25 November 2024
Mari Luoma and Johanna Lumme shortlisted for the Arvid Lydecken Prize
This week brings along yet another award nomination for two titles represented by Rights and Brands.
The nominees for the Arvid Lydecken Prize have been announced and we are happy to share that among the five selected titles are Mari Luoma with Masters of Mystery Olivia & Icarus 1: The Peppermint Murders and Johanna Lumme with picture book Journey to the Evergreen Forest. Heartfelt congratulations to both authors.
The Peppermint Murders is the first part of Mari Luoma’s new middle-grade book series Master of Mystery Olivia & Icarus. The puzzling and engaging murder mystery for young aspiring detectives, features the mischievous Olivia and famous detective Isac Icarus, with plotting reminiscent of the classic Hercule Poirot and Sherlock Holmes detective series. The two come upon a murder mystery at Olivia’s boarding school but can the discordant duo join forces to solve the case? The suspenseful story is complemented by monochrome illustrations by the author herself.
The jury’s motivation:
“Olivia, an 11-year-old who loves detective books, lives at the Dancing Crane School for Girls. She is lonely and rejected by others. When a murder takes place at the school, the flamboyant Isac Icarus arrives to investigate. Olivia immediately notices that the celebrity detective is all talk and no action and decides to help him. Simply said, solve the case herself. The Peppermint Murders is a classic murder mystery adapted for younger readers, with well-known detective stories interspersed throughout the story. The story is light-hearted compared to a traditional detective novel, combined with humour, wit and clever wordplay. On a more serious note, Olivia is dealing with the loss of her parents and the lack of caring adults in her life. A distant great-uncle has abandoned her to boarding school. Olivia has learned to cope, and now she gets to put her detective skills to the test with a real crime case.”
On the pages of the stunning children’s picture book Journey to the Evergreen Forest, the magic of the forest and its inhabitants are brought to life by author Johanna Lumme. Recently befriended Fox and Moth embark on a journey to see what is ongoing in the forest. To his horror, Fox discovers that the forest has been cut down and his beloved blueberry forest has been destroyed. As the two friends seek to find a solution, they encounter many forest animals, big and small along the way. Little by little, they become to understand that each of them has a purpose and a mission in the forest. And they are all needed to restore the woodland. Johanna Lumme captures the spirit of the evergreen through her thoughtful story and beautifully detailed illustrations.
The jury’s motivation:
“Fox wants to go to the blueberry forest, but the blueberries are gone. Part of the forest has vanished. What has happened to his forest? Together with Moth, Fox sets out to find out what is going on. Journey to the Evergreen Forest is a beautiful story about biodiversity, circulation and irreplaceability. It reminds us that even the smallest things matter and that everything in nature affects everything else. At the end of the story, Fox and the Moth discover that the forest is growing again, not in the same way but in some form. Fox realises that the forest is not mine but ours, shared by all.”
Awarded since 1969 the annual Arvid Lydecken Prize is presented to an outstanding children’s book. The winner is chosen by the Finnish Children’s Books Authors’ Association and will be revealed in January 2025.
Congratulations to all nominees.
