One day Otto, an elfin adventurer, finds a postcard on the seashore showing pictures of beautiful sparkling lights in the night sky with the words, 'The light of Christmas!' If this 'Christmas' can brighten even the gloomiest Finnish winter, Otto decides he must find it. So he heads north, trudging through dark forests and skiing towards the fells of Lapland, in search of the secret light of Christmas.
On his way he meets the mighty Kekri, king of the forest, Niiu, a beautiful leaf fairy, a hungry badger, a friendly bear and the infamous Ironworm. But will he ever find the mysterious light he's looking for, and will Christmas brighten Otto's winter?
In this charming storybook a mother and daughter team have painted a captivating picture of the landscape, wildlife and folklore of Finland. Otto and his friends are brought to life in sensitive, detailed illustrations on every page. Each chapter features a short new episode, making this book perfect for bedtime reading.
Nora Surojegin is an author, illustrator and graphic designer from Finland. She lives by the sea in Espoo, where she enjoys creating imaginative worlds. Her books have been translated into several languages. Nora created Otto and the Secret Light of Christmas (Floris Books) in collaboration with her mother, Pirkko-Liisa.
Pirkko-Liisa Surojegin is a well-known Finnish illustrator, renowned for her delicate and precise illustration style.
Jill Timbers is professional Finnish-English translator. Originally from Pennsylvania, USA she lived and worked in Finland for many years. Her books include Otto and the Secret Light of Christmas and An Illustrated Collection of Nordic Animal Tales. She currently lives in Illinois with her Finnish husband.
Target Age: 7-10
Floris Books
Pub Date: September 15, 2016
0.6" H x 10.8" L x 9.0" W
108 pages
hardcover