Hannu Mäkelä: Finland Author

I find my books' mottos are always appropriate to each phase of my life…. I am well pleased to employ 82-year-old Goya's phrase: "Aum aprendo." I learn more. It would be fine with me, if that were to happen in the future.

Hannu Mäkelä

Born in 1943, Hannu Mäkelä was trained as a teacher, yet worked as a literacy editor for Otava Publishing Company for over twenty years. His first book was published in 1965 and since that time he has written over 170 works which include children's stories, adult novels, poetry, anthologies of prose, and radio and television plays. He is also a renowned biography writer.

Humanity, sensitivity, and humor are evident throughout Mäkelä's children's books. His goal is for children to "meet the world" through reading. His stories offer youngsters possibilities for conquering their fears, achieving self-esteem, and combatting feelings of loneliness. Though Mäkelä's themes of friendship, tolerance, community solidarity, and love for nature are often serious, his works are always touching and entertaining.

Mäkelä's best-known character from his vast collection of children's literature is Herra Huu (Mr. Boo) who has gained classic status not only in books but also in songs, films, and theater. These stories are full of adventure with surprising twists and turns to the plot. He writes clearly with simple sentences that appeal to young children. The first Herra Huu story was published in 1973 with felt-tip pen illustrations drawn by Mäkelä. Today this series has been translated into many languages.

Within the last decade Mäkelä has moved toward a more realistic narrative style in his children's books. His characters often deal with contemporary issues to which children can relate. Miisan uusi perhe (Miisa's New Family, 2005), written in both prose and poetry, is the story of a young girl who lives in two homes, alternating between her divorced parents. As in several of his works, Mäkelä uses toys and dreams to aid in the main character's difficult situation. Although intended for children, this book speaks to adults as well and could be read aloud as a shared experience. The soothing language and powerful message complement one another perfectly and leave readers with a feeling that the "good always wins out" and "life has happy endings." Hannu Mäkelä is the winner of numerous awards including the Finland Prize and the Topelius Prize.