This year, the Finnish-language book gift for the first grade campaign is Viima ja Kuris (Vim och Galonis), written by Malin Klingenberg and illustrated by Margareta Sandin, translated to Finnish for the campaign by Outi Menna. The book is published by Kustantamo S&S.
This year's gift book is about the relationship between older brother Paavo and younger brother Pate, who argue a lot. The brothers’ mother recalls that when they were younger, they played together without arguments. They often pretended to have superpowers. The boys are then reminded of their imaginary characters, the super-powered Viima and Kuris. The superpowers come in handy in real life when Pate saves Paavo from the clutches of a tough guy using a sly trick. So they become Viima and Kuris again, inseparable.
Katri Vänttinen, director of Helsinki Library Services, encourages families to spend time reading together.
“Reading aloud is a great way for children and adults to get together and share the joy of reading. Young children in particular benefit when parents read aloud to them. You can also read together with schoolchildren, and I believe that this year's first grade campaign book may inspire many interesting discussions between children and adults,” says Vänttinen.
“I am happy that Schildts & Söderströms can be part of this important campaign. We need to foster literacy and, if possible, also promote reading in the home. It is important and gratifying that first-graders can experience the joys of reading right from their first year of school. A big thank you to the Helmet Libraries,” says Nils Saramo, CEO.
A book in your own language, also for native Swedish speakers
The Helmet Library also donates a book to Swedish-speaking children starting school. The Swedish-language book this year is Marks nya granne, written and illustrated by Hanna Granlund and published by Bonnier Carlsen.
How do children get the book gift?
In Helsinki, Kauniainen and Vantaa, the libraries will invite first grade classes and their teachers to visit the library and will distribute the book gifts during the classes’ visit. In Espoo, the gift can be obtained when a class visits the library or by visiting a local library and showing the bookmark received from the teacher.
Audiobook for those with print disabilities
Books by the Accessibility Library Celia are available to anyone who finds it difficult to read a normal book due to dyslexia, illness, injury or other reason. Celia produces the Finnish and Swedish-language first grade campaign books as accessible audiobooks and braille books. In order to receive the books, the child must have access to Celia’s online service. You can get the login details through your school or at the library.