An Illustrated Collection of Nordic Animal Tales

An Illustrated Collection of Nordic Animal Tales

Why is Bear ruler of the northern forests?
How did Fox fool Wolf into doing all the hard work?
And what did Hare do to earn her fluffy white tail?

Travel to the snowy forests of Finland to meet the animals of the north in this charming and beautifully illustrated collection of traditional animal tales.

Classic characters of Nordic folklore—cunning Fox, gullible Wolf and great Bear—star in these lively stories of mischief and fun. Readers will discover how Bear became lord of the northern forests, how Fox outwitted Raven, and how Rabbit earned his fluffy white tail.

This stunning storybook collection is created by renowned Finnish author-illustrator Pirkko-Liisa Surojegin, with her trademark intricate, authentic and characterful drawings of the creatures and landscapes of Finland. Full of warmth and wit, this is a perfect way for readers of all ages to explore the tradition and magic of Nordic culture.

Illustrated in color. Originally published in Finnish as Suomen lasten eläinsadut (Otava Publishing, 1997).

C O N T E N T S:

Introduction

1. Bear, Wolf, and Fox Clear a Field
2. Bear, Wolf, and Fox Burn and Sow the Field
3. Fox Tells Tales
4. Wolf and the Little Piglets
5. Rooster Drinks Beer
6. The Animals Flee the End of the World
7. Raven, Fox, and the Cheese
8. Fox and Crayfish
9. Bear and Ant
10. Fox, Sow, and the Sunrise
11. Hare and Fox
12. Hare’s Mysterious Visitor
13. Rooster Sings for the King
14. Bear, Wolf, and Fox Harvest and Thresh
15. Bear, Wolf, and Fox Mill Flour
16. Bear, Wolf, and Fox Cook Porridge
17. Fox’s Haul of Fish
18. Bear’s Turn at Fishing
19. The Wounded Carry the Well
20. Fox Gets a White Tip on His Tail
21. Hare and Frost
22. The Forest Animals Build Roads
23. The Hard Workers Are Rewarded
24. Cuckoo’s Tale
25. The Lazybones Are Punished
26. Fox Gets His Reward

About the Contributors

About the Author

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 Floris Books’ Illustrated Kalevala (2020) and Otto and the Secret Light of Christmas (2016).