me of the books I used to read back in the 80s. I guess there is still need for educational stories. I also like the illustrations of this book.