Bear, Finnish Folk Tales for Children

Published in 2005, this is third in the series of Finnish folk tales for children, which I translated and illustrated. Like the two previous books - Foxy and Peikko, the Foolish Ogre, it was published by Aspasia Books of Beaverton, Ontario. These stories were selected from Suomen Kansan Satuja 1 (1954) edited by K. Merikoski. The original source for all these folk tales is the Archives of Finnish Literature.

Like most folk stories and fairy tales - Grimm and Andersen included - the inappropriate parts in these stories have been modified, as necessary, to meet the standard for children's literature today.

Bear, like all animals of the forest, is always out scavenging for food. He's not fussy; anything will do, from a tiny ant to a horse, and everything in between. But his search often brings him close to humans, and Bear soon discovers that people are to be feared. Just like the wild animals of today, it is back to the dark forest that Bear must run after these encounters.

Bear is child-friendly, with short stories, many illustrations and - as a special ethnic touch - a short glossary of Finnish words at the back.

Some of the original pencil drawings (with matte, unframed) may be ordered via e-mail
for $50.00 Can., or $40.00 US (including postage and handling). Each mailing will also contain a complimentary copy of the book.