Who's Lovely?

Written by: Jenni Erkintalo
Illustrated by: Jenni Erkintalo
Release date: October 2023
ISBN: 978-952-7105-91-7
Binding: hardcover
Number of pages : 32 pages
Size: 21 x 21 cm
Colors: 4/4
Age group: 1+

Finlandia Award nominee for children's and young people's literature 2024

Who is my treasure?  is a glowing picture poem aimed at babies, toddlers and even slightly older children, as well as their parents, in which the child marvels at the beauty of a baby and wonders about his or her whereabouts. The narrator of the book is impatiently waiting for the birth of his or her baby and searches for him or her everywhere in his or her tender poems. A fun game of hide-and-seek arises during the reading when the cutest person in the text is not immediately found on the richly illustrated pages. Who is the little treasure in your family?

WHAT'S SAID ABOUT THE BOOK

Reflection and longing also find their visual expression in impressionistically changing worlds, from the hustle and bustle of the city to a coral reef and from a forest to a cherry orchard. The nature ethos characteristic of Erkintalo is transformed in the decorativeness and abundance of the landscapes, where the contrasts of pastel tones and dark surfaces complement each other's glow. For example, in the darkness like the Big Bang, the chemical formula of an organic compound shimmers with an irresistible allure.

Who is my treasure? operates on two time levels. The speaker of the poem is still expecting his child, but the sizzling lovely can be found in the book's pictures. The expected child is therefore also the book's supposed co-reader. On the other hand, the book is excellently suited as a picture book for adults, for example for those expecting a baby.

- Marianna Lammi, Illustrator magazine

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This beautifully and surprisingly illustrated work tells the story of the mystery of each person's birth and existence, and the unique situation it creates. The work will touch both young and old readers on the verge of a new life, and the illustrations that tickle the imagination offer the joy of discovery.

For every little reader, the book tells about their importance and specialness on this earth.

Finlandia Prize for Children's and Young People's Literature nominees, justifications 2024 Board: Aino Torttila (chair), Tatu Blomqvist, Karoliina Hellberg, Kristiina Louhi, Elsi Santala and Riina Tanskanen