A selection of children’s books written by Kaarina Brooks, including picture books, folk tales, fairy tales, middle grade novels and an educational colouring book are available for kids of all ages. Some of the books have been translated to Finnish, French or German. Read an excerpt of each by clicking on the images below.
Äiti’s Mandolin
After immigrating to Canada with their parents and leaving many precious belongings behind, sisters Marianna and Laura begin saving for a typewriter, excited to finally type out their many stories. They soon learn that real happiness comes from giving joy to someone else.
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Äiti’s Mandolin
Boy from Karelia
Based on the WWII boyhood memories of Väinö J. Leskinen, this book is an exciting, true adventure story for all ages. Adults will find it interesting to learn about this little-known part of the war.
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Boy from Karelia
The Big Enormous Bauble Party
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Mummi’s Little Bark Boat
As Anna’s grandmother starts to tell a story, Anna sits still and listens. She loves to hear her Mummi tell stories about her life in Finland when she was a little girl. The story that Mummi now tells is about a little pine bark boat that Mummi made, and then lost . . . perhaps to the land of the Lilliputians.
Available in English and Finnish
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Emma’s Apple Trees
Emma’s Apple Trees is a is a beautiful, sensitively written story about Emma and Grandma who take a stroll along the country road each spring, summer and fall to observe the apple trees. Grandma passes along to Emma the knowledge about seasons and flowers and the never-ending cycle of life in all nature. Available in English and Finnish.
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Emma’s Apple Trees
Emman Omenapuut
Finnish Folk Tale Trilogy – Foxy, Bear Peikko
“Where did you get all those fish, my old friend?” Bear asked, eyeing the loot enviously. “I caught them at the lake, my old buddy,” Foxy answered. “You certainly were lucky!”, Bear marveled. “Do you think you could teach me to fish like that?” “With pleasure, my dear pal. All you have to do is . . .”
These folk tales introduce us to Foxy, Bear and Peikko, characters from old Finnish folk tales, updated and translated by Kaarina Brooks. The charming illustrations, also by Kaarina Brooks bring these light-hearted characters to life. The stories of Foxy, Bear and Peikko appeal to the imagination and the emotions of children and adults alike and offer universally accessible, yet traditionally Finnish lore.
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Foxy, Bear, Peikko Finnish Folk Tales
ABC of Finland
This educational colouring book contains well-researched drawings of the Finnish scene and interesting facts about Finland. A useful resource for students doing a school project on Finland. Provides together time for kids and adults! Fun for ages 6 to 96.
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ABC of Finland
Cat Came By – Multilingual Series
One day mouse decided to become a tailor but in no time …….. Translated into four languages, this charming tale, based on a Finnish folktale, tells the universal story of cat and mouse in a new and hilarious way.
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Cat Came By
Hiiri räätälinä
Kater Kam Vorbei
Souris le Tailleur
Chubby Chicken’s Lucky Break
The true story of a little chick which is born on a poultry farm and fattened up until it is a Chubby Chicken. It is sent to a processing plant, but when the cage door is accidentally left open, it escapes out onto the city streets. A man catches it and takes it home as a pet for his children. The story takes many surprising turns before Chubby Chicken finally finds its rightful place in life. Available in English and Finnish.
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Chubby Chicken’s Lucky Break
Kunnon Kanan onnenpotku
Grandma’s Glass Act
If we look hard enough, we can always find ways to be useful and helpful.
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Grandma’s Glass Act
Isoäidin lasiprojekti
Yellow Balloon
When Yellow Balloon selfishly thinks only of himself he finds himself out on a limb. Find out what happens when Yellow Balloon learns to consider the feelings of others.
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Yellow Balloon
Keltainen Ilmapallo
The Strange Tale of Egg-shaped Hill
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The Strange Tale of Egg-shaped Hill
Kummallinen tarina Munanmuotoisesta Kukkulasta
A Fine Day on the Lake
What’s the point in going fishing if you don’t catch anything? Holly finds there are other ways to spend a fine day on the lake.
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A Fine Day on the Lake
Mouse Droppings in the Cupboard
This whimsical pioneer story about a Mennonite family in the Kitchener area, takes place about 100 years ago. It is written from the viewpoint of Elmer the Mouse, who lives in the woodpile in the kitchen and scurries around, following the activities of the family’s four children. This true, full-colour picture book also has plenty of historical photographs. (Ghost-written and co-illustrated by Kaarina Brooks)
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Mouse Droppings in the Cupboard
Wisteria Publications 